Page 1
Ira Brown's Journal & Coffin Records
Funeral Dirctor Warren, Indiana
- Feb 1884 Furnished coffin for William Hamil infant. Dr. Hupp
15 Feb 1884 Furnished coffin case & robe for the Widow Hanes, died in Wells Co.,
IN. Heart disease. Dr. C. H. Good Warren, IN
26 Feb 1884 Furnished coffin case for Daniel Hart. He died in
Huntington Co., IN of brain fever. Buried in Lancaster Cemetery.
Dr. Isaac Smith, Majenica, IN.
28 Feb 1884 Furnished coffin case & robe for Abraham Chappel. Died in Monroe
twp., Grant Co., IN of dropsy. Dr. Morris
- Mar 1884 Furnished coffin for Edward Alexander Wells Co., IN. Died of cancer.
Attended with hearse. Pound trip 16 miles.
8 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin & case. for J. S. Sprowl's infant. Dr.
J. S. Sprowl
22 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin case for Hamilton Murray's infant. Wells Co., IN.
Dr. Morris.
23 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Joseph Wilson's child. Died of brain
fever. Dr. Mossis Wells Co., IN.
24 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for David Coolman’s infant. Dr. John
Crum, Huntington Co., IN.
24 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin case for John Billiter's child. Brain fever. Dr.
Chineweth Huntington, Co., IN.
25 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin case for George Clampit's infant. Huntington Co.,
IN. Dr. B.F. Brandon, Plum Tree, IN.
31 Mar 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for Ezra Tomlinson. Died of old age.
Lived in Wells Co., IN.
1 Apr 1884 Furnished coffin for Susan Jones, wife of John 1. Jones.
Died of congestion of the brain. Funeral with hearse. Drs. Sprowl
& Good.
19 Apr 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Mother of Barney Werren, Jr. Died of old
age (78 yrs.), born in Ohio. Died Wells Co., IN. Drs. Sprowl & Good.
19 Apr 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for John Enochs. Died in Jefferson
twp., Huntington Co., IN. Scalded accidental. Attended with hearse. Round trip 6
miles. Dr. Sprowl
25 Apr 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for Soloman Biliter' S wife. Hunting
Co., IN. Went with hearse. Round trip 15 miles. Buried Lancaster Cemetery.
Page 2
1 May 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for Dutch Carlagar, Markle, IN. Died of
old age. Went with hearse. Round trip 24 miles. Buried Mitchel Cemetery,
Huntington, Co., IN. I.F.B.
14 May 1884 Furnished coffin & case for S.M.Mires infant, stillborn. Buried Cory
graveyard Grant Co., IN. Dr. E.M.Palmer, Warren, IN. I.F.B.
20 May 1884 Furnished casket, case, robe & hearse for James Conwell. Died Grant
Co., buried Cory cemetery.
5 Jun 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Mother of Jacob Fry. Died of old age.
Furnished hearse. Pound trip 32 miles.
15 Jun 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Isah Ream. Furnished buggy. Buried
Mitchel cemetery.
21 Jun 1884 Furnished coffin & case for David Shults.
21 Jun 1884 Furnished coffin & case for John Leonard.
28 Jun 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Mother of Riley Santon. Attended funeral
with hearse. Round trip 26 miles. Buried
Rockford, IN.
2 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin & case for John Cook
5 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin & case for M.S. Mires. Attended funeral with hearse.
Round trip 10 miles. Buried Cory cemetery.
15 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Levi Williamson
19 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin & case for William Sissle
18 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin & case for James Cammel, Grant Co., IN. Died of
consumption. Buried Cory Cemetery. Furnished hearse. Round trip 14 miles.24 Jul
1884 Furnished coffin & case for William Roberts
29 Jul 1884 Furnished coffin, case & robe for Alpheor Butler, Grant Co., IN. She
died of cancer.
10 Aug 1884 Furnished coffin & case for George Holdren, Wells Co., IN. Died of
poison. Buried Batson, Cemetery.
11 Aug 1884 Furnished coffin & case for David Shultz.
17 Aug 1884 Furnished coffin & case for James Doyle.
18 Aug 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Isaac Huff.
22 Aug 1884 Furnished coffin & case for Peter France.
Page 3
(1885 records are missing)
2 Jan 1886 Coffin, case & black robe for Wife of William Walters, she lived in
Wells Co., IN. Died of consumption. Funeral was preached at Wiley School House
by S.H.Swaim and Reb. Kimball. Buried Mitchel Cemetery.
4 Jan 1886 Coffin, case, robe, slippers, stockings and a bunch of artificial
flowers. Got by John Anderson.
8 Jan 1886 Coffin for G. W. Bradford, child of Robert Bradford.
10 Jan 1886 Coffin, case & black robe for E. M. Boyer. Got by James A. Mossburg.
13 Jan 1886 Coffin, Ornament 'Our Darling". Got by W.W.Lewis.
16 Jan 1886 Coffin & case for Moses Sutton. Got by Randal Wilburn.
17 Jan 1886 Coffin & case for Levi Williamson. Lived in Buckeye, IN. Buried
Batson Cemetery. Got by R. Irwin.
18 Jan 1886 Coffin & case for _______ Baty. Used hearse. Buried Good Cemetery
Singing & prayer by J. M. Tharp of Mt. Zion, IN. Coffin got by Lewis Morrison &
David Elliott.
26 Jan 1886 coffin for Hixen Merriman‘s child. Got by George A. Clampit. Lived
Rcckcreek twp., Huntington, IN.
26 Jan 1886 Coffin for ________. Ordered by A. N. Dernell, trustee of Van Buren
twp., Grant County, IN.
29 Jan 1886 Wood Casket , robe & box for Benjamin Funderburg. Attended with
hearse. Funeral held in Plum Tree Christian Church by Elder Strickland, prayer
by Elder Samuals of Bluffton, IN. Buried Plum Tree Cemetery.
1 Feb 1886 Coffin & box for McCleland Mullen. Ordered by Mr. Meoler, got by
Samuel Jackson. Funeral conducted by Rev. George Henderson. Buried Mitchel
Cemetery.
2 Feb 1886 Coffin for Jacob Breammer. Lived near Lancaster Got by John Caneday.
4 Feb 1886 Coffin for child of Jacob Chery. Taken from the shop by Taylor
Staler. The box was taken by Mike Buzzard & Malon Chery.
6 Feb 1885 Metalic case & box for Andrew Dilman. Furnished hearse for funeral,
held at Asbury Chapel by Rev. George Henderson. He was a resident of Jackson
twp., Wells Co., IN. 74 years old. Buried Asbury Cemetery.
15 Feb 1886 Coffin & Case for B. A. Plummer's daughter. He wanted hearse but
roads were so rough we could not go.
Page 4
17 Feb 1885 Cloth casket for Lucinda Merriman, age 30 years, wife of Tracy
Merriman. Lived Liberty Center, IN where funeral was hel and conducted by Elder
Lakey. Buried Mossburg Cemetery. Got by John Merriman.
17 Feb 1886 Furnished cloth Casket & case for Joseph Hamilton. It had G.A.R.
plate engraved "J.F.Hamilton age 45 years", also Odd Fellows emblem on side.
Buried at Como, IN by the Odd Fellows & G.A.R. of that city. The funeral was at
Como, the pallbearers from
Warren: J.W.Andrew, John Goss & John Hamilton. The other three were from Como.
19 Feb 1886 Casket for the Wife of John Grover. She lived in Chester twp., Wells
Co., IN. Furnished hearse. Buried Odd Fellows Cemetery, Montpelier, IN. Ordered
by Ludwell Shadle.
24 Feb 1886 Casket for Colam Purviance. He was taken in the hearse to Mt. Etna,
IN. The funeral was preached by Rev. Strickland. He was buried by G.A.R. Post.
Pallbearers were: W.F.Swaim, Amos Sutton, George Goss, Jacob Young & Edward
Brown from Warren. His age was 44 years and he lived in Warren. At the time of
his death. Buried at Mt. Etna. Casket ordered by John James and Jas. Purviance.
26 Feb 1886 Coffin & case for Linsey Robert's infant. Lived Jefferson twp.,
Huntington Co., IN. Buried Mitchel Cemetery.
1 Mar 1885 Coffin & case for wife of L. D. Boles. Lived Jackson twp., Wells Co.,
IN. Buried Grant Co., IN The coffin got by A. Custer.
1 Mar 1885 Coffin & Case for Nathan Thompson. He lived in Van Buren twp. near
the village of Van Burrren.
4 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for Mary A. Cale, age 66 years. Furnished hearse.
Funeral service at Christian Church by George Hubart. Buried Batson Cemetery.
6 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for Martha E. Brady, age 83 years. Ordered by John
Thompson, trustee. Buried Good Cemetery.
8 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for wife of James Redrup, age 64 years. Taken to
Huntington, IN and then taken to Van Wert, OH for funeral service and burial.
12 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for wife of Lewis Ware, age 18 years. Furnished
hearse. funeral held at M.E.Church by Rev. A.J. Lewellen & S.H. Swaim. Buried
Good Cemetery.
13 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for Samuel Young. He lived in Grant Co., IN near Van
Buren. The coffin was telephoned for.
17 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for Fredrick Huffman's son, age 17 years. He lived in
Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN. The funeral was held in
Page 5
the Dunkard Church by a Dunkard preacher.
20 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for Thomas Pilkerton infant. Lived Grant Co., IN near
Van Buren. Got by John Paton.
24 Mar 1886 Coffin & case for 9 month old child of Milton Williamson. Got by D.
B. Elkins & Charles Clampit. Buried Batson Cemetery.
5 Apr 1886 Coffin & case for child of Harvey Schooley. Lived near Van Buren, IN.
17 Apr 1886 Coffin for John S. Batson. Furnished hearse. Funeral conducted by
Elder Hester & Hubard at the Dunkard Lancaster Church. The box was made out of 3
in. oak lumber by Marion Richardson. Coffin ordered by William Lines of
Jefferson twp.
29 Apr 1886 Coffin for child of Michael Howard. Furnished hearse. Buried Masonic
Cemetery. Coffin got by William Hudson.
30 Apr 1886 Coffin & case for John Monsey. Furnished hearse. Funeral conducted
by George Hubart.
(rest of 1886 missing)
(records of 1887 missing)
(records of 1888 missing)
6 Jan 1889 Furnished coffin & case for ____ Ware infant. Got by John Prible of
Liberty Center IN.
(rest of 1889 missing)
3 Jan 1890 Coffin & case for Gracie Olive Neff, little daughter of Adam Neff.
Funeral at house conducted by Rev George Hubartt. Taken in hearse to Taylor
Cemetery. Roads very muddy.
10 Jan 1890 Coffin & case for Ethel Folliss, little girl of Isaac Folliss. She
was carried from the house to the brick church by James McKiney, Will Pridy, Ory
Mirer. Funeral preched by Rev. George Hubartt. Taken to Mitchel Cemetery by
hearse. Age of the little girl was 9 years, 2 month, 25 days. Died of Typhoyd
pheumonia.
10 Jan 1890 Coffin & case for Emma Roush, wife of Carrie Roush, age 19 yrs. Died
in Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN. Furnished white robe. Coffin taken from shop by
J. K. Clark & T. Chopson. Buried Batson Cemetery.
10 Jan 1890 Coffin for William F. Herring infant, born Jackson twp., Wells Co.,
IN. Buried Grant Co., IN.
14 Jan 1890 Coffin & case for Walter A. Bock's stillborn child. Born Jackson
twp., Wells Co., IN. Buried Batson Cemetery. Weather cool and roads rough.
Coffin got by Martin Baker.
Page 6
(rest of 1890 records missing)
(records of 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896 missing)
3 Jan 1897 died 1 Jan buried 3rd Jan. Warm & rain. (too much of page missing to
copy).
5 Jan 1897 (part of page gone, couldn't copy it all). Hearse & casket furnished
for Philip S. ______, 20 yrs. old. Died 3rd of consumption. Lived 6 miles east
if Warren in County of Wells. Funeral at Mt Zion. Buried Grove Cemetery. Took
the pke to John Ponds to cemetery. Very muddy, frozen & snowing, very ugly.
Stopped for dinner at Philip _______
6 Jan 1897 (part of page gone) Coffin & box for 3. A. Holwick infant. Taken from
store by Samuel Morrison. Buried in Mitchel Cemetery. Grave dug & filled by T.
Slater. Clear and cold.
(most of page missing) Varnished casket for Eliza Weakey, age 40 yrs., wife of
____ Weakey. 7th Jan embalmed body. Buried Jones Cemetery.
11 Jan 1897 Coffin for Henry Spece infant, born dead. Coffin taken from store by
Daniel Jones & John Smith. Weather cold & windy. Buried Batson Cemetery.
