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Vermillion County Genealogy

Obituaries - D

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Damionaitis, Mary

Submitted by: Karen Zach
Source: Terre Hautre Star Fri 11 March 1960

Clinton, March 10 - Mrs. Mary Damionaitis, 75 years old, 115 South Eleventh Street died at 11:15 o'clock Thursday morning at her residence following a four-months illness. A native of Lithuania, she had lived in this community since 1913. Surviving are the husband, John; one son, Tony Zagurski of Rockville, Ill; one daughter, Mrs. Martha Wolf of Cicero, Ill; one sister, Mrs. Anna Krapus of Terre Haute and six grandchildren. Service arrangements will be announced by the Karanovich Funeral Home.

Davis, Elizabeth (Haskett)

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
The Daily Clintonian, Saturday, March 7, 1914, p1

Mrs. CHARLES DAVIS (ELIZABETH), whose husband is a brother of the former editor of the Hoosier State, Brent Davis, died at Summit Grove, this morning. She was 51 years old and is survived by a son, 10, and her husband.. She was married about 11 years ago. Stomach trouble was given as the cause of death. Three brothers, Monroe, Milo and Charles Haskett and some half brothers and sisters also survive. Mrs. Davis was an active member of the Methodist Church and was treasurer of the woman's foreign missionary society. The funeral probably will be from Salem Church, at 2 p.m. Monday, if Fern Potter, who is attending college in Kentucky, gets home. She has long made her home with the Davis' and regards Mrs. Davis as her mother.

Miss Fern Potter, who has lived with Mr. and Mrs. CHARLES DAVIS of Summit Grove, for many years, arrived home from college, in Kentucky, Sunday afternoon, so the funeral of Mrs. Davis could be held, as planned, at Salem Church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. Rev. Montgomery of Fairview Park, the pastor of the church, was in charge and a large concourse of neighbors and friends joined relatives in a last tribute to the memory of a beloved woman.

Mrs. Davis, as all older residents of Helt's Prairie and vicinity remember, was left an orphan by the death of her mother when she was 18 months old, and was brought up by "Uncle Joe" and "Aunt Phoebe" Skidmore, two of the most beloved of the prominent farmer couples of near Summit Grove. Though not adopted, Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore loved her as a daughter and deeded her about 300 acres of land. Her father, whose name, as well as that of one of her surviving brothers, was Spicer Haskett, was married after her mother's death and there were other children born to him, but they never lived around Summit Grove.

Mrs. Henry Hoagland, who was perhaps the closest friend to Mrs. Davis, the two having been girls together, pays her a high tribute. She says she not only was of a kindly disposition and a good girl and good woman, but in the last 7 or 8 years she became so devoted to church and missionary work, that she in reality sacrificed her life to the cause. Mrs. Hoagland says Mrs. Davis broke her health by hard work in behalf of the church, putting this first in all her thoughts and actions.

Davis, John Wesley

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
The Daily Clintonian Monday, February 23, 1920, p7

J.W. DAVIS, Veteran Millwright, is Dead

JOHN WESLEY DAVIS, who was 67 last July, died Sunday night, after being seriously ill from an attack of influenza. Being a hard worker and anxious to be up and doing, Mr. Davis took turpentine in the hope of warding off the attack, with the result that he injured his weak kidneys. The family advised against the self treatment, but Mr. Davis was so ambitious he was willing to take the chance.

A millwright and miller by trade, Mr. Davis had spent most of his life in Clinton. For the past 15 years he had been with D.R. Murray.

Mr. Davis was born in Clinton County, near Frankfort, where a brother, Samuel Davis, and a sister, Mrs. Hulda Aughe, still live.

On April 28, 1872, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Lydia A. Swinford, who survives him. One daughter, Mrs. H.S. Bulkley, a musician, and 4 grandchildren, who are sons and daughters of the late William Davis, survive. The grandchildren are Mrs. Ernest Harrington, who with her husband, recently has been with Mr. and Mrs. Davis; and Paul and Josephine Davis and Mrs. Kenneth Neal, all of Kansas, IL.

