Table of Contents
Mary KOON Obituary
John T. MOORE Obituary
Elizabeth DAKIN Obituary
Edwin GILLESPIE Obituary
William Edward HILLARD Obituary
Josie MOON Obituary
John R. SHAFOR Obituary
John VanSickle SINKEY Obituary
Rhoda WICOFF Obituary
Mary L. RYBOLT Obituary
George WEISEL Obituary
Russel Eugene YENSER Obituary
Jane WARD Obituary
Mary Crider DEARTH Obituary
Sarah H. WELLS Obituary
John Logan PRESSLER Obituary
Sadie GRUBBS Obituary
Mary Temple was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 23rd, 1820, and died
Wednesday evening at the residence of her son-in-law, W.S. Coon, with whom she
had been living the past ten years. She was married to John Coon, March 9,
1857, who died September 29, 1883, leaving her with two children, George W.
Koon, who died March 9, 1896 and Mary C. Koon who became the wife of William S.
Coon, who lives on a farm almost adjoining town with whom she has lived for
ten years and during that time she was in remarkable good health never having
missed but three meals during the whole time. She ate a hearty meal Wednesday
evening and went out into the poultry yard where she fell against the fence
making a slight bruise on the forehead she was carried into the house and
everything done for her that could be but she did not live to exceed fifeteen
minutes after being taken to the house.
Death today took John T. Moore, 804 Auburn Street, well known
citizen and one of the organizers of the Garfield Mission. He passed away peacefully about 2 a.m.
Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Dakin,78, wife of Ira Dakin,
who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew J. Elrick, 1201 Yankee
road, at 7 o'clock last night, will be held at 3p.m. Saturday.
Edwin Gillespie, life-long citizen of Middletown, and long held in
high regard by the general citizenry, succumbed to a lingering illness
at 2:45 a.m. today at his home on the Blue Ball Pike. He was 59 years
old and his passing at that age when he was enjoying the fruits of a life
of high and honorable ambitions, is grievous news to his friends. He
had been bedfast and in critical condition for a week. Mr. Gillespie is
a member of a family of long standing in Middletown and who have been
attached to its progress from its earliest history.
Middletown Post American Legion, will take part in the funeral
services for William Edward Hillard, former Middletown soldier, who died
yesterday at Chicago. The body will be brought here to the home of the
father, James Hillard, 122 South Main Street, where funeral services
will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. American Legion men will
accompany the body to the grave where the Legon service will be held.
Legion members are asked to report in uniform at the post headquarters
at 2:30 o'clock.
All that was mortal of Mrs. Josie Moon, wife of John T. Moon, was
tenderly laid to rest this afternoon in the Woodside cemetery, following
the services at the Methodist Protestant church of which she was an
active and ardent member for a number of years. Rev. L. B. Douglas spoke
beautifully of Mrs. Moon's life and of her noble Christian character.
"What changes time hath wrough" might well have been the exclamation
for Mrs. Rhoda Wicoff, who passed away in this city in the eighty-first
year of her age.
Mrs. Mary L. Rybolt, 67, wife of Henry Rybolt, died 2:15 o'clock,
Saturday afternoon at her home, 14 South Sutphin Street, after a long
illness.
George Weisel, 83, one of Middletown's respected citzens died at
8:30 o'clock Wednesday night at his home, 1605 First Ave.
Final rites for Private First Class Russel Eugene Yenser, 26, killed
in action March 18, 1944 on Bougainville, will be held Friday at 2:30
p.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home. The Rev. John D. Lacy, pastor of the
Calvary Methodist Church will officiate and interment will be in
Woodside cemetery.
Mrs. Jane Ward, 70, 1818 West Main Street, Springfield, died at the
Loy Rest home in Springfield, Friday at 7 a.m. She was the mother of
Mrs. Francis Dearth and John Duke, both of Middletown and Charles Duke
of Trenton.
Mrs. Mary Crider Dearth, wife of Isaac Dearth, passed away at
Middletown Hospital, Sunday evening at 5 o'clock. Mrs. Dearth's life
had hung in the balance the past few weeks following her removal from
her home, 2003 Henry Avenue, to the hospital. She was 63 years old.
Mrs. Sarah H. Wells, 68, of 702 Elwood St., died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday
at her residence. She had been bedfast for eight months. A resident of
this community for 25 years, she had come here from Frenchburg, Ky.