18 Jan 1897 Cloth Casket for Ernest Grist, age 27 yrs. He was pumping oil on the
old Cory farm. With the mans head in the boiler it gave away Thursday night 14th
about midnight. He died 16th. He was brought to his home west of Williams
corner. I went out soon after they got him home. His head and face was burned
badly. The funeral was held at Union Chapel church. Buried Jones Cemetery. The
relatives did not get out of their rigs, it was so muddy & raining. The grave
was dug by Cage Morgan & others. Pallbearers were Isiah Barner & others. I.F.B.
21 Jan 1897 Coffin & box for David Beck's stillborn infant. Coffin taken from
store by Jacob A. Slifer and Noah Cloud. Buried Cory Cemetery.
1 Feb 1897 Coffin & box for Edward Votow. Coffin ordered & taken by John
Richardson. Buried Lancaster Cemetery.
2 Feb 1897 Cloth Casket & 2 in. oak box for Stella McClure. Buried Woodlawn
Cemetery. Realatives were taken to church & Cemetery in sleds. Church very
crowded, had stools to sit on. I.F.B.
8 Feb 1897 Coffin & box for Frank Barber's wife, age 25 yrs. Died at Dillman,
IN. Coffin ordered by John Barber. She left 4 small children. Buried Batson
Cemetery. Weather cold & icy. I.F.B.
10 Feb 1897 Coffin & 2 in oak box for Monroe Wiley's infant. Died on 8th. Took
coffin to house & Masonic Cemetery in sley.
Page 7
12 Feb 1897 Cloth Casket for Benjamin Hudson, orded by John Baker. He died at
Montpelier, IN at home of daughter Mrs. Liddle. Jode Shultz & Ira Brown went to
Montpelier with casket & hearse after the remains. We had runners on hearse and
rode veru smooth. Arrived at 9:00 in the morning, found the old gentleman not
dressed and ready to lay in casket. Mrs Liddle & John Baker had just returned
with clothing. We dressed him assisted by some gentleman and put him in the
casket. Just then our old friend John Cloud a retired undertaker, came. Family &
friends came in and viewed the body then we went to the Batson Cemetery for
burial. When we arrived at the cemetery several friends and relatives were there
to view the remains. It was the request of the deceased for Ira Brown to bury
him.
19 Feb 1897 varnished casket for Cintha Sparks. Henry Groves came after Ira
Brown. Mrs. Henry Groves, Mrs. Chass Buffington, Miss Worley & some other lady
washed & dressed the old lady Sparks. The body was kept until 19th. The remains
were viewed by the neighbors & family at the house brother Moon offered prayer.
We put the remains in the hearse and went to Plum Tree. Funeral at Christian
Church by brother Moon. Went to Sparks Cemetery. The preacher could not go, the
old gentleman could go no further than the church. The roads were very muddy.
After the burial we came back as far as Fred Sparks, fed our horses and got a
good dinner. It was 5:00 in the evening when Jode Shultz and myself started for
home. It was dark when we arrived. I.F.B.
22 Feb 1897 Coffin & Box for Jennie E. Lines who died 20th. Joseph Taylor came
after us. We took the casket to house. Ladies had dressed the body then we put
her in the casket. The next morning we went to the Woodlawn Cemetery to show
L.L.Simons & Y. Slater where to dig the grave. The 22nd the remains were taken
to the Christian Church in hearse. Pallbearers were John Goss, Will Powell, Adam
Sutton, Henry Groves & Joseph Taylor. Services conducted by George Hinderson. We
then started to Woodlawn Cemetery. Will Lines broke the tug of his harness and
we were detained at grave. Roads very muddy. I.F.B.
27 Feb 1897 varnished casket for Volney Purviance, age 17 yrs, son of James
Purviance. He died following an operation on his leg by two doctors from
Huntington. Dr. Bonifield of Warren was also present. funeral was at Dunkard
Church at Lancaster, burial in Lancaster Cemetery. Jode & Ira.
1 Mar 1897 Cloth Casket & box for Charley Terhune, 15 year old son of Edward
Terhune. He died of consumption. Albert Terhune came 26th to order casket, it
was cold and stormy. The next morning Jode Shultz & Ira Brown went to the home
about 7 1/2 miles from Warren, arrived about 9:00, hitched our horses but did
not take casket in house till near time to go to the Red school house for the
funeral which was conducted by Rev Bruce Monsey. Then After the funeral we put
casket in hearse and went to Miller Cemetery. It snowed most all day.
Pallbearers were John Shadle, Oscar shadle, Hoy Vent, Arthur Broom, Oscar Dunham
& George Danger, they
Page 8
were all young men and were invited to dinner. It was snowing so we drove home.
Ira F. Brown
1 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for Perly Wysong, infant daughter of B. Wysong. S. E.
Colbert came after coffin. Jode & Ira were attending funeral in Country. T.F.B.
2 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for John Carns infant, 5 weeks old. He lives near Mt.
Zion. John Kingen came after Coffin. We did not detain him only about 1 hour
until he started back home. I.F.B.
3 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for Charles Clampet's infant, about 1 month old. Lived
near Dillman, IN. Samuel Elkins came after coffin and took it with him. Funeral
at residence. Burial in Batson Cemetery.
8 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for Joseph Jackson’s child, 8 years old. Started about
7:30 Sunday morning got to Jackson's about 9:30. Funeral was at the house
conducted by Rev. Bruce Monsey. After the funeral was over my good friend edward
Terhune got the hearse ready. The roads were rough to the Cemetery. We went by
way of Liberty Center. Mr. Jackson lives about 7 1/2 miles from Warren. We were
all chilled. samuel Jackson attended but did not stay for dinner. I was invited
to go home with Howard Thompson near the yard for dinner but it was to late to
stay. I wanted to get home in time to go to the dedication of the new M.E.
Church. The preacher did not go to cemetery. I attended the funeral by myself.
15 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for ________ Huffman infant. Charles Alen came with the
father and they took the coffin home with them in the buggy.
19 Mar 1897 Cloth Casket & box for Silas Fleming, born Ohio, age 76 yrs. He died
17th, buried 19th. funeral was at the new M.E. Church, the first held there.
Sermon conducted by Elder Suman. Burial was in Mitchel Cemetery. It was raining
& muddy, we had a tent over the grave. Pallbearers were: William Purdue, Jonas
Griffith, Samuel Roush, Oscar McElwain, Barnard Alexander & Dr. James Good. Jode
Shultz drove the hearse.
22 Mar 1897 Cloth Casket for daughter of William Rines. The box was taken from
store by Mr. Lee. went to the house Sunday 21st could hardly pull hearse on mud
roads. There was no one at the house but Mr. Lee & Ora Brown, took casket from
hearse by myself, also took from house to hearse alone. Mr. Lee read a chapter
and we sang a song after which we went to Farville Cemetery for burial. I had
Mr. Adam's grey team for our team was at another funeral.
22 Mar 1897 Varnished Casket for George Wilburn's daughter. I had to get Ves
Shull to go along with Jode Shultz to attend funeral Sunday morning. They took
our team to the residence south of the Buckeye Church. Fredrick Sheath ordered
the casket. Funeral was at Rickford M.E. Church. Buried there.
Page 9
25 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for Robert Alexander, age 74 yrs, born Ohio. Wilson
Hudson ordered casket. When he came to the store we were up at Mrs. Bevington's.
He had just died. Morning of 25th Ira Brown with John Morris went to the
residence 5 1/2 miles from Warren, 1/2 mile west of Sugar Grove. Funeral was
preached by Reb. T. M. Tharp. Buried in Batson Cemetery. The pike was all cut up
and in bad condition. After we came home we went up to Bevington’s
26 Mar 1897 Cloth Casket & 2in oak box for Reason Bevington, age
77 yrs., born PA. Oscar & Oran Bevington selected the casket. The funeral was at
the church Friday forenoon. It was conducted by Elder Worth. Buried in Batson
Cemetery. The sample wagon was used for pallbearers: L.L.Simons, John Brookrop,
Levi McClure, Marcus McCord, Ellis First & Henry Groves. When we arrived at the
cemetery the funeral of Christopher Parker was at the cemetery. The grave was
dug by T. Slater. The new hearse was brought to church by Jode Shultz, but he
did not go to Cemetery. He was sick.
26 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for Christopher C. Parker, died 24th. The box was taken
from store by Henry Crum. He lived 5 miles south of Warren. Ira Brown could not
go to funeral on account of Reason Bevington’s funeral being the same day, so we
got Silvester Shull to go in our place. Funeral was at Union Church conducted by
Elder Tharp. Burial was in Batson Cemetery. I had a talk with Mrs. Parker at the
Cemetery. I.F.B.
31 Mar 1897 Coffin & box for small son of William Pines. Mr. Lee came after the
box so I got the team ready to go out to the house the same day. The child had
dipheria. The house was about 7 miles south of Warren. No one was there but Mr.
Lee & wife, so we had short scripture reading and song. Burial was in Farrville
Cemetery, Grant Co., IN.
2 Apr 1897 Varnished casket for Samuel Bone's wife, age 19 yrs. They lived 8
miles south of Warren just accross the line into Blackford Co., IN. I got T.
Slater to take the box to Cemetery. It rained most of the day. Funeral was at
the house conducted by William Perdue. I met my friend Mrs. Davis at the house,
a very tall woman, I had not saw her since she buried her only boy. The deceased
left a small baby. Buried in Balsey Cemetery. The Cemetery was near by the house
some distance from the road. I returned home by way of Dillman.
2 Apr 1897 Coffin & box for William Gephart's infant. Zeke Boxel came after
coffin & box in carriage. Ira Brown had just returned from country where he had
been attending funeral, so when I got down to the store they were ready to go to
the Jones Cemetery for burial. They attended to the remains themselves. I.F.B.
11 Apr 1897 Metalic varnished Casket for Margaret Thompson, age 78 yrs., born
Ohio. Marcus McCord came after us at our home about 4:00 Saturday morning and
wanted casket for his mother. She died at her daugher's, Mrs. John McKey's home
in the Country 9th. We telegraphed for the casket but it did not get to Warren
until the
Page 10
11th. We wnt to the depot and got it then we got ready and went out to Mrs.
McKeys, Jode Shultz went along with Ira Brown. Rev. George Henderson preached a
short sermon. After the funeral we put casket in hearse, the casket was very
heavy. There were not many who went along on account of the roads which were
extremely bad. We went to the Good Cemetery. The grave was dug by T. Slater.
I.F.B.
23 Apr 1897 Coffin & box for Charles Hickman's infant. He & Jerome Arnold came
after coffin and took it with them.
28 Apr 1897 Coffin & box for Alice Snider, age 17 yrs., daughter of Constentine
Snider. Died 27th buried Mitchel Cemetery. Funeral conducted by Elder Suman.
I.F.B.
29 Apr 1897 Case & box for Will Huber. Died 27th buried 29th Batson Cemetery. He
lived with his mother at Milo, IN. The roads was so bad we had a man to meet us
at the pike and we took the coffin in a one horse wagon to the house, also
brought it back to the pike the same way. I.F.B.
14 Apr 1897 Coffin & box for Thomas J. Pitser, age 47 yrs., who made his home
with Mrs. Ruble. He died of consumption. He was not well fixed finacial. Thomas
Black said for us to bury him and charge it to Huntington, Co. We went with
hearse and Dr. Maple went along, he preached the funeral at the Christian church
at Plum Tree. He was buried 1 mile north of Plum Tree.
19 Apr 1897 Cloth Casket & box for Elisha Marsh, age 59 yrs, died
17th, buried Sunday 18th. They came after Ira Brown to go to the residence We
left town about 1:00 in the afternoon. The funeral was held at Pleasant Plain,
conducted by Albert Smith. Buried at Mt. Etna. It was almost dark when Jode
Shultz & Ira Brown returned to Warren. Ira Brown.
30 Apr 1897 Cloth Casket for Joseph Elder, died at his sister’s 5 i mile south
of Handfield, IN 29th, buried 30th. Dora Elder his son came after us and ordered
caket he said it was about 14 miles from Warren to where his father was and they
wanted to be at Warren and have the funeral held in the Christian Church at
11:00, so I went over the evening before about 9:00, put hearse in the shed,
left casket in the new hearse till morning. We left for Warren about 7:00 in the
morning. There were about 4 carriages. We arrived at Warren at 11:00 and was met
at the bridge by the Odd Fellows. They marched in front of hearse to the church.
Dr. Mapel preached the funeral. Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. I made the round
trip myself. I.F.B.
30 Apr 1897 Varnished casket & box for Margaret Elizabeth Christman who died,
died at her brother's Alva Christman at Mt. Zion Wells Co., IN. We got Ves Shull
to attend and go with hearse. Funeral held at Warren Christian Church, burial in
Taylor Cemetery. It was raining. Ira Drown.