Funeral plans will be arranged as soon as Mr. and Mrs. Bulkley, who are theatrical people, arrive from Florida. Mr. Davis was a member of the Christian Church and Rev. O.K. Doney will conduct the funeral.

It is said by neighbors that Mr. Davis was as good a man as ever lived in Clinton. Faithfulness to his friends, to his family, and to all phases of life's calls to duty, as he saw them, were outstanding characteristics.

Davis, Mary L.(Banta)

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Thursday, August 19, 1875

We are sorry to announce, since our last issue, the death of MARY L. DAVIS, wife of W.T. DAVIS, who died after an illness of near 3 weeks, of typhoid fever, August 16, 1875 at 11:15 a.m. She leaves behind her a husband and 3 little boys, who have the most earnest sympathies of all who know them. She was an affectionate wife, tender mother, and a devoted Christian. She was a woman who was dearly loved by all who knew her. A few days previous to her flight, she called the family to her bedside, and told them that their time had come to part, that she saw her little girl who had gone on before. She requested the children to be good boys and meet her in heaven.

Obituary, MARY L. DAVIS. -- It becomes our duty this week to chronicle the death of Mrs. MARY L. DAVIS, wife of WILLIAM T. DAVIS, who resides 4 miles west of Highland, in Helt township. This sad event occurred at 11:15 oclock on last Monday morning, after an illness of 17 days.

Mrs. DAVIS was the daughter of JACOB BANTA, who resides about 3 miles northwest of Waveland, in Parke County. She was born August 8, 1840, at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and died August 16, 1875, and was just 35 years and 8 days old.

On the 9th of October, 1859, she was united in wedlock to WILLIAM T. DAVIS, by Rev. M.L. GREEN, and on Tuesday last, at Salem Church, Helts Prairie, the same minister, assisted by Rev. M.B. WOOD, preached her funeral discourse. After services were over, the remains were taken to the cemetery, one half mile west of the church, and there deposited in the silent tomb beside her 2 little children who had passed on before.

Mrs. DAVIS had been a member of the M.E. Church about 12 years, and died in the faith that she would be rewarded with a home in the celestial city. She was a kind and noble wife, an affectionate mother, a good neighbor, an honorable member of society, respected and esteemed by all who knew her. She leaves a husband, and 3 little children, GRANT, ELMER, and HOWARD, aged respectively 10, 13, and 15 years, and a large number of relatives and a host of warm friends who will sadly lament her untimely death. 

Davis, Mary Malinda (Houchin)

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
Montezuma Enterprise, Thursday, August 19, 1915, Montezuma, Indiana

OBITUARY
Mary Malinda Houchin, daughter, of Jesse and Elizabeth Houchin, was born in Vermillion county, Indiana, Sept. 24, 1850, and died August 10, 1915, at her house in Montezuma, Ind.  Early in life she joined the Baptist church and ever after expressed her faith in her Lord and Redeemer.
On October 2nd, 1809, she was married to Silas Davis, who proceeded her in death. There were born to them thirteen children: Phineas S., Maude B., and Wm H. who died in childhood. Those who are left to mourn her loss are: (Mrs. Nona Richardson, ) Mrs. Glen G. Whitesell and Mrs. Mary L Durham of Rockville, Ind.; Mrs. Lizzie Sims, Mrs. Hattie Dugger and Frank Davis, of Clinton; Mrs. Jessie Gosnell, of Alberta, Canada; Mrs. Pearl Rein, of Benton Harbor, Mich.; and Roy and Robert Davis, of Montezuma.

She has thirty grandchildren and six great grandchildren with many other relatives and friends to mourn the loss of this dear mother. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dye of St. Bernice. Interment at Pisgah cemetery, Vermillion county, Indiana.

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy shown during the sickness and death of our mother and sister, Mary M. Davis, Relatives.

Dehaven, Jacob

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Thursday, July 2, 1868

Died -- At the residence of SAMUEL DEHAVEN, 3 miles south of Newport, on Saturday, the 27th ultimate, JACOB DEHAVEN, in the 83rd year of his age. Mr. DEHAVEN settled in this county when it was a wilderness, and has been permitted to live and see it build up and become one of the first in the State. He was engaged in the Indian War under Col. DICK JOHNSON, of Kentucky; was present at the Battle of the Thames, and assisted JOHNSON off the field after he was wounded. Thus has passed away another landmark of the past.