Funeral services for John Logan Pressler, 57, of West Middletown Route
One, will be conducted at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home at 2 P.M.
Saturday, with the Rev. R. R. Weed officiating. Burial will be in
Miltonville Cemetery.
Mrs. Sadie Grubbs, 86, died at 10:25 a.m. today at Middletown
Hospital, where she had been confined since January 8. She had been ill
for the last six months.
� 1998, 1999, 2000 by David J. Endres
This site was updated 15 May 2000.
Submitted by Darla Dunkin Ushler
Mrs. Mary Koon suddenly called to her reward Wednesday morning
When young she had been a member of the Baptist Church but was not affiliated
with any church in late years. She was known as "Aunt Mary" by all both old
and young and was respected by all who knew her. The funeral will be held at 2
o'clock at the Christian Church conducted by Francis ..... (rest of the article is missing)
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
John T. Moore, 56, Dies at Home on Auburn Street, Today
Mr. Moore was born in Morgan County, Ky., February 9, 1875, being 56
years old at the time of his death. He was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Barker, December 19, 1896, and to that union eight children
were born, one of whom died in infancy.
The family removed to Middletown in 1905, Mr. Moore taking a
prominent part in church and civic affairs since that time.
The seven surviving children are: Mrs. Ray Duhamel, this city; Mrs.
Howard Butler, Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Samuel Houser, this city; Mrs. Wilburn
Bybee, Kysemantown, Ky; Earl Moore, this city; Mrs. Abner Smith, this
city; Dorothy Moore, at home. These together with the widow, Mrs.
Moore will feel the loss keenly. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and
six brothers. The brothers are Joseph and Everett of Kentucky; Luther,
of Dayton; Curtis of Lousiana, and Kelly and Bascom, of this city.
Mr. Moore was a member of the Jr. O.U.A.M., and of the D. of A. He
united with the local Methodist Protestant church under the pastorate of
the Rev. B. F. McKinnon and was a collaborator with him and others in the
formation of the Garfield Mission, being a trustee of the Mission for
many years. His work in the city was that of a fireman, first for about
17 years at the Oglesby Paper company and recently at the Y.M.C.A.
Mr. Moore was one of Middletown's dependable citizens and was well
liked by all that knew him. He bore himself well during the arduous
ordeal of suffering through which he passed. He was patient and hopeful
and resigned. Though he desired to get well, he expressed the
conviction that he was ready to go when the call came. For several
years he was the teacher of the Otterbein Sunday school class at the
Middletown Protestant church and as such greatly endeared himself to the
members of the Sunday school and class. The church has lost a valuable
member, the home a fond father, and the community a citizen of the
character that makes for moral fabric.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Rev. J. C. Williams, of the Methodist Protestant church, will
officiate and interment will be made in Woodside cemetery.
Mrs. Dakin had been in failing health many years with a complication
of ailments. She had resided here 42 years and during that time had
been a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant church.
Surviving are her husband, two sons, C. L. Dakin, and L. C. Dakin, of
Middletown, two daughters, Mrs. Louis Randall and Mrs. Elrick, 19
grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
His father, J. W. A. Gillespie, was one of the prominent figures in
the city for many years and it is of historic interest to recall that he
was a captain in the Civil War, an honor that identified him the
remainder of his life.
His mother, Henrietta Gillespie, is one of Middletown's oldest women
and survives her son with the following relatives; his widow, two
daughters, Mrs. Martha Fletcher, Mrs. Verna Anthony, three sons,
Frohman, Harold, and Raymond, one sister, Mrs. R. K. Coddington, three
brothers, Robert, Frank and William, all of Middletown.
Mr. Gillespie never rose to great heights but in all affairs in and
outside of his home he was regarded as an honest, calm and
conscientious man. Beneath and unpretentious surface there lay an
optimistic nature that always made him so warmly received by his
friends.
He was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and in the
character of his religious inclinations he was a generous contributor to
its welfare and gained and retained unqualified and popular esteem.
Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Protestant church
Thursday at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. C. C. Falkenstine officiating and
interment will follow in Woodside cemetery.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Legion Post To conduct Service at Grave For Wm. E. Hillard
Hillard, when in service, was a member of company 45, Twelfth
Training Battalion, 153rd Depot Brigade.