Page 11
2 May 1897 Coffin & box for Benjamin Sheats infant. Coffin taken from store by
W.A.Price. Buried Rockford Cemetery Wells Co., IN.
5 May 1897 Coffin & box for Zeland Thurston, age 1 yr. 8mo. 27da. Died 4th,
buried Woodlawn Cemetery. They had no funeral, only prayer at house. I took
family & coffin in Carriage to Cemetery and took them home. Ira Brown.
10 May 1897 Casket for John Banter. William Lee, Jr. came after casket, he
picked it out then we took it in the hearse to the residence about 7 miles south
of Warren in Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN. They had no funeral. They intended to
but the preacher did not come. Buried in Balsey Cemetery. We had to wait a
little while for the grave to be dug. It rained all the way home on me. Ira
Brown.
11 May 1897 Coffin & box for George Beelmer's infant. Taken from store by Ralph
Hummer and Ezra Shultz. Buried Lancaster Cemetery.
14 May 1897 Varnished casket & robe for Elias Johnston, died at the home of John
Rittenhouse 13th. Took remains to Washington Center Cemetery 2 miles south of
Dundell for burial. Taylor Slater took the box. It was a long trip. They had a
funeral then I returned home without feeding. I.F.B.
17 May 1897 Solid Walnut Casket for Samuel Roberts, age 72, born Ohio. Died
15th, buried 16th. Jode Shultz went with me on hearse. We got at the house early
in the morning. M.S.Meyers, John McClaron, Mealon Taylor & George Morgan were
there when we got their. We waited till late when Rev. Moon came to preach the
funeral. After the funeral we put casket in hearse and went to Taylor Cemetery.
The casket was opened for those who were not at the funeral. A vault was put
over the casket after it was put in the grave, then we returned home. It was a
nice day. The roads was pretty good. Ira Brown.
15 May 1897 Coffin & box for Lonzo Lougne's infant. He came after it and took it
from store, being Saturday night they buried it the nex day in the Mitchel
Cemetery.
19 May 1897 Cloth Casket for C. N. Irwin's wife, age 72 yrs, born Stokes Co.,
NC. Died 17th, buried 19th. I drove the hearse myself to the house, 4 miles east
of Warren. I was assisted at the house by Ruth Chopson, Cyntha Parker, Mrs.
Jacob Hoover & Mrs. David Elliott. After the family viewed the remains at the
home, her two son's, 2 brother’s-in-law & 2 cousin's were pallbearers. We went
to the N. E. Church for the funeral conducted by Rev. Suman, then to the
Woodlawn Cemetery for burial. The grave was lined with muslin & dug by T.
Slater. I.F.B.
24 May 1897 Varnished casket for Samuel Lloyd's wife, lived Plum Tree, IN. I
went alone to the house, there were no men there, pretty soon they came, we took
the casket from the hearse to the house. We wnt to the Christian Church for the
funeral conducted by
Page 12
Mrs. Trickland of Huntington. Burial at Plum Tree Cemetery.
7 Jun 1897 varnished casket for William Phillips, died 5th, buried
6th, age 76, born PA. He lived 9 3/4 miles from Warren. they telephoned to us
from Dundell to come out. William Shultz went, orval went along. He was taken to
Jadden in Grant Co., IN and buried in Oak Chapel Cemetery near the church
10 Jun 1897 varnished casket for Enoch Alexander's wife, age 39. Wilson Hudson
came in and ordered casket & burian robe. She died 9th, burial 10th, so on
morning of 10th being Thursday Jode Shultz went along. We had two funerals that
day being about 2 miles apart. We put the casket for the wife of A.C.Williams in
the hearse and put the other in Spring wagon and Frank Smith took it as far S
the Eversole School house, just above the school house at the cross roads we
took the other casket on to A.C. Williams, put it in the house, then went to
Enoch Alexanders. We got there about 9:00 in the morning. Her funeral was held
at a church nearby conducted by Rev. G. W. Bundy of Liberty Center. Burial in
Jones Cemetery. Then we returned to A.C.Williams house for the other body. I.F.B.
10 Jun 1897 Furnished Ashes of Roses casket for A.C. William's wife, died 9th,
buried 10th. One of her brother's and A.C. Williams came and selected the casket
and wrapper. William Shultz & Ira Brown went to the house, prepared the body,
then returned back to Warren. Jode Shultz went along with New hearse when we
returned from other funeral. Jode ate his dinner but I helped put body in
casket, was then to late for me to dine. Her baby also died and it was placed in
the casket with her. She was taken to Sugar Grove church, a Dunkard funeral was
held and conducted by Rev. Lewis Huffman. Taken to Batson Cemetery for burial.
We returned home about 6:00 in the evening. I.F.B.
16 Jun 1897 Coffin & box for Henry Hodnes' child. He came up to town and ordered
it himself. He took it with him.
30 Jun 1897 White Plush Casket and box for Mrs. Monroe Underwood's daughter, 8
yrs. old, who lives 9 1/2 miles south east of Warren. Jode Slultz went along.
The weather was very warm. We got dinner before we started. Got there about 2:00
in the afternoon. Went to Asbury Chapel for funeral conducted by Rev. Thorp.
Burial was in Jones Cemetery. The box was lined with carpet and muslin. We all
stayed until grave was filled. Ira Brown.
1 Jul 1897 varnished casket & box for Wash Zimmerman, age 32 yrs. He was hurt in
the mill yard of John Meosanr by a log fallin from the wagon on his head. He was
hurt about 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening and died 10:00 that night. Ira Brown was
fixing to go to Chicago that evening he was hurt, so when he died they came
after us. William Shultz went out. He died 30th June, buried 1st Jul. Delmer
Alexander preached the funeral at house. Buried Mitchel Cemetery. The grave was
dug by the hands at the mill where he worked and they made no charge. Frank
Smith went along with William Shultz and took care of the team. The family
remained
Page 13
until the grave was filled. Ira Brown.
5 Jul 1897 Cloth casket for John A. Lewis, died Saturday 3rd about
4:00 in the afternoon. Ira Brown was in Chicago so Willim Shultz went to the
residence. He was buried the next day in Mitchel Cemetery, services conducted at
house by Elder Suman. Mr. Lewis was a very old man and had lived in Warren a
great many years. The grave was dug & filled by Taylor Slater.
26 Jul 1897 Casket & box for Alen E. Williams Child, near 4 yrs. old, died 24th,
buried 25th in Sparks Cemetery. He lived in Plum Tree. Mr. Colbert came after
the coffin. We went Sunday morning and took the body to Buckeye Church for
funeral. Little girls carried the child. The weather was very warm. I.F.B.
3 Aug 1897 coffin & box for Whitehurst child, near 4 yrs. old, died 2nd, buried
3rd. We took the casket and went to Mt. Zion with hearse. Mr. G. Giser held our
team and I. Neff helped us take the coffin in the house. This was in the
afternoon. We went to Loon Creek Cemetery for burial. the weather was warm and
dusty. I went alone. I.F.B.
5 Aug 1897 Mahogny Casket for Lonzo Jones, age 31 yrs. they had a little girl
about 4 yrs. old. F. McElhany & J.K.Davis came after the casket 5th, said they
wanted to leave the house the next day at 2:00 in afternoon. Fulton McElhany
came after the box. The next morning we went to the house. He died at his wife's
mother's Mrs. Luckey. We put body in casket and casket in hearse and went to
Boehmer church for funeral, conducted by Rev. Bundy. There was a large crowd.
the family took it very hard. Burial was in Mossburg Cemetery. Pallbearers were:
Mart Huffman, D.P.Lieurance, O.L.Lieurance, I.K.Davis, G.H.Thompson & Howe
McElhany. the weather was warm & dusty. Orval Shultz went along. I.F.B.
9 Aug 1897 Coffin for Mrs. James Craig, died 6th, buried 8th in Wells Co., IN.
William shultz went to home 1/2 mile west of Kelso Sunday morning. Ira Brown &
Link Smith went with hearse and casket to the home. We did not find any
relatives at house, we took casket in and when Mrs. Jobe Stout came we put body
in casket. The funeral was at the church, Rev. Page conducted it. Weather was
very warm and dusty. We took dinner near by after the burial and fed our teams.
when we got home it was nearly dark. Pallbearers were:
Willard Gill, Frank Downey, Abe Shidler, Thad Tuttle, Bill Gift & Lem Bonewits.
I.F.B.
9 Aug 1897 Cloth casket & box for Nancy Ann Welker, wife of Adam Welker, age 50
yrs., born Ohio, died 8th, buried Sunday 9th. William Shultz had gone out to
James Craigs and they called him in. Rev. Page ad started before he saw Mr.
Shultz and came to get us at Warren, so Ira Brown sent balm & cooling board out
with Rev. Page. She was rather fleshy and weather was warm. Ira Brown attended
Mrs. Craigs funeral in the forenoon. Mrs. Welkers was in the afternoon and Mr.
Shultz attended to it. Mrs. Welker was buried in Purviance Cemetery. She lived
at Kelso.
Page 14
23 Aug 1897 Casket ordered from Indianapolis, IN for Esther Elkins of Dillman,
IN. We were a little behind time after we had prepared the casket, it had come
in without scres for the handles, so we had to use cansmen screws We put casket
in hearse and went to the home. The funeral was at the house, we had singing and
Rev. W. Ray preached the funeral. After the funeral we went to the Batson
Cemetery for burial. The weather was warm and the roads dusty. Orval Shultz went
with Ira Brown to attend the funeral. We arrived home about dusk. Ira Brown.
30 Aug 1897 Casket for Neri Hunnicut, age 53, born Ohio, died Friday 27th,
buried Sunday 29th. They came after us Friday evening so Will Shultz & Ira Brown
went to home about 6 1/2 miles from Warren to prepare body. It was almost
morning when we got home. On Sunday morning Ira Brown & Orval Shultz went to the
house and put remains in hearse and went to Africa Church were funeral was
conducted by Elder George Hubard. The pallbearers were all old soldiers It is
said it was the largest funeral ever held at that church. Buried Batson
Cemetery. We go home about 3:00. I.F.B.
31 Aug 1897 Eliza Harper, age 74, born Ohio, died 28th at Bourbon, IN by a team
running against his buggy while he was driving along the public highway. They
shipped him from Bourbon the 30th the undertaker from Boubon came with the body.
It arrived at 1:00 in afternoon. Ira Brown took body from depo to his residence
3 1/2 miles from Warren. I came back the next morning, 31st, with the hearse.
The funeral was held in West Union Church conducted by Rev Suman. He was buried
in West Union Cemetery.
6 Sep 1897 Ella Jaques, age 20, born New York City, NY, died 3rd at Boston. She
was shipped by express the same day and arrived at Warren Sunday morning 5th.
Ira Brown & George Landis took remains from depo in New Hearse and went to her
home 1 mile above Warren. Funeral was at the house by Rev. Purdue. Buried in
Batson Cemetery.
4 Sep 1897 Coffin for Comrad Hummel's infant. Jacob Shull came after the coffin
and took it home. They buried the little on in Taylor Cemetery. Ira F. Brown.
14 Sep 1897 Casket & box for Albert Terhune's child, near 2 yrs. old. Albert
Terhune came and ordered casket about 9:00 in the morning the 14th, said they
wanted to bury that day, so Ira Brown & wife took carriage and went to the home.
At 1:00 in the afternoon they had the funeral by Bruce Moncy. We put the casket
on our knees in the carriage with 2 large girls in the back seat. They were
sister's to the child. The parent's rode behind in own carriage. We went to the
Batson Cemetery. The weather was very warm and dusty. Ira Brown.
15 Sep 1897 Casket, robe, & white slippers for Sarah A. Miller, wife of W. H.
Miller, age 41 yrs., born in Ohio, died in Mt. Zion, Wells Co., IN 14th of
consumption and was buried 15th. Mr. Miller came to the store and selected the
casket and told us to be at his
Page 15
house at 1:00 the next day with the hearse About the time we were ready to leave
it rained and blew very hard so we waited till the storm was over and that made
us some late. We were assisted at the house by Mrs. Gaiser, Mrs. Doctor Morris
and some other ladies. We carried casket to the church nearby where Rev. Lewis
Huffman conducted the funeral. She was buried in Jones Cemetery. Ira Brown
attended funeral alone. I got home about dusk. Ira Brown.
20 Sep 1897 Coffin & box for Scott Balsey's wife, age 20 yrs.~ born Grant Co.,
IN, daughter of John Oxley where she died. Mrs. Davis, sister, another gentleman
and lady came to our store to select coffin, robe and slippers. They came Sunday
and Ira Brown was at store. They thought I had better go out to Mrs. Oxley's and
attend to the body. I went to the residence and found my old friend Mrs. Davis
who lives near by. The next morning I took the hearse to the house. Orval Shultz
went along. The funeral was at Farville church conducted by Rev. Joseph Deboyd.