Delp, Margaret Foxworthy

Contributed by: Karen Zach
Crawfordsville Journal-Review Crawfordsville, Montgomery County Indiana 17-Jan-1977 p 2

Marshall Mrs. Margaret Delp, 55, of Rt. 1, Marshall died at 12:10 p.m. Saturday in Vermillion County Hospital, Clinton. Mrs. Delp was a member of the Home Demonstration Club of Parke County and Ladies Aid Society of Friends Union Church. She attended Sterling Christian Church at Veedersburgh. Born July 28, 1921 in Indiana, she was a daughter of Ward and Dorothy Meers Foxworthy. She married Donald Delp November 16, 1944. He survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Mrs. Lloyd (Nancy ) Holliday of Darlington, Mrs. Kenneth (Mary) Smith of Kingman dnd Mrs. Gene (Ellen) Measel of Marshall, 3 brothers, Archie Foxworthy of Marshall, Oscar Foxworthy of Veedesrburg and Earl Foxworthy of Thorntown; a sister, Mrs. Nell Jackson of Crawfordsville and 8 grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Wolfe Creek Church near Wallace with Rev. Kenneth Salin officiating. Burial in the church Cemetery. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services. Friends may call at Woodrow Funeral Home at Kingman 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today.

Depuy, Maria

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
Newport Hoosier State (From Terre Haute Gazette), Thursday, April 8, 1875

Early Friday morning, March 26, 1875, Mrs. Maria Depuy, wife of A.H. Depuy MD, died at her residence on North Sixth and a half Street. Mrs. Depuy was bon in Williams County, January 1, 1829, and her home has always been in this state. She joined the Baptist Church at "Hiddles Prairie", about 1851. During the last 5 years she has resided in Terre Haute. For many years she has suffered very much, gradually wasting away under the hand of the disease. Her heart was in the cause of religion, and inher severe trials she gave many testimonies to the power of Christ to strengthen and give hope. She leaves a husband and son, and a wide circle of friends, who mourn her loss.

Dewey, Mrs. H. P.

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Wednesday, February 18, 1880

Mrs. H.P. DEWEY died very suddenly at her home, two miles south of town, last Monday morning.

Dicken, Daniel C.

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Wednesday, June 16, 1880

DANIEL C. DICKEN, who resided one half mile west of town, died at 3:05 on last Saturday afternoon, aged 58 years, 1 month, and 29 days. He had been confined to his room for four months, with chronic inflammation of the stomach. Mr. DICKEN was a good and substantial citizen, and had been a resident of this township ever since he was born, with the exception of about one year, which he lived in Illinois. His funeral took place at 10 oclock on last Sunday morning, from his late residence, and was very largely attended. There were no services further than prayer and singing, which was conducted by Rev. M.J. Green, pastor of the M.E. Church here. His remains were taken to the Thomas Cemetery for interment.

Doncarlos, Minerva

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Danville Daily News, Thursday, November 15, 1888, p2

Georgetown News -- Died, at her residence in this village, on the 8th instant, at 12 o'clock noon, Mrs. MINERVA DONCARLOS, wife of J. V. Doncarlos. Mrs. Doncarlos was a native of New Hampshire, born in 1822, but has been for many years a resident of this county. She was married 39 years ago (in Vermillion County, IN), leaving a husband and a married daughter, 3 sisters, and one brother, together with a host of friends to mourn on account of her departure. She was converted when but 14 years of age and was a member of the M.E. Church of this place. She was a very active member of the Ladies' Aid Society, and perhaps her activity in this direction may have led to her untimely death. The society gave a dinner and supper on the 6th, the day of the election, at Richie Hall, and she was very active in the duties all day and late at night. She left feeling unwell, continuing to grow worse until her death on Thursday as stated. Mrs. Doncarlos was a Christian lady, generous, affable, and energetic. The ladies' society loses one of its most effective workers, the community a charitable neighbor, the church an exemplary member and the home a faithful wife and mother. Funeral was preached on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, by Rev. W.A. Reynolds, after which her remains were deposited in the Georgetown Cemetery. Her sister, Mrs. May, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, who had been telegraphed for, did not reach here until Sunday noon.

