Source: "Footprints of Martin County"
Vol. XVI, Summer 2003, Issue 3
Courtesy of Cathy Clark Beard

Thurs, April 14, 1881 The Herald:

“Emma Burton, wife of George Burton and daughter of Jeremiah and Ellen Williams, departed this life April 8^th at age about 22. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorial (sic) care of Rev. Barr and was a pious young woman and a devoted companion. The funeral services were held in the home of the deceased by the writer.”

“On the 4^th of May, 1881 – Mr. B. R. Kelly whose home was in Nashville, IN but has been working at Swayze’s Mil, died of cerebro-spinal-meningitis at the age of 23 years. Burial at West Union Cemetery.”

“On the 7^th, James, a son of James W. and Belle Hart of Lost River Twp, died of intermittent fever, aged 4 years. Burial at the Shoals Catholic Cemetery.”

“On the 9^th, Jacob II Kitts died at Swayze’s Mill of cerebro-spinal-meningitis, aged 23 years. He was sick about 30 hours. Burial at his home in Osgood, Indiana.”

“(no date) Died – Jesse Renneker at his home in Halbert Twp, Martin Co. IN, last Sunday in his 65^th year. Mr. Renneker was a native of Maryland and came to this state in 1866. Six years ago he became a member of the Christian Church and services were held over is remains at the church here, Elder Mathis preaching an impressive sermon. The corpse was buried in the Shoals Cemetery.

On the 16^th, at same residence as former, Olive Daisy, daughter of George and Melinda Renneker died of brain fever, aged 15 months. Interment at Spring Hill Cemetery.”

“1881 Indianapolis Journal, Martin Co. section:

Mr. Frank Meyer died here Christmas morning. The deceased was born in Hanover, Germany, October 6, 1840 and was in his 41^st year at the time of his death. He died of an ulceration of the stomach. He had been in declining health for a good while. He moved here from Haysville, Dubois County in 1873, to open a saddler’s shop. He was successful in business and had accumulated some means. He was Lutheran in religion and his remains were taken Monday morning to Haysville for interment. The deceased was an upright, industrious, well-meaning man and was one of the best citizens of Shoals. His death is a heavy loss to this community and is universally regretted. He is mourned by a wife and four children yet in tender age. His widow, mother-in-law, brother, brother-in-law and Mrs. Emma Passell attended the funeral.”

“April 1881:

Last Thursday Jesse Stroud committed suicide by cutting his throat from ear to ear. He was about 60 years old. He lived about 4 miles NE of Harrisonville and leaves a wife and several children. He was a Mexican Soldier. He had been in failing health for some years. One of his boys had gone to town for medicine but when he came back, he found his father dead. Stroud had applied for a pension. Sickness and disappointment about his pension and the probable cause of his rash act.”

“Obit – W.F. Poindexter died on the 24^th day of January 1881. Mr. Poindexter was born in February 1856. He taught 3 public schools in this county. He attended school at Bedford and Bloomington. He was married in May 1878 to Miss Emma Baker.

In March 1879 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Shirley at Shoals. He attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College in the winter of 1879 and 1880. Last fall, he resumed his course of lectures at Cincinnati. He came home to spend the holidays with his family. On January 2^nd, he took the measles with symptoms of typhoid fever. He became worse on the 8^th of January and from that time, he gradually sunk, being delirious at times. He leaves to mourn him a wife and a young babe.

Services were held yesterday at the church at Harrisonville at 10:00 a.m. at the conclusion of which the remains were taken to the cemetery for interment. The deceased was respected by all who enjoyed his acquaintance. He was clever and kind to all. It is sad indeed to see one so young cut off in the morning of his life, just on the eve of becoming a useful member of society.”