Hillard, who died in a sanitorium, was at Camp Beauregard with a
motor company when he became ill. He is survived by his father, two
sisters, Clara and Mrs. Alice Hayes; and two brothers, Clarence, of this
city, and Sheridan of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Rev. Falkenstine, of the M. P. church, will have charge of the
services. Burial will be in Middletown cemetery.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Mrs. Moon passed away Saturday evening at 6 o'clock at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Everett Radabaugh, 407 Calumet Avenue, where she had
been given tender care during the remaining days of her life. Mr. and
Mrs. Moon had made their home with their daughter, the past six months
as the deceased's slowly declining health made it necessary for her to
discontinue the performance of her duties which had always centered all
of her interests.
She was 69 years old and was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February
25, 1852.
The keen loss, which is deeply felt by the bereaved family is shared
by a host of friends to whom her passing brings much sadness.
Besides the husband she leaves one daughter, Mrs. Everett Radabaugh;
three sons, Aubra Vandervort, Emil and Veron Moon; seven grandchildren;
two sisters, Mrs. Ella Wainwright, of Orange City, N.Y., Mrs. Rebecca
Hudson of Detroit, Michigan and one brother, S. Sparkey, of Cincinnati.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Passes Quietly Away
After A Long And Useful Career an Old Citizen Lay's Down Life's Burden
Mr. Shafor was ever in possession of rugged health and was able to
pursue the activities of life with great vigor and continuity, he never
owned a farm or other property that he did not embellish it, improve
it, enlarge the buildings and cover it with betterments. His love for
this kind of work and improvement may have led him to spend more money
and time than was profitable to him, but the community has reaped the
reward of this disposition. As he went along with his work he has
employed many men and paid out large sums of money to the wage earners
of this neighborhood, and so has scattered much material assistance to
the many he met as he went through life. His activity in the lines of
grain and stock made a ready market for the farmers and stock raisers
near our city, which did much to promote the growth of Middletown.
Mr. Shafor came of a hardy and long lifed race of people and he bade
fair to be over 90 years of age and doubtless would had not his career
been clouded by financial reverses in the later years of his life; these
he faced manfully and tried in every way possible to avert but the panic
of 1893 in his declining years made the load too heavy and after a weary
and honorable career, he has laid down his life among his neighbors and
friends. His days were well spent along lines of doing which tends to
advance the commercial growth of the community, preserve order, promote
good morals and better living among men.
Mr. Shafor had been a member of the First Baptist church for over
fifty years and leaves one daughter, Mrs. William Sinkey and one
brother, Peter Shafor. The community must for many years feel the
impress, for good, of Mr. Shafor's long life and career in our midst.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
John VanSicle Sinkey Dies in San Diego, the Summons Calling Him Last
Evening
Honored Native and Citizen of This Township -- Body Being Brought
Home for Burial
The news of his death came by telegram to his brother, W. A. Sinkey,
who lives on Yankee Road. On Wednesday a letter came bringing the
message that he was ill. It was written on March 3 and said that he
had been confined to his bed since the Sunday before, February 25.
The body will be brought here for burial arriving probably next
Thursday.
John VanSickle Sinkey was born in this county, the son of Daniel and
May Sinkey on the old Sinkey farm near Excello, now owned by Frank
Cooper. That was some seventy-four years ago and all his life up until
a few years ago was passed in this county. He began life as a farmer
working one of his father's farms near Lesourdsville. Then he went into
business in Amanda. His wife died there fourty years ago and there he
buried one child.
When the Harding Paper company of Franklin was formed he was one of
its original members and that industry occupied his business activities
thereafter. When the plant was sold to the trust some years ago, Mr.
Sinkey went out to California with his son, E. H. Sinkey, and they
settled in San Diego, where he died last night.
Mr. Sinkey made trips back to his old home here during the years
since he went to the coast and was here last summer on a brief visit.
He had property interests in the county.