Girls were the pallbearers. She was buried at Farville near the church. After
the burial we watered the horses at Charles Thompsons and got home along in the
evening. I.F.B.
22 Sep 1897 Cloth casket & box for George Beard, Sr., age 77 yrs., born Ohio.
Died 21st at Ensley Andrews 2 1/2 miles south of Warren where he made his home.
Ira Brown went to the residence about 10:00 in the morning. They said they were
going to bury the nex day, so the next day 22nd Ira Brown & Orval Shultz took
hearse and went to the house. The funeral was at the church at Milo, IN, while
the funeral was going on I went to my uncle Edward Brown 5 house who lived 3ust
accross the road. He was buried in the Mitchel Cemetery. The roads was very
dusty and it was very warm.
25 Sep 1897 Casket, box, robe & slippers for Eva Lemon, age 71 years, born Ohio,
wife of Lewis Lemon. Died Thursday 23rd. They said they wanted to bury Sunday,
but upon my advice they said they would bury Saturday 25th. Saturday morning Ira
Brown and Orval Shultz went to the house by way of Dillman. We got our dinner.
About 1:00 we put body in hearse and went to Farrville church for funeral which
was conducted by Rev. I.M.Throp, burial was at Farrville, Grant Co. We arrived
home after dark. I.F.B.
27 Sep 1897 Casket for Hannah Sutton, died Saturday 25th. Ira Brown was
attending another funeral in the country. William Shultz went to the house. In
the evening when I returned home Will and I went to the house. The funeral was
to be held at 2:00 Sunday 26th, so on Sunday morning we took casket and chairs
to the house. Then we returned home for dinner. Funeral was conducted by Rev.
Suman, I.J.Anderson prayed. She was buried in the Mitchel Cemetery, grave was
dug by T. Slater, weather warm and roads dusty. I.F.B.
27 Sep 1897 Casket & box for Adaline F. Huff, age 71 yrs., born PA, mother of
J.A.Huff of Warren. J.A.Huff came in the store and selected casket and siad his
mother was dead. We sent box out to Landisville by express. She died at her home
one mile west of Van Buren, IN. 25th. Sunday 26th in the afternoon William
Shultz went
Page 16
out to the house to attend to the body. Sunday morning Ira Brown went to her
home with hearse. About 10:00 in the morning the funeral was conducted by Rev.
Kinneman. After funeral we took her to the Burson Cemetery. The distance was
about 9 miles from the house. We arrived about 2:00. After the burial I returned
home by way of Van Buren alone. Drove the round trip without feed or dinner. Ira
Brown.
4 Oct 1897 coffin & box for Alva Bond’s infant. Charles Swaim and wife came
after coffin and box. They took them with them in their buggy. They said they
were going to take it to Marion for burial. Alva Bond lives near Milo, IN. I.F.B.
8 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for John Davis child. Child died 7th, about 10:00 we met
at the house and went to the Weselen Church where the funeral was conducted by
Rev. Moon. We then went to the West Union Cemetery in the buggy. Rev. Moon went
with Ira Brown and held coffin in his lap. There were several rigs went from
town.
8 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for the Enoch Alexander child. John Alexander came to
the store after coffin and took it with him. They were going to bury body in the
Jones Cemetery.
9 Oct 1897 Coffin for the William Welsh infant. He lives 3 miles north of Warren
on Isaac Smith's farm. Isaac Smith and Mr. Welsh came to store Saturday 9th.
They took coffin with them and were going to make the box themselves. Burial was
in Mossburg Cemetery.
9 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for an Unknown man who was found dead in Warrent
Saturday morining 9th in the tank shop down near the railroad by Winch Bros.
Factory. He layed in the shop until near noon time. They did not move him till
they got word from the coroner. Thomas Black, trustee gave his orders to move
the man to our store. Frank Smith and Ira Brown went with a box in the big wagon
and brought the remains to the store. The coroner came about 6:00 or 7:00 in the
evening the same day, then Ira Brown searched him and only found spool thread,
spoon, daily paper and a purse with no money. the coroner sid we could bury him
at once if we liked. Taylor Slater dug the grave in the Mitchel Cemetery. It was
nearly 8:00 when we took remains from store in small furniture wagon to the
Cemetery.
11 Oct 1897 Coffin, robe & box for Simeon Huffman, died Saturday 9th. John Van
camp came to our store and said Mrs. Huffman wanted coffin like the one used for
her girl. _____ Hunnicut came after box. Sunday 10th Ira Brown went with hearse
up to Huffman’s alone, beng 6 1/2 miles east of Warren. About 10:00 we went to
Muncie Church were funeral was conducted by Rev. Lewis Huffman (Dunkard). Then
we went to Jones Cemetery for burial, going to the McElhaney corner then east to
the Cemetery. When I came home I stopped at Chopson's and watered the horses
Fred and Prince. Warm and dusty.
11 Oct 1897 Black cloth casket for Mary L. Back, age 35 yrs., wife
Page 17
of Arthur Back. Died Saturday morning 9th. Monday morning her father, mother and
brother came from Illinois. Arthur Back brought them in the store and picked the
casket and said they would hve the funeral at the new M.E. Church at l:OO that
same day. Ira Brown took casket to Mr. Back's residence. Mrs. William Chopson,
Mrs. Hayward and others assisted. Rev. Suman offered prayer. Lewis Morrison, Ves
Gephart and others assisted in getting casket in hearse. It rained most of the
afternoon. The funeral was conduceted by Rev. Suman. We went to Masonic
Cemetery, drove the hearse near the grave. They had a brick vault built by
Taylor Slater.
15 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for Harry Thompson, age 7 yrs., son of George Thompson
who lives 4 1/2 miles east of Warren. He died Friday 15th. He came to his death
by fallin out of a hickory tree while at the Salem School house on teh 14th. The
father selected the casket. David Matlock took box from store. The next day Ira
Brown could not go to the funeral for his brother-in-laws child was to be buried
the same day. Ves Shull attended the Thompson funeral with hearse, conducted by
Rev. Bundy. He was buried in the Thompson Cemetery.
16 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for Nova White, child of Frank White. Frank's father
came after coffin and he took the box with him. Nova died Friday 15th. The next
day we took the carriage, Ira & Mary Brown and Eve Leffler went by the way of
George thompsons. We took the child in the carriage to the Batson Cemetery for
burial. When we returned home it was almost dark. Ira Brown.
18 Oct 1897 Cloth casket & box for _____ Cumpton, age 25 yrs., died Friday 15th
at the County House in Wells Co., IN about 18 miles east of Warren. His two
brother's came to Ira Browns the same night he died and said they would like to
have him rought to his mother's home. I told them I could not go. I had 2 other
funerals the next day. Then we went to the store, they selected casket and robe.
I went and got Will shultz to come trim the casket. Jode Shultz took his horse
and our little furniture wagon, loaded the box and casket and left for Wells Co.
about 1:00 in the morning. He arrived at the house about 4:00 in the morning. He
was buried in the Batson Cemetery. Ira Brown.
26 Oct 1897 Coffin & box for George Rittenhouse, died 25th at his home in Plum
Tree. Thomas Black, trustee, came to our store and said to let tem have casket
and robe. The folks wanted a little better outfit than the County furnishes, so
we trimed up the casket. Aaron Ruble took box with him to West Union Cemetery.
the funeral was conducted at the Christian Church in Plum tree by Mrs.
Strickland of Huntington. Mrs. Strickland did not go to Cemery.
27 Oct 1897. Coffin. No other information.
1 Nov 1897 casket for the William Stetch child, 1 yr. old, died 29th. Dr.
F.M.Wass was at the house when the child died. He came to Ira Brown and told me
they wanted me to come out. I did not go
Page 18
until I got my breakfast. Will Ellis came after the box. Sunday morning 31st Ira
Brown went alone to the home with the hearse. Mrs. Judson Sowers assisted then I
ate my dinner. About 1.00 Rev. Page from Bluffton conducted the funeral. The
Kelso Christian choir did the singing. The parent's could not go to the cemetery
because they were sick.. It rained all afternoon. Burial was in Lancaster
Cemetery.
6 Nov 1897 Black cloth casket for Moses Tam, died at his home 8 1/2 miles north
of Warren near Rockcreek Center Thursday 4th. Marcus Tam selected the casket.
The picked up the box Friday 5th. It rained all day. He was buried 6th. Ira
Brown and Jode shultz went withe the hearse to the Tam house. We fed our horses,
Fred and Prince and got our dinner. The funeral was to be at the Rockcreed
church near by. Marcus Tam took out his sample wagon for the pall bearers. We
drove in a trot most of the way to Odd Fellows Cemetery by the White Church near
Browns Corners. A brick vault for him was the 3rd one in the Cemetery. He leaves
a widow and 4 children. Ira Brown.
10 Nov 1897 Coffin & box for Cecil Wade Rigs, age 4 yrs., son of Charles Rigs.
He was born in Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN, died 9th of Diptheria. The family
had two others that were sick. They only had song and prayer then we went to the
Jones Cemetery. Rev. Bundy conducted the service. Ira F. Brown.
11 Nov 1897 Cloth casket & box for ______ Karnes, age 58 yrs., born PA., died in
Warren Tuesday 9th. They talked about taking him back to PA, when their son's
came they concluded to bury him in the Mitchel Cemetery for the time being. 11th
they had short services at the house conducted by Rev. Suman. It was a very bad
day, snowing. Taylor Slater dug & filled grave. I.F.B.
12 Nov 1897 Varnished casket for Samuel Jones, he lived 6 1/2 miles from Warren
in Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN. He died Wednesday 10th, buried Thursday 12th.
Malon Gephart ordered casket and ira Brown went with hearse to the house. We
went to the M.P. Church 1 1/2 miles from the home. Rev. Bundy conducted the
funeral service. W.F. Crum & wife, his mother & his sister, Mrs. John Tinkle was
at the Church. W.D.Gill & sister was in attendance from Huntington, also John
Crater & wife. He was buried in the Batson Cemetery. The weather was cool and
roads were rough. I returned home about 3:00. I.F.B.
15 Nov 1897 Furnished Hearse for ______ Hinkle, died Saturday 13th
7 miles from Warren in Wells Co., IN. That County furnished coffin. Ira Brown
went with hearse alone, it rained all day very hard. McBride frunished coffin
and they brought it to the house and put im in the coffin. Rev. Cyrus Williams
of the Friends Church preached the funeral. Daniel Shull ordered hearse, we
furnished box. He was buried in Taylor Cemetery Sunday 14th. About 30 people
attended the funeral. Ira Brown.
16 Nov 1897 Casket & Box for Mrs. John Leonard in Lancaster on
Page 19
River. Her son came and ordered the casket. Daniel Shidler came to store after
box. Tuesday 16th Ira Brown and Joseph Shultz started to Lancaster where she
died. We had not gone 2 miles when some man stopped us and said that _____
Craig's son had died and wanted us to come out, so Jode came back to town with
the man and Ira Brown went on to the Leonards. The funeral was held at the
Dunkard Church near by conducted by Rev. Spitzer. The funeral was over about
noon. She was buried in the Lancaster Cemetery. they laid bricks around box and
had a large marble slab to cover the box. I returned home by way of Bellville,
it was chilly, roads were muddy. Ira Brown.
18 Nov 1897 White plush casket & box, cream wrapper and slippers for Herman
Craig, age 3 yrs., son of Mack Craig. He lives 8 miles from Warren on the
Huntington & Warren gravel road. William Shultz went to the house. Ott Wooster
ordered casket. We sent for casket by express. We took box to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Thursday morning Ira Brown went alone to house with hearse. The funeral was held
about 10:00 conducted by Rev. Delmer Alexander. The mother was sick. There were
lots of flowers. The mother could not go to the cemetery. We troted most of the
way and arrived at the cemetery at 1:00. The weather was very cold. We had two
grey teams from Wilson's Livery. I.F.B.
18 Nov 1897 Cloth casket, box and robe for Martin Pence, age 63 born in Ohio,
died Tuesday 16th. They sent for us to come out at once, so we started from
Warren about 9:00 in the evening. William & Joseph Shultz went out. They did not
get back until nearly morning. 18th Jode Shultz took hearse with Fred & Prince
and went to the house. The roads off of the pike was very muddy. We went to the
Farville Church for funeral conducted by Rev. Henry Floid. We started for the
Woodlawn Cemetery at Warren about noon. The preacher died not go. Ira Brown was
coming from Cemetery with hearse from Craig funeral and passed the Pence
funeral. There was a man by the name of Banter who rode with Jode. Ira Brown.