Besides the only son, who will bring the body home to rest with
those of his kinfolk in Lemon Township, Mr. Sinkey is survived by two
brothers and two sisters, W. A.Sinkey of this city, Peter Sinkey of
Chicago, Miss Katie Sinkey of Springfield, Ohio, and Mrs. Framk Ockenden
of Springfield.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
After More Than Eighty Years Here Passes to Her Reward
She was the daughter of John and Jane Potter Sutphin and her mother
was the first white child born in this city, which birth occurred
according to the records, April 2nd, 1797 in a log cabin on the banks
of the Miami where Tenth Street now crosses Main. At that time the
wild and unculivated savage built his fire on the site occupied by
palaces and the beasts of prey prowled about the pioneer's door.
These were the conditions hereabout when Moses and Rhoda Osborn
Potter arrived from Jersey accompanying Daniel Doty who having located
here in 1795 returned to the east for his wife and brought this couple
with two children out here with him on horseback. Shortly after their
arrival the mother of Mrs. Wicoff was born.
Mrs. Wicoff was one of twelve children, who with the exception of
John Sutphin, Martha A. Hatch and D. L. Sutphin have all in their time
passed to the great beyond all having reached the ripe old age of more
than three score years and ten.
Mrs. Wicoff was married to James Wicoff and has lived in or near
Middletown all her long and useful life. Mr. Wicoff died about twelve
years ago since which time she has lived with her daughter, Mrs. Ella
Aubley at her home on South Broadway. She died at 9 o'clock last
night. She leaves three children to mourn the loss of a kind and loving
mother, Ella, Estella and Cora, all of whom are married.
The deceased has been a hard working member of the M.E. church for
over half a century. She will be buried from her late home on South
Broad Street Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. Mr. Hammaker will
officiate. The body will rest beside those who were near and dear to
her in life.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Funeral Services Will Be conducted Tuesday Afternoon
Mrs. Rybolt, who had been a resident of Middletown for the last 19
years, was widely known in church circles. For many years she had been
an active member of the Methodist Protestant Church, to which she
devoted much of her time and energy. Until her illness she was a
teacher in Sunday school.
Although she had been in ill health for seven months, Mrs. Rybolt
had maintained a cheerful and kindly disposition. She had been bedfast
since July and death resulted from a complication of diseases.
Devoted to her family, Mrs. Rybolt's only other interest was the
church and to these two she gave her full attention.
Surviving her besides her husband are two sons, Alvin and Leslie
Rybolt and two grandchildren, Charles and Richard Rybolt.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at
the residence. Rev. I. M. McVey and Rev. R. C. Caudill will officiate.
Burial to be made at Greenlawn Cemetery in Milford, Ohio. She was a native
of Milford.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Funeral Services to be Held at Church on Saturday
An illness with la grippe some time ago left Mr. Weisel weakened,
his low resistance together with his advanced age hastening the end.
Until recently his health had always seemed good.
Born in Darnstadt, Germany, July 4, 1889, Mr. Weisel came to this
country when only four years old. His parents settled in Ohio and
eventually when he was 37 years old, he brought his wife and family to
Middletown to reside. They had lived for many years in the First Avenue
home which was always known for the wholesome hospitality of the family.
Until two years ago Mr. Weisal worked for the P. Lorillard Tobacco
Company.
The widow, Mrs. Esther Weisel, five daughters, Mrs. Nettie Collins,
Miss Daisy Weisel, Mrs. Frank E. Troutvine and Mrs. William Lockard of
Middletown and Mrs. Tom Purdue of Clarksville, Ohio, one son, H. O.
Weisel, of Middletown, and a sister and brother, Otterbein and Anna
Weisel, of Germantown, survive him. He also leaves six grandchildren.
Rev. E. R. Turner of the United Brethren church will officiate at the
funeral Saturday afternoon at three o'clock at the United Brethren
church. Burial will be made at Woodside cemetery.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion and
American War Mothers.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 2 until 5 and 7
until 10 p.m.
Besides his parents he is survived by six brothers, Virgil, Victor,
Vernon, Robert, Donald and Edward; five sisters, Mrs. Edna Dearth, Mres.
Thelma Landon, Mrs. Olive Hall, Mrs. Virginia Romans and Mrs. Helen
Gibler.
A veteran of New Georgia and Bougainville, Private Yenser entered
the service November 17, 1941, and received his basic training at Camp
Wheeler, Ga. He was later sent to Indiantown Gap, Pa., where he
embarked for overseas duty May 26, 1942.
He was assigned to Company K, 145th Infantry Division, stationed in
New Zealand, Fiji Islands and Guadalcanal.
He received the infantryman's combat badge and the good conduct
medal. The Purple Heart was awarded Private Yenser posthumously to
his parents.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Elderly Woman Succumbs At Springfield
In ill health for several years, Mrs. Ward died from a heart
attack. She was a resident of Springfield for 30 years.
Funeral services will be held at McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home Monday
at 2:30 P.M. The Rev. R. R. Weed will officiate. Friends will be
received at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral home after 7 p.m. Saturday.
Burial will be in the Mennonite Cemetery, Trenton.
She is survived by two other daughters, Mrs. Charles Pickering of
Springfield; Mrs. Earl Brown-Brantford, of Ontario, Canada; two
brothers, Val Stenhour, of Fostoria; John Steinhour, of Ottawa; a
sister, Mrs. John Dauer, of Toledo and five grandchildren.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
For days her family had watched closely by her bedside, while
friends throughout the city, had awaited more hopeful news of her with
great anxiety. The information of her death brought widespread sorrow.
Mrs. Dearth was a life-long Middletown resident, the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Adam Forester, deceased. She reared a family of three
children, Mrs. John Caswell, Mrs. John Ditmyer, Jr., and Charles E.
Crider, who having taken their place in perpetuating the good their
mother always carried on. She also leaves three grandchildren besides
the husband.
Mrs. Dearth was of a long line of warriors which entitled her to
membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her father
fought in the Civil War and her son in the World War. Mrs. Dearth was a
member of the Middletown War Mothers.
In circles of the Methodist Protestant church, her presence will
especially be missed. One of her most constant activities was that of
the church.
Funeral services will be held at the church Wednesday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock. Interment will be made in Woodside cemetery. Meanwhile
the body will lie at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Caswell, 1114
Parkview Avenue until the funeral.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
She is survived by her husband, Fletcher; three daughters, Mrs.
Donald Hawkins, Mrs. Ray Bunnell, both of Middletown; and Mrs. Stanley
Brunner, of Hamilton; two sons. Clyde, of Middletown; and Orione of
Germantown; one sister, Mrs. Powell Wells of Middletown; and 15
grandchildren.
Friends may call at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home from 7-10 p.m.
Monday and from 2-5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. At noon Wednesday
the body will be taken to the Calvary Methodist Church, where services
will be conducted at 2 p.m. with the Rev. R. R. Weed officiating.
Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
Heart Attack At Lorillard Plant Fatal
Mr. Pressler died at 10:15 A.M. from a sudden heart attack while at
work at the P. Lorillard Tobacco plant. He was working in the shipping
department at the time.
He had been a P. Lorillard Company employee for 40 years.
Mr. Pressler, born in Franklin, came to Middletown at an early age.
Surviving are his wife, Katherine; a daughter, Mrs. Edna Back of
Miamisburg; a brother, Earl Pressler, Sr., of Middletown; five sisters,
Mrs. Ada Barnets and Mrs. Mollie Wagner, both of Middletown; Miss Amanda
Pressler and Mrs. Nettie Young, both of Dayton, and Mrs. Bertha Snyder
of New Paris, Ohio, and five grandchildren.
Mr. Pressler was a member of the Moose Lodge which will hold
services in the funeral home at 7 p.m Friday.
Friends may call at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home after 7 p.m.
Submitted by Carolyn Lacey
A native of Morehead, Ky., Mrs. Grubbs had resided in this community
for the past 35 years. She has resided in this community for the past
35 years. She has resided with her grandaughter, Miss Myrtle Day, 1722
First Ave., for a number of years. Mrs. Grubbs was a member of the
First Church of God.
Besides her grandaughter, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs.
Margaret Welsh and Mrs. Lena Patrick, both of this city; three sons,
Joseph, and David Day, both of Middletown; and John Day, of Fleming
County, Ky., and one brother Daniel Boone Smedley, of Morehead.
The body is now at the McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home where arrangements
are incomplete.
Those who wish to contribute an obituary, death card, or newspaper article
to this page are encouraged to e-mail it to David J. Endres.*Go Back to the Southwest Butler County Genealogical Society Main Page*
This site was created by David J. Endres. Those with questions, comments, or additional information are encouraged to contact the compiler.
This site was created on August 12, 1998.