19 Nov 1897 Cloth Casket, box, robe & slippers for ______ Gard, she died
Thursday 18th. William Shultz went to the home, Ella Mounsy assisted in laying
out the body. Next morning Ira Brown went out to the house 3 miles from Warren.
George Frazier went along, funeral held at house at 1:00. Singers were from
Warren. Their 3 girls and 7 boys all attended the funeral. 6 son's acted as
pallbearers. The hearse was in front of house in the road. Their rigs were
arranged behind the hearse. Burial was in Mitchel Cemetery, grave was lined with
muslin and carpet. It was a nice day. Ira Brown.
25 Nov 1897 Casket & box for John McKeys son, age 3 yrs. John McKey took box
home with him, he lives close to Mr. Endsley. Jode and Will Shultz fixed rough
box. The child died 24th. Thanksgiving 25th, Jode Shultz took hearse about 7:00
in the morning to the house. The funeral was held at Landisville Church in Grant
Co., burial there in Cemetery. It was raining, not many went to the cemetery, it
rained almost all day. Jode got home
Page 20
about 4:00 in the evening. Ira F. Brown
26 Nov 1897 F. M. Huff, born West Virginia 27 Dec 1843, died at Elwood, IN 23
Nov 1897. He fell out of a 3 story window on the sidewalk and was killed
instantly. It was about 6:00 in the evening when he got killed. They telegraphed
Warren at once. L.L.Simmons, F.M.Wall and B.F.Corb went to Elwood at once and
brought Huff back in cloth casket. They got back with boy Wednesday morning.
There was a large crowd at the depo. They carried the body to the home which was
over the post office. The funeral was on Friday afternoon. The casket was not
opened, funeral was conducted by Rev. Samuels, buried in Masonic Cemetery. We
used a new grave lining. It was a rainy day. I.F.B.
29 Nov 1897 Casket for Eliza Buckland, died Friday 25th at her daughter’s, Mrs.
A.L.Christman’s home which is 3 miles sout east of Warren. Joseph Cole came in
our store Saturday 27th and told us the kind of casket that was wanted. Sunday
morning we went to house with hearse. Ira Brown got grey team from Wilson's
Livery. William Throp went with me, being an old frien of the deceased. When we
arrived at the house our friend John Cloud being a son-in-law and used to be an
undertaker but sold out. The funeral was conducted at the Church by Rev. Bunday.
Burial was in the Batson Cemetery. It was a cool day.
29 Nov 1897 Cloth casket & box for Rilla Swaim, wife of Charles Swaim, born 14
Mar 1859 Huntington Co., age 28 yrs. Ira Brown & Will Shultz went to home 5 1/2
miles from Warren, arrived about 7:30 Saturday morning. Sunday morning 28th Jode
Shultz & John Morris took hearse & casket to home, started to the Milo Church
about noon. The preacher was to come from Marion to begin service at 1:00 but he
did not come, so Rev. I.J. Anderson of Warren spoke a few words, had song &
prayer. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
15 Dec 1897 Cloth casket & box for Elvira Thompson, wife of John H. Thompson,
died 13th and was buried 15th. T. Stephenson & David cole came after Ira Brown
at his home. Ira Brown & Will Shultz took casket to the home Tuesday evening.
The funeral took place the next day. We met at the house at 1:00 and went to the
chrisian Church, funeral conducted by Rev. Eter. Pallbearers were: L.L.Simmons,
Thomas Black, John Wall, Henry Groves & Add Kaylor. After the funeral Jode
Shultz drove the hearse to the Masonic Cemetery for burial. I.F.B.
18 Dec 1897 Coffin & box for Will Chopson, Jr's. baby, They live 2 1/2 miles
east of Warren on Askry Road. Cicero Welch & Daniel Mossburg came after coffin &
box Saturday 18th. They were going to bury the little one Sunday 19th in the
Batson Cemetery. Jade & Will Shultz made the rough box and trimed the coffin.
I.F.B.
22 Dec 1897 Coffin & box for A. H. Williams child, 6 days old. Lived 6 miles
south east of Warren. Oliver Williams & Lewis Carmine came after coffin and box
and took it with them. The little one was buried in the Batson Cemetery.
Page 21
6 Jan 1898 Cloth Casket & box for Kara D. Trout, age 48 yrs., born Ohio, died
4th. John Morris was at the home hen he died due to softning of the brain. he
lives 3 1/2 miles from Warren. The funeral was held at the Auterbine Church at
10.00 conducted by Rev. J.M. Thorp. It rained all forenoon. We went to the
Lancaster Cemetery for burial. The pallbearers all related to Mr. Trout were:
William Trout, Westmer Trout, Seymore Trout, LeRoy Trout, Marion Trout & Elmer
Laymon. Ira F. Brown
8 Jan 1898 Coffin, box and Robe for Gilmore McCoy, age 49, died Friday 7th.
Alexander McCoy, Thomas Foust and a Mr. Jaques came after Ira Brown to go lay
him out, they said he did not have any thing to bury him and they did not know
what to do, so Ira Brown went down to see Mrs. Ben Carl about it and she said
she could not help to bury him but would help pay to lay him out, so at 8:00
went to the McCoy home which is a mile above Warren. Them came back home. I saw
T. Black, trustee, he said he didn't think he had any right to bury him, said he
would pay to telephone Hartford, Blackford Co., IN where he had lived for
sometime. They refused to bury him, so Black said go ahead. Funeral was at house
and burial in Masonic Cemetery. Ira Brown.
13 Jan 1898 Casket & box for Anna Willmore, wife of Frank Willmore and daughter
of Bob Thompson. She died at her mother's home 6 miles east of Warren in Wells
Co., IN 11th. 13th Ira Brown took hearse with casket to house. The funeral was
at the Boehmer Church conducted by Rev. Bundy. Burial was in Thompson Cemetery.
The pallbearers were all women. It was very cold.
17 Jan 1898 Coffin & box for Alva Bond's child, died 17th. Charles Swaim came
after coffin & box after dark. Jode Shultz trimed the coffin & Swaim took it out
to Mr. Bond. The next day we took the little one to Marion for burial. Ira F.
Brown.
17 Jan 1898 Coffin & box for J. W. Lieurance's infant, died 17th, buried in Good
Cemetery.
17 Jan 1898 Coffin & box for Sinna Lane, age 68 yrs., mother of E.E.Lane, died
15th, buried 15th. Jode Shultz went with hearse out to Lanes and the prayer was
conducted by Mr. Millen. Buried Farrville Cemetery. Roads very bad. Ira Brown.
25 Jan 1898 Cloth casket. & box lined with carpet for Samuel Marshall, age 85
yrs., born Franklin Co., OH, died Sunday night 23rd. He lived 6 miles west of
Warren. Ira Brown & Jode Shultz went to house by way of Lancaster. The roads
were bad, it was after day light when we got home. They wanted a brick vault, so
I got J. T. Morris to put in vault, got brick of J.E. Christy and got
S.J.Chenoweth to haul the brick to Purviance Cemetery. Got sand and cement at
Studebaker warehouse. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Eters of Warren. Got
Livery rig at Tams. Funeral was 25th at 11:00, it rained almost all day. I.F.B.
26 Jan 1898 Casket & box for Mary Edith Brown, age 19 yrs., wife of
Page 22
William Brown, daughter of Jacob & Lockey A. Laymon, died Wednesday night 26th.
They lived 6 miles west of Warren. Mr. Stanley took me to the house in his rig,
stayed all night, ate breakfast and they brought me home. Bill Brown came up the
next day and we sent for the casket. Friday morning 28th Ira Brown took casket
in hearse and went to the Browns. Mary Edith Brown was a very beautiful gir and
leaves a baby. The funeral was held at the Christian Church conducted by Rev.
Page of Bluffton. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Cold and roads were rough.
I.F.B.
3 Feb 1898 Cloth Casket & box for Daniel Burman, age 84, born in Ohio, died
Tuesday 1st at his son's house, Wash Burman who lives 5 miles east of Warren.
Wash ordered casket. We shipped rough box to Buckeye. Thursday morning 3rd Ira
Brown took new hearse and casket went to the home, had funeral at the house
conducted by Rev. Kinneman. Those who went to the cemetery ate a lunch before
starting. We drove to Buckeye for the 1:00 train, put casket in box and put it
on the train and went to Landisville, Grant Co., IN where Jode Shultz had gone
with Hearse to take the body to the cemetery when the train reached Landisville.
The family returned to Landisville and waited for the 6:00 train for their
return home. Jode got back to Warren about dark. It was very cold & windy day.
4 Feb 1898 Coffin, box & white robe for Mrs. Thomas Denning, age 24 yrs., born
Jefferson Co., IN. Jones came after coffin & box, said he had better see trustee
Black. We saw him and he told us to go ahead. Jones took the box with him. She
died 2nd, Friday 4th Ves Shull went with hearse to the home in Baehmer, 6 1/2
miles from Warren. They carried her to the Church near by for the funeral
conducted by Bruce Monsey. Burial was in Mossburg Cemetery.
- - - - 1898 Coffin & box for Ham McFarlen's infant. Ham & William Higens came
after and took coffin & box from store. They buried the little one in the
Mitchel Cemetery.
14 Feb 1898 Casket for Shafer child. He came after it in the evening, said he
lived at Van Buren, IN. He took it with him and returned to Van Buren on the
9:24 train at night. He said they were going to bury the next day. He payed for
the casket before he left the store. Ira Brown
11 Feb 1898 Carey Bonham, born in Ohio, died in Marion, Grant Co., IN Wednesday
9th, age 98 yrs. They got casket in Marion and he was shipped to Warren Thursday
10th on the 11:00 A.M. train. Ira Brown was at the train with hearse and we took
body to his old home 7 miles from Warren. The roads was very Muddy. Friday 11th
Ira Brown went with hearse to the home, Funeral held at Buckeye Church conducted
by Rev. H.M.Lambert. Burial in Sparks Cemetery. It rained. I.F.B.
21 Feb 1898 Varnished casket for Sarah Lowery, age 67 yrs., born Clinton Co.,
OH, wife of John C. Lowery, died Saturday 19th. Sunday 20th Mr. Popejoy who
lives close to Mr. Lowery, & James Cloud of Mt. Zion came to our house and said
they wanted casket and
Page 23
robe. Ira Brown went down to the store with them. They wanted to have the
funeral at Pleasant School Church Monday 21st. Ira Brown went with hearse
Monday. It snowed Sunday night and made the roads very muddy, but we got there
nearly on time. The women and myself put her in the casket. We went to the
Church, funeral was coducted by Rev. Bundy. The singing was directed by Rev.
Shadle, pallbearers were women. I started for the Cemetery was near the
Tumbleson School House. It was very cold. I got home about 5:00 in the evening.
21 Feb 1898 Coffin & box for John Oxley's daughter, her brother and someone else
came after box and to select casket & robe. The came Sunday, said the were going
to hold funeral at Farrville. Mr. Oxley lives 8 miles sout of Warren. We had 2
calls for Monday 21st. Jode Shultz went with Livery team to Oxleyts and Ira
Brown went to Mr. Lowerys. Jode went by way of the McCoy Bridge and got as far
as George McFarlands on account of the roads he engaged McFarland to put his
team in front of ours, so we used 4 horses the balance of the way, they then
went very well. They arrived at Oxleys about 11:00 in the forenoon. They fed the
horses, but got no dinner. the funeral was held at Farrville Church about 1 mile
from Oxleys, conducted by Rev. Joseph Deboyd. The preacher came late. Buried
Farrville Cemetery. Jode got back after dark.
25 Feb 1898 Coffin & box for Samuel Cruse’s infant. Trimily Riggs & Charles
Clampet came after the box. They dug the grave. Samuel Elkins & Mr. Cruse took
the coffin from store. Clampet & Riggs ate their dinner at the store, then dug
the grave at Jones Cemetery and waited until Mr. Elkins & Mr. Cruse came with
the body. It was a cold rough day. Ira Brown.
28 Feb 1898 Coffin for Charles Hinchman’s infant. Gerome Arnold & Harvey
Johnston came after coffin Sunday evening 27th. They came to our residence. Ira
Brown went to the store with them and trimed the little case alone. they took
coffin with them, said they would make the rough box. They buried the little one
the nex morning in Cory Cemetery. Mr. Hickman lives in Milo, IN. They said the
roads were bad.
14 Mar 1898 Cloth casket & box lined with carpet for Lucinda Wyatt, age 60 yrs,
she made her home with Fred Wyatt, her son. She died Saturday 12th about 9:00 at
night. Vern Harden came after us and we went out. They lived 6 miles north of
Warren. It rained all the way going. Jode Shultz & Ira Brown went, it rained all
night, so we stayed until morning. Fillmore Metcalf & wife were there. We ate
breakfast and came home. The pike was bad. Monday 14th Ira Brown went with
hearse, ate dinner at the Wyatt home, the funeral was at 2:00 at Christian
Church conducted by Rev. Strickland of Huntington. We buried her in the Plumtree
Cemetery. Mrs. Wyatt died of dropsy. They telegraphed for her son in Michigan
but he did not come. It was almost dark when I arrived home.
2 Apr 1898 Coffin for Edward Doug1as’s child. They were going to bury child next
day which was Sunday. I.F.B.
Page 24
7 Apr 1898 Coffin & box for William Allen, lived in Plum Tree. George Smith came
after coffin & box. They were going to bury in Sparks Cemetery 4 mile from
Warren the same day. I.F.B.
11 Apr 1898 Varnished casket in walnut & 2 boxes for Eliza Bock, died Friday
8th. Walter Bock, her son came after us to take care of her, Ira Brown went.
Saturday evening Jode and Ira took casket & robe. Sunday morning Ira Brown took
hearse. Funeral was held at Sugar Grove Church. Burial in Jones Cemetery. I.F.B.
15 Apr 1898 Casket & box for John Wilson's child, lived 5 miles south of Warren.
He came to store Thursday evening with James Boxell and selected casket. Next
morning James Penland took our horse and buggy and box to the Jones Cemetery.
Ira Brown went to Wilsons with hearse. Got there in time to eat dinner. They had
no funeral. Left house at 2:00 for cemetery. We had two miles of dust roads and
it was bad. I.F.B.
15 Apr 1898 Coffin & case for Adam Neff's child, died Friday afternoon 15th. In
Afternoon Jode Shultz took horse and buggy to Neffs. Child died of dyptheria.
They buried it at once. William Lines and Jode buried it in Taylor Cemetery. No
one else went.
18 Apr 1898 Cloth casket & box for Mary J. Vincent Bollers, born 19 Dec 1841
Delaware Co., IN, died Sunday 17th age 55 yrs., wife of Adam Bollers. She died
near Milo 4 miles from Warren. John McKee who lived near by came Sunday and made
arrangements for burial Monday 17th. Monday morning Ira Brown went with hearse.
Went to Van Buren for funeral at M.E. Church. The pallbearers did not go to
cemetery. Will Corporal rode with me from house to church. From the church we
went to Burson Cemetery which is about 18 miles from Warren. After the burial I
went with Mr. Boller's brother for dinner and fed team, Fred & Prince. About
4:00 I started home. I came back through Van Buren, almost dark when I got home.
Roads were good. Ira Brown
25 Apr 1898 Cloth casket for Eli Burket's wife, died Saturday 23rd. Jode Shultz
and Ira Brown went that night. Sunday we took team and small furniture wagon and
took casket to home. Mr. Burkett and wife lived with Henry Mallow. Monday
morning George _____ and Ira Brown went with hearse, we left home about 10:00,
arrived at Lancaster about 1:00. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Hubbard,
pallbearers were: James Brown, Vestal Woods, Lonzo Woods, Charles Eastes and
Charles Wiley. Arrived home about 4:00 in evening.
29 Apr 1898 Varnished casket & case for Eldridge R. Mossburg, son of Daniel
Mossburg, age 23 yrs., died Thursday 28th. Philip Shafer came after casket & box
same evening. He said he wanted us to go over to Mr. Landis' house 2 miles this
side of Huntington. Friday morning 29th Ira Brown started to house to get body,
arrived at the Lantis home about 9:00. Ira went alone. A few people were at the
house. We put him in the casket then started for Daniel Mossburgs, arrived a
little afternoon. We took casket from hearse and put it in the yard under some
nice trees. There were several people at
Page 25
the house. All viewed the remains, then we rested for awhile, then went to the
Shafer church where funeral was conducted by Rev. W.R.Suman. The Salem choir did
the singing. The pallbearers were all young men. Philip Shafer fed the team then
we went to the Mossburg Cemetery for burial. Weather nice. Ira Brawn.
2 May 1898 Black cloth casket for Mary Griffith, 80 yrs. old, died Friday 29th,
born KY, died in Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN about 7 1/2 miles south of Warren.
James Griffith, wife and his sister came to store Saturday 30th, selected the
casket. The next morning Ira Brown went alone with hearse to the house. Mrs.
Still McGrew assisted, we put her in the casket. The funeral was conducted at
the house. The pallbearers were six grandchildren. We took her to the Balsey
Cemetery about 1/2 miles from the home just over in Blackfard Co., IN. I.F.B.
7 May 1898 Cloth casket & box for Margaret Beard, wife of John Beard. They lived
near Dillman in Wells Co., IN 5 1/2 miles south of Warren. she died Friday
morning about 2:00 of dropsy. Timley Rigs came after us to come out. Ira Brown
went out 6th, then returned to store. Her son’s were waiting for me, they
selected casket. Saturday morning 7th Ira Brown & George Unrue went to the home
with casket and Hearse. Then we went to Dillman church where funeral was
conducted by Rev. throp. Then we went to the Jones Cemetery. Roads were bad. Ira
Brown.
9 May 1898 Cloth casket for Phoebe Orsborn, age 92, born KY. Eli Smith and
another man came after casket and they had orders to bring it with them. They
came in a wagon. It was raining so we put a cover over the casket. They did not
want a box. Colson Orsborn ordered casket. She lived 1 mile east of Liberty
Center being 10 miles from Warren. She died Friday 6th, buried Sunday 8th.
Sunday morning George Unrue and Ira Brown took hearse and went to the home. We
arrived about 9:00. The funeral was at the home by Rev. Bruce Monsey. We went to
McFarren Cemetery about 2 miles from her home. They had women for pallbearers.
The grave diggers had trouble with the grave caveing in. We did not stay for
dinner. Colson Orsborn paid us before we left cemetery. I.F.B.
13 May 1898 Coffin, box and robe for Maggie Endsley, died 11th of consumption in
Jackson twp., Wells Co., IN, age 25 yrs. They lived about 8 miles south of
Warren. ____ Lee came after the outfit, he had an order from the trustee. He
took the box with him. Friday morning Jode Shultz went with hearse. He got to
the house about 9:00, from the home they went to Farville church where the
funeral was conducted. From the funeral we went to the Landisville Cemetery in
Grant Co., about 8 miles from Farrville. Jade then started home. He came accross
to the end of Beck Gravel road. He got home about 4:00 in the afternoon. He did
not get to feed his horses, Fred & Prince, and he did not get no dinner. The
roads was not very good. Ira Brown.
14 May 1898 Casket & box for George Penfold's child, died Thursday night 12th.
Saturday morning we took buggy and Mrs. Lydia Weaver
Page 26
and Ira Brown took casket on our laps to the church where guneral was conducted
by Rev. Moon. Burial was in Mitchel Cemetery. T. Slater dug the grave. I.F.B.
18 May 1898 Furnished Metallic casket & box for Ann E. Wilson, born Fairfield
Co., OH 31 Aug 1824, died in Van Buren, Grant Co. 16th, about 5 miles south of
Warren. they came in Tuesday 17th and selected casket. Mr. Martin from Richmond,
IN casket Co happened to be in the store, he wired for the casket. Ira Brown was
in Indianapolis that day. Jode Shultz telephoned Ira but he could not come very
well that day. the casket come 18th in the morning. Ves Shull took hearse and
went to the Wilson home in the morning 18th. Funeral was at the home burial at
Cory Cemetery in Grant Co. I.F.B.
10 Jun 1898 Cloth casket & box lined with carpet & muslin for James Dary, died
Thursday morning 9th as a result of a broken leg when his horse run away with
buggy.
20 Jun 1898 Cloth casket a box for Joseph Jones, born 21 Jul 1850 in Jackson
twp., Wells Co., IN, died Saturday about noon 18th age 47 yrs. Ira Brown went
out right away. Ira Brown took casket out next day. On Monday moring took
hearse, Bruce Wright went with me. Funeral at Union Chapel church at 11:00
conducted by Rev. Bundy. Burial was in Jones Cemetery. pallbearers were: John
Cloud, Jan Wilson, Lewis Roush, Lee Mills, Jacob Jackson, Isaac James & Isaac
Jackson. Ira F. Brown.
21 Jun 1898 Coffin & box for Albert Wheaton's infant, lives 6 miles east of
Warren on James P. Wise farm. James Purviance and Joseph Wiley came after coffin
and took it with them and said they were going to bury the little one the same
day near Van Buren in Grant Co. They day was warm. I.F.B.
27 Jun 1898 Coffin & box for Eliza J. Stotler, died Saturday evening 25th. Elza
Thompson and another man came after box about 9:00 Saturday night. Sunday
morning Ira Brown went with hearse to the home home 7 1/4 miles east of Warren.
I stopped at William Buckners and he went with me . We put casket in the house
then went to Buckners, fed horses and got my dinner, we then returned to the
house. She died of dropsy, age 56. Funeral was at the house conducted by Rev.
Winans. Burial was in Mossburg Cemetery. Very warm day. Ira Brown.
1 Jul 1898 coffin & box for _____ _____ Henry Mallown came to the store and took
it with him.
4 Jul 1898 Coffin & box for John Leonard, died Friday 1st. I went to Lancaster,
7 miles west of Warren. Then Saturday evening Ira Brown took the pine box down
to Lancaster in furniture wagon. Sunday morning 3rd Ira Brown took hearse and
went to Leonards home. Funeral was at Lancaster Church. Buried accross the road
from the church. they used a marble slab for grave. Weather was warm, roads
dusty. Ira Brown.
Page 27
4 Jul l898 Coffin for Killian Walters, age 22 yrs., son of Orlando Walters, died
4th. John Marshal came after the coffin & box said they wanted to bury him the
same day. They wanted to leave the house at 3:00 in the afternoon, so after
dinner we put rough box in under hearse. Jode Shultz went. They buried him at
the White Church which is 11 miles from Warren direct north. Warm & dusty.
8 Jul 1898 Casket & box for Lewis Lamon's son, 1 yr. old. The little one was
scalded, it died Thursday 7th. The funeral was the 8th at the Christian Church
conducted by Rev. R.M.Throp. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Ira Brown.
4 Aug 1898 Coffin & box for Albert Man, died at his brother1s Ed Man 3rd 7 1/2
miles from Warren and i mile north of Kelso. John Williams & Eliza Man came to
the store and selected the casket and suit. Thursday morning Jode Shultz took
hearse and went to house. Funeral was held at the residence conducted by Rev.
Henderson. They came back through Warren to the Cory Cemetery, about 6 miles of
Warren.
4 Aug 1898 coffin & box for McCoy's child, died at Dillman, Wells Co., IN 3rd.
Hi Jackson and his mother came to our store to see about slippers for the child.
Timbly Rigs came after coffin and box on the 3rd. They left the store at 9:00 in
evening. They buried the child on 4th. Funeral at Dillman. We did not attend.
8 Aug 1898 Coffin & box for John W. Banter's child ordered by Jack Herring. The
child died Sunday 7th, they buried it 8th.
8 Aug 1898 Coffin & box for Gorden Edwin Simmer's child, age 18 months. It died
Sunday 7th. Its mother had come from Oregon to Warren to see her parents
(Fowlers). The funeral was held at the residence Monday by Rev. Suman. Burial in
Woodlawn Cemetery attended with buggy. T. Slater dug grave. Ira Brown.
18 Aug 1898 White plush casket for William Williamson's child, age 3 months,
died Wednesday 17th. The next day in the evening services was conducted by Rev.
Suman after which the child was carried to the depo by 4 little girls. The
little one was put in a box and the parents took it to Bradford, PA for burial
in Oak Hill Cemetery. I.F.B.
19 Aug 1898 Plush casket for Mrs. E.A.Free, age 19 yrs, died in Warren 18th of
consumption. Ira Brown went to the home. Mrs. James Foreman & Evaling Hubard
assisted. The next day they had the funeral at the home conducted by Rev. Etter.
Mrs. Free's mother was present and that was all of her folks that could come. We
left the house in the afternoon, used hearse. Six young ladies acted as
pallbearers. We went to the Woodlawn Cemetery for burial. Very warm. Ira F.
Brown.
26 Aug 1898 Cloth casket & box for Samuel Jackson charged to Daniel Resinger. He
died Wednesday at Mr. Risinger's 24th. He was 75 yrs. old. Ira Brown went to the
house. they did not know when
Page 28
they would bury him. They had telephoned from Montpelier to Cincinnati, OH for
some of the family but had got no returns, so they decided to bury Friday 26th.
I saw several that night that I knew, George Plessinger, Clem Rigs and others. I
got home about 1:00 Thursday morning. Friday 26th I took casket in hearse and
went to Risingers. I got to the home at 8:30 I met my old friend William
Frazier. We then went to Asbury Church for Funeral conducted by a Dunkard
preacher from Montpelier. Buried Asbury Cemetery. Got home about 2:00 in
Afternoon. Weather very warm and dusty. I.F.B.
29 Aug 1895 Casket & box for Calvin Andrew, born NC 5 Dec 1821, died on his farm
2 miles from Warren Saturday night 27th. Riley Andrew was at his father’s house
when he died, so he ask Sam Ranger to come after Ira Brown & Jode Shultz wernt
out and attended the body. The next morning James Riley & Charles Andrew all
son's of Calvin andrew selected the casket. Sunday evening Ira & Jode took
casket out and returned home. Next day Ira Brown took new hearse, Coll Perdue
went along to take care of the team. We started fro Warren at 1:00. The Masonic
order was waiting to take charge of the funeral conducted in the M.E.Church by
Rev. Suman. The Masonic order marched in front of the hearse to Masonic
Cemetery. Grandchildren were pallbearers. T.Slater dug the grave.
30 Aug 1898 Coffin & box for William Irwin's child, being a twin, died monday
29th. J. Thurston come with Mr. Irwin. I went out and Will told me about the
burial, said the funeral was to be held at his home 30th in the afternoon. Ira
Brown went to his home in the buggy and took coffin. Funeral was conducted by
Rev. Rush. Mrs. Add Thurston rode from the home in the buggy. We put coffin in
our laps. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. T. Slater dug grave. I.F.B.
3 Sep 1898 Coffin & box for William Irwin's child, being a twin, died 2nd. Will
Irwin ordered coffin, said he wanted it like the other one. Funeral was to be
the same In the afternoon Ira Brown & Dessie Brown went in buggy. Services were
conducted as before. Weather was very warm and dusty. Ira Brown.
5 Sep 1898 Cloth casket, box, robe & slipers for Riley Stanton's wife, age 69
born Fayette Co., IN, died Friday night 2nd. Lewis Mills came after Ira Brown to
take care of the body. Ira Brown & Jode Shultz went out, starting from Warren
about midnight. It is nearly 10 miles from Warren. When we got back it was
almost daylight. Someone came after the box the 3rd. Sunday morning 4th Ira
Brown & George Unrue took Hearse, drove to Stanton's took casket in house. We
were assisted by Mrs. Lewis Mills and two other ladies. We went to Rockford in
Wells Co., IN for funeral. William Chopson & wife, D.L.Elliott & wife, and
others attended the funeral. Burial was above Rockford. I.F.B.
7 Sep 1898 Coffin & box for George Pierson's infant, child only lived a few
hours. Ira Brown went with the father over to see John Leonard. He said we could
put the little one in the Mitchel Cemetery, so we went over and selected a
place. We came back to
Page 29
the store, George Unrue went with the father and they took the box and dug the
grave and buried the little one the same day.
19 Sep 1898 Furnished a small box, covered it with muslin and lined it inside
for Charles Foust's small child. Lived Warren, IN. It was a very small child so
we used a small box. It only lived 5 or 6 days, died 18th. About 7:00 Sunday
morning 19th Jode Shultz & Ira Brown took buggy to home. Mrs. James Foreman was
there and put the little one in the box, then we took it to the Masonic
Cemetery. We went alone and dug the grave on Adam Foust's lot and buried the
little one and returned home.
27 Sep 1898 Casket, box & burial wrapper for William Oxley's child. It was
ordered and taken from the store by D.B.Camblin & W.S.Camblin. Mr. Oxley lives
near Farrville in Grant Co., IN. Burial was to be in Farrville Cemetery. They
levt the store about 10:00 at night 27th. I.F.B.
28 Sep 1898 Cloth casket & box for H. K. Baily, died Monday 26th. Isaac Smith
came after Ira Brown to go take care of the body. I went to the home about 3
miles north of Warren. I then returned home. Mr. Baily's two son’s selected the
casket. Tuesday evening Ira Brown took casket to home in small furniture wagon.
Ross Gill & Emanual Hart assisted in putting the body in casket. I then returned
home. Next morning 28th Ira Brown went alone with hearse to the home. The
pallbearers were: J. Roudybush, R. Gill, J. Blair, M. McElwain & W. Stroup. We
then went to West Union Church for funeral. The weather was very warm. I.F.B.
30 Sep 1898 Plush casket & box for Daniel Risingerts child, died Thursday 29th.
Mr. Risinger’s brother came after and ordered casket and robe. Ira Brown went
over to Bluffton, IN in the evening and was not at home when he came, so Jode
Shultz waited on him. The next day Friday 30th Ira Brown took Hearse and went to
the home. We let his home about 1:00 in afternoon and. went to Sugar Grove
Church where funeral was held by Rev. Lewis Huffman. It was layed to rest in
Jones Cemetery near the church. Weather was very warm. Ira Brown.
3 Oct 1898 Coffin & box for Frank Wolfe,s child He lives at Van Buren, IN 8
miles from Warren. Eldon Roush ordered coffin & robe and took it with him in his
buggy to Van Buren. Another man took the box to West Union Cemetery and dug the
grave. The attended to the remains themselves and buried he little one the day
day Monday 3rd in West Union Cemetery. They passed the Kreig funeral. I.F.B.
3 Oct 1898 Casket, box & burial wrapper for Hattie L. Craig, wife of Mack Craig,
age 31 yrs., died 1 Oct, born 28 Dec 1866. Oscar McElwain came after Ira Brown
about 3:00 Sunday morning 3rd. Ira Brown went out to Craig’s about 8 miles from
Warren and took care of body, returned home about 8:00 in the morning. Sunday
evening Oscar McElwain & wife and James Craig came to our store and selected
casket and wrapper. Monday morning Ira Brown took hearse and casket to home.
They had a great many beautiful flowers.
After we got everything all arranged all viewed the remains at the home then we
went to the M.E.Church at Majenica where the funeral was conducted by Rev.
Alexander assised by Rev. Hacker, Suman and Roush all M.F.Ministers. The casket
was not opened at the church. We put casket in hearse and started for Warren
near 1:00. I.F.B.
Page 30
25 Oct 1898 Casket & pine box for _____ ______- Ordered by Alexander Ruse. Ira
Brown took hearse about 4 1/2 miles from Warren. funeral at house, burial in
Mitchel Cemetery.
31 Oct 1898 Coffin & box for Daniel Risinger's little daughter, died 30th of
diptheria. Monday morning Ira Brown went with hearse. there were only 2 or 3
persons there. We put coffin in house through the window and an old lady that
was there helped me put body in casket. There was a small child that was very
sick and we acted accordingly. We let the family look at the little girl through
the window. Then we went to Jones Cemetery for burial. None of the family went
along. Ira. Brown.
30 Nov 1898 Black cloth casket for Joshua Beard, died 30th, born Prible Co., OH
21 Jun 1924, died at his son's William Beard. Philip Shafer came and ordered
casket and said they wanted to bury him Saturday. We got the grave dug and
ordered flowers. Saturday Ira Brown took herse and went to house, put body in
csket after we put suit of clothes on him. Isaac Beard was away from home at the
time of his father's death but got home in time to attend the funeral. We went
to Warren for the funeral at the Christian Church conducted by Rev. Etter and
Went to Masonic Cemetery for burial. Pallbearers were: John Hultz, Howard
Thompson, Andrew Gephart, John Thompson, Phil Shafer and Jery Woods. The roads
was muddy on the pike. Ira Brown.
23 Nov 1898 Cloth casket & box for Elizabeth Hudson, died. at her daughter's
house Mrs. Emma Green, 1 mile above Warren on Mrs. Sallie Gephart's farm 23rd,
age 57 yrs, born in Nox Co., OH. They came after me about 12:00 at night. Jode
Shultz and Ira Brown went to the home and attended to body. They had short
service at the home held by Brother Etters. Services were held bout 4:00 in in
the evening fter which the remains were put in the hearse and taken to the depo
in time for the 6:00 train going east. They took the remains to Richwood, Oh for
bural 24th. I.F.B.
28 Nov 1898 Cloth casket & box for John Rittenhouse. His son’s came to our store
and selected casket for their father. They said they were going to bury him
Thursday Dec 1st. A man took the box as soon as we got it ready. Thursday
morning Ira Brown took hearse and went to the home. We met John Marshall at the
four mile Church and he went with me and assisted in putting body in casket. We
left about ll:00 for the White Church where the funeral was conducted by
W.H.Belfry. His age was 57 yrs., born in Shelby Co., IN. He was buried in the
Baptist Cemetery 4 miles from Warren.
5 Dec 1898 Cloth casket. & box for Joseph Rittenhonse, age 63 yrs. One of his
daughters Frs. Fred Stetch and Fred Dumbold came and
Page 31
selected the casket and robe. It was on Sunday and it was cold and very snowy.
Monday morning Ira Brown went with hearse on runners and went to the home. We
left the home at 1:00 in the afternoon and went to West Union where funeral was
conducted by W.H.Belfry, burial was in the same yard. I.F.Brown.
19 Dec 1898 Black Cloth casket for Mrs. Evaline Sowers, age 69 yrs., born
Clinton Co., OH, wife of Lewis Sowers, died Firday morning 15th about 4:00.
Harvey Gephart came after Ira Brown to come out and care for the body. Ira went
alone, it is 6 miles north of Warren. I ate dinner before I returned to Warren.
Mrs. Sowers told me the kind of casket she wanted. I also ordered flowers.
Saturday evening 17th I took casket to the home. It was cold and windy. The
funeral was held on Sunday. Then Sunday morning Ira Brown went with hearse
alone, left home about 10:00 in the morning, arrived at West Union Church about
11:30 where Funeral was conducted by Rev. W.H.Belfre of Warren, burial was in
Church Cemetery.
27 Dec 1898 White plush casket & box for Alphus James' child, died Sunday
evening 25th. Monday morning the father of the child and Grand father W.H.Crum
came to our store and ordered casket and sliffers and said they wanted us to
come with Hearse Tuesday morning. We got Ves Shull to go and attend Funeral. The
child was layed to rest in Jones Cemetery. They lived about 3 1/2 mile from
Warren. We got team of Wise. Weather very cold and windy.
27 Dec 1898 Cloth casket, box, robe and slippers for Joseph McNatt, died at the
home of B.J.King in Liberty twp., Wells Co., IN 7 1/2 miles east of Warren, born
21 Jan 1812, died Sunday night 25th. Perry Monsey came to our store Monday 26th,
selected casket said they wanted to be at Africa Church at 10:00. Ira Brown went
with hearse, put the box in the hearse and took it as far as the old Monsey
farm. We took it frm hearse and a boy took it in a sled to the Snow Cemetery in
Wells Co., IN. Funeral was conducted by Rev. Winams of Baptist faith. His age
was 85 yrs. The preacher did no to Cemetery. Roads very bad, cold and windy.
I.F.B.
10 Jan 1899 White plush casket for the M.E.Minister's child of Van Buren, IN. T.
J. Draper came to our store in the evening on the 6:00 train from Van Buren and
took casket back with him on the 9:24 train. The same evening or the nex day
W.R.Suman went to Van Buren and preached the funeral. Ira F. Brown.
17 Jan 1899 Black cloth casket for _____ Jones, she lived 8 miles east of
Warren, died 15th. Albert Terhune came after Casket and robe he took the rough
box with him. Tuesday morning Ira Brown went with hearse to the home where the
funeral was conducted at house by Elder Winnans of Liberty Center, of Baptist
faith. After the funeral was over we put casket in hearse and then we started to
go to Grove Cemetery. The roads was very muddy. Frank White rode with me on the
hearse. We had Andrew Wire's black team and we had to stop several times on the
way. I.F.Brown.
(the rest of 1899 records missing)
Page 32
1890
Jan. 1 - Was raining all day, was no trade except Loyd S. Jones brought a single
lounge to get repaired. No other occurence of importance.
Jan. 2 - Weather not cold but cloudy. The River bank full and raised until noon.
Adum Neff's baby died and I went over accross the river to his house with the
cooling board to lay it on. Mrs. Bell finkle and Mrs. Ellie Jones assisted. The
band is flaw playing for the theater.
Jan. 3 - I attended the funeral of Adum Neff’s baby. The funeral was preached by
Rev. George Hubbart at the house. The child was intered in the Taylor Cemetery.
The hearse was used and roads was very muddy. Sam Slater went along to hold the
horses. The grave was dug by John Finkle, Isiah Barnes, William Andrew and James
Vendrix. The attendance was very good owing to the very bad roads. I came home
from the cemetery and drove around in front of Finkle's Mill and washed the
wheels of the hearse. In the evening I bought a small bill of undertaking goods
of E.D.Gaston, agent for Ezra Smith and Co., Richmond, IN. In the evening went
to Pulse's Hall to a opera play.
Jan. 4 - I come down to the shop and from the shop went to the stable and got
the team ready to go haul some cane chairs from the R.R., came back and hitched
the team in front of shope. In the afternoon the band came along and our team
broke loose, they were caught in front of Riley Andrew's Blacksmith shop by
James Vendrix. I attended the Warren Tri County fair meeting in which I had a
share of stock, $25.00. The stock holders had some ____ in the secretaries Isaac
Beard and Adum Foust in which Isaac Beard was elected by 1 and a half votes.
Jones Good was elected President and William Swaim corresponding secretary.
Samuel Roush, Henry Creveston, Adum Hannah, Samuel Williams, S.A.Pulse, Enurst
Thompson, George Sprowl, Isiah Barnes, Howard Thompson. Levi Simons, Byron
Whitmer, Perry Poulison, John Surran, John Morris, Lloyd Jones, William Beard,
John Hultz, Charles Morgan, Ed Hows, James Andrew, Ludwell Shadle, Ed Young,
Samuel Morrison, Markus McCord, Joseph Elder, James Purvince and others attended
the meeting. I got a half cord of wood of D.B.Adget. I attended the concert with
my little girl Dessie.
Sunday, Jan. 5 - Was a very rainy day and was very quiet. I was in Albert Coles
Drugstore talking with a few gentlemen who had gathered in there. Mr. Seaton,
Ezra Thompson, Sim Turner, Isiah Barnes, John Morris, Sink smith and others were
in. I also was in the Sprowl Drugstore, Loyd Jones and James E. Christie were
present also. In the evening I had a conversation with Volney Ewart under the
shed of Elliot's and Christiets shoe store. We~walked up to the corner of Joseph
Elder's building and tere we met Marcus Mccord, talked a few moments and all
went home. As I passed the bank Will Little and Ernest Thompson were in the bank
playing the guitars and singing.
Page 33
Jan. 6 - I hauled some funiture from the R.R. Sold a cupboard to Isaac Sparks
and delivered it to his house. Bought a bushel of corn of D.B.Adzet at 40 cents.
Enstalled officers at K.O.F.M. Lodge Hall. Elected John Gass to go to Elkhart to
attend Grand Lodge. Sold 40 chairs to Jonithan whitelock for Plum Tree Christain
Church, but has not taken them at this date. Still Warm and muddy.
Jan. 7 - I went and helped James Andrew send some money away for the K.O.F.M.
Monroe Jones brought a bureau to get varnished over. Sold a cupboard, set of
chairs, rocking chair and center table to Leopold Reuf. Is spitting snow and
turning colder
Jan. 8 - The weather is a little cooler. I sent some money away to whole sale
houses. In the evening I was called from home to go up to Isaac Follis’ to lay
out a small girl 10 years old. she died upsatairs and we carried her downstairs
into another room. She was laid out on the cooling board. I embalmed body, was
assisted by Mrs Calub Wiley and Mrs. Elisha Christman. The family did not want
her buried until the 10th. they wished a burial wrapper lenght 54 in., white. We
had not the size, I telegraphed to J.M.Hutton & Co., Richmond, In for one and
recieved it the next day. That was all for that day.
Jan. 9 - I brought some goods from the R.R., Jonathan Whiteclock came after the
chairs for the Plum Tree Church. Jacob Fry came along with him. Noey Wilmore was
along. they took the chairs from the depot. Took a wardrobe to William Chopson.
In the evening I hunted the town over for John Morris to go over to the Mitchell
Cemetery to pick out a lot for Isaac Follis. Could not find him. Went to his
house and found out he had gone out to James Wigner’s to butcher. I put off
seeing about the lot until next day. Nothing more. I went home
Jan. 10 - I went over to John Leonards, met him near the barn to feed his
cattle. He gave them some hay and then we went over to the Mitchell cemetery and
picked out a lot for Isaac Follis’ child.
A. Waltzer commenced digging the grave. I came over to the barn fed the horses
and come up to the shop and there was a man wanting a small coffin for William
f. Herring’s child. After we sent it out there came in another measure for
Carrie Roush's wife. I.K. Clark & T. Chopson came after it then I went to Isac
Foilis’ to attend the burial of his child. the coprs was carried from the house
to the church. George hubart preached the funeral. the body was taken in the
hearse to the cemetery. Hubart went along to pronounce the benedition. I came
home got my dinner and then washed hearse wheels off under the outlet of the
fish pond.
Jan. 11 - Was very warm and nuddy. Did not do any business except I took a
marble top center table up to aunt Sallie Gepharts for her daughter Katie. In
the eneving I went to a Flag Festival and entertainment in Pulses Hall with
marching and singing. they also gave supper, had ice cream. The girs had badges
on to represent the States. estella ream was grand officer and gave command.
Page 34
Mother and my little girl Dessie were there and I bought the cake my mother had
baked. Mrs. Mag Good, Mrs. Lizie Anderson, Mrs. Seaton and others were there.
Effa Paulse was Gypsie Queen and Fred Sprowl’s little girl was Indian.
Sunday, Jan. 12 I came down in town in the morning went to the barn fed the
horses, came back to Coles' Drug store and found Sink Smith. Isiah Barnes and
others in the room. Went home got my dinner, come back went to the news office
had a talk with John Surran and then over to E.R.Smethurst's hardware store
porch. There was Jef Jones, Lon Taylor, James christie and Ven Finkle. we all
had a talk. The weather was warm and pleasant.
Jan. 13 - In the morning it was very windy and cold, there was some snow
falling. It stayed windy and cold all day but did not freeze enough to hold
horses up from breaking through. there was not nothing doing in town all day.
Ves shull; Mahion Chery, samuel Shultz, David McMahon and others ware in the
shop in the forenoon. Frank Huff played on an old mandolian that we were
repairing for him and then Will shultz and Frank Huff took it over to his house.
In the evening I fed the horses Nag and Grany. went up to Albert Coles Drug
Store talked with Ezra thompson, Albert Coles, George Good, Volney Ewart, and
others. the Grand Army had a supper in the evening.
Jan. 14 - I went down to the stable tied the horses outside the barn to the
fence, was called to the shop to furnish a small coffin for Walter A Balk's
child. In the afternoon I hauled a load of wood from John Finkles, 1 cird if 17
ub wiid was all I could draw. Larimer wanted me to haul him load but I refused.
That was all of importance.
Jan. 15 - Was very dull in town. I went up to the R.R. shipped a book case to
Van Buren to George Camblin. Nothing more of importance. Shook hands with Bob
McFadden in front of Ewart and Thorp hard ware store.
Jan. 16 - Was the coldest day up to date. Froze the hardest. Was nothing doing
the whole day. Sold a looking glass to S.A.Pulse. In the evening George Kregbaum
and I sat up with Dr. Bonifield. He was sick at the Foreman house.
Jan. 17 - Was rather cool in the morning. I did nothing in the forenoon. After
dinner Taylor slayter whent with me to get a load of wood. He took shot gun
along. On the road we met Mires Bros’s teams with logs. went to Beorge Gephars
after the wood. After we came back we went up to R.R. after some chairs,
returning to the shop Samuel Colbert and Henry Dalrimple had come after a coffin
for Daniel Coolman and it had to be very large, 6 ft. 6in. + 27. It took William
shultz and myself after dark to get the coffin and box ready for them to take
along with them. They wanted the hearse but coffin was to large it would not go
inside the hearse. That is all of importance.
Page 35
Jan. 18 - I came down to the shop in the morning and found nobody there. Will
Shultz came up to the shop after awhile and said he was sick, probably had the
Lagripee or Influenze, has not been back since. We have not had any trade today
to amount to much. I sold James Conwell a set of carpet chairs walnut. the roads
is still rough.
Jan. 19 - Was not very cold. I was in Albert Coles Drug store had a talk with
Hiram Gill concerning the nomination in wells County (Democratic) most of the
canidates lived in Bluffton. Went home came back in the evening to S.V.Kintz
restarant had talk with him a short shile and them went home.
Jan. 20 - I am staying at the shop by myself today it is very disagreeable
weather. Jef Jones and Joseph Shultz are talking about drillin wells. taylor
Slater is going over to Huntington to sell sasfrass root. I made a trade with
David Clampit for some wood for shop, traded him a dark bed stead for 3 cord
round pole wood.
Jan. 21 - I am still by myself today is extremely cold and windy. I sold Samuel
Robers a small bill of furniture. He did not take the looking glass to the
bureau because he was afraid he would get it broke. That was all the trade we
had that day. William Shultz is not with me yet.
Jan. 22 - The weather is still cold. I came from home to the shop built a fire
and went down to the stable fed old Mag and Grany (our horses) came back to the
shop and found Charley smethurst in shop said he had come to work to take the
place of William Shultz. did no work except to frame a picture for allen
christinan. In the evening I was going along Pulses’s & Frash’s dry goods store
and Ves Kintze stopped me and said some of the clerks had left the door
unlocked. I stayed at the door while Kintz went up in the Hall to tell Charles
Fresh about it but he was not there, were no one in the ball except a troupe
that was rehearsing, Kintz then went up the street to find S.A.Pulse. He found
him, came back with the key to the store. By that time George Sprowl came along
and all three of us went in the store looked all through the store to see if
anybody were inside of the store. We found no one inside, so Mr. Kintz locked
the store up. George Sprowl and I went to his drug store and in a few moments I
went home.
Jan. 23 There were nothing doing in town all day and as there were nothing of
importance I will close.
JAN. 24 - came down town in morning fed old Mag & Grany come back to the shop
then I remained all day till evening. I did nothing of importance that day.
Jan. 25 - I came down town in the morning went to the shop found John Mossburg
at shop he was after a coffin for Stephen Allan’s son. He lived in Liberty
Center Wells Co., IN. Sent coffin by express. Sold a bureau to Mr. Ruble, also
sold a bed to Samuel
Page 36
Jackson, also a $2.00 bed spring. He took them home in his spring wagon. That is
all the business we did that day. In the evening I went around to the stores
until about 9:00 I then went to barber shop and got shaved and then went home.
Sunday, Jan. 26 - I were home in the morning eating breakfast when there was a
rap at the door. I answered there were a boy after me to go out to Mickia I.
Sours his wife is dead and wanted me to come out to his house and embalm her so
they could bury her Tuesday, so I did the embalming after I got throug I ate
dinner and then came home by way of Plum Tree, when I reached home John Neff and
Henry Keller were after a coffin for Spangler’s daughter (at Bellville) John
Budd wanted to pay expenses but he was worth nothing we could not stand it they
returned home and brought Michael Zent which he stood good for the funeral
expenses of the girl. So charley smethurst and I trimmed the coffing the same
evening then I ordered some coffin hardware by express then went home.
Jan. 27 I got up in the morning went to the barn fed the hores came back ate my
reakfast and them go tready to attend the funeral of Mr. spengler's daughter
which were preached at the church at Bellville, the church being accross the
road from the house of which this were the first funeral ever preached in the
church. Had ladies for pall bearres she was intered in the Mitchell cemetery.
Rev. George Hubart went over and dismissed. I returned home and put the team
away and then went home after my dinner. Nothing more of importance.
Jan. 28 - I attended the funeral of Mrs. Michen Sours. Brother Boswell preached
the funeral. He was behing time owning that the vault would not be done. the
roads was very rough so we could not have very speedy time. there were a
gentleman came up to me shook hands with me said he wanted to encourage me sid I
was extremely good in handling an audiance at funerals. I came home had the
cooling board with me. That was all at value.
Jan. 29 - I came cown to the shop went to the barn fed the horses and then I
went over to the express office sent away some money for the K.O.F.M. Charles
Clampit and another man party had William good making some deeds. they did the
writing in my shop. I hauled some furniture from the R.R. also some oak lumber
from Mires Bro’s saw mill Sam Slater helped me. That is all
Jan. 30 - I came down to the shop we did not do very much business so you see I
can not give you much. Samuel Huffman was in the shop. I went around town in the
evening and then went home.
Jan. 31 - I came down to shop went to stable fed the horses old Mag & Grany.
charley smethurst is sick will not be here today. Samuel Jackson & Zeb Stanton
came after a coffin for Joseph Sambs. Samuel Jackson helped me get the box ready
so he could get back home quick. His children was sick with Lagrippee. they told
me to bring the coffin out in the hearse in the morning. I went out got shaved
in the evening and went home.
Page 37
Feb. 1 - I came down to the shop helped run the hearse out then started with
hearse & coffin out to Sambs the roads was very muddy. Barnes went along with me
to the burial. Rev. George Henderson preached the funeral. He rode with me in
the hearse to cemetery. I got so cold that I chilled all over, came home and got
my supper and went to bed sick. Head aked all night.
Feb. 2 - I layed in bed all day. I ate no breakfast but got up at dinner and ate
some. I then bather all over put on clean clothes and stayed in house all day.