Douglas, Charles S.

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, November 14, 1983

Hillsdale - Charles S. Douglas, 64, Route 1, died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday at Vermillion Convalescent Center, Clinton. He was a farmer. He was born March 17, 1919, at Hillsdale to Hosea and Mae Spurgeon Douglas. His wife, Helen, died in February 1953. Survivors include one daugter, Charlene Diemer, Indianapolis, and two grandsons. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Brown Funeral Home, Montezuma, with the Rev Ray Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Helt's Prairie Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

Downs, Cyrus

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
Clinton Weekly Clintonian, Thursday, April 22, 1915, Clinton, Indiana

CYRUS DOWNS DIES, BODY RETURNED HERE
Cyrus Downs, who will be remembered by the elder residents of the city and township, died at Indianapolis, Wednesday, and the remains have been brought to this city. The body was taken to the home of E.A. White, whose father was, practically, the foster father of Mr. Downs. The burial was Friday afternoon, at the Salem cemetery in Helt township.

"Cy" Downs, as he was familiarly known, was the youngest of three Downs boys, who were left orphans when mere children. The late Orville White, father of Ed and Harry White, then a prominent farmer living near the Clinton and Helt township line, took "Cy" into his home and reared him to manhood. He was loyal to his benefactor and proved a valuable farm hand.

But, reaching manhood, he drifted from the farm, and during the past thirty years had been working and living in various parts of the state. During recent years he had been employed by a packing company at Indianapolis. Since leaving Clinton, he has married, and is survived by two daughters, the wife having died about ten years ago.He had always said he wanted to be buried at Clinton in the little church yard near where he grew to manhood and his being brought here is in compliance with his request.

Besides the two daughters, the deceased is survived by a brother, Howard Downs, who is a veteran of the Civil war, and for many years was a character about the village. Howard, it is said, became a preacher, after leaving Clinton, and is now living in some little town in Illinois.

Douglas, Hosea M.

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
Terre Haute Tribune, Terre Haute, Indiana, Monday, October 25, 1943

Hosea M. Douglas
Special To The Tribune

Hillsdale, Ind., October 25 - Hosea M. Douglas, 66 years old, died at the residence in Hillsdale at 6:30 o'clock Monday morning. Surviving are the wife, May, one son Charles (Charley) of Indianapolis; one sister, Mrs. Ed. McMillan of Newport, and one brother, Kersey, also of Newport. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The body was taken to the Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Burial will be made in Helt's Prairie cemetery.

Douglas, Kenneth

Submitted by: Cindy Taylor-Matuse
Terre Haute Tribune, Terre Haute, Indiana, February 15, 1934

Kenneth E. Douglas
Special To The Tribune
Clinton, Ind., Feb 15 - Kenneth E. Douglas, 18 years old, of Hillsdale, died yesterday morning at the Vermillion county hospital. He had undergone an operation at the hospital Monday night and had been ill only a few days. He was a senior at Hillsdale high school. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hosea Douglas, and a brother (Charley) of Hillsdale. Funeral services will be held at the home at 2 p.m. Friday. Burial will be at Helt's Prairie cemetery.

Douglass, Elizabeth

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Wednesday, September 15, 1880

Dropped Dead -- Mrs. ELIZABETH DOUGLASS, residing 3 miles east of here, of Parke County, dropped dead in the road on Thursday last, while on her way to a near neighbor's house. She was found shortly afterward by Tom Guisen. Mrs. DOUGLASS was 68 years of age, and had been afflicted with heart disease for several years. She was a stepmother of VINCENT DOUGLASS of this place.

Dowdell, Margaret F. (Mitchell)

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
The Daily Clintonian, Friday, October 6, 1967, p1

Mrs. MARGARET F. DOWDELL, 82, of 1325 North Ninth Street, died at 11:30 a.m. today at the Vermillion County Hospital following an extended illness. She was formerly employed at Rosenblatt's Clothing Store as a seamstress for 25 years.

Born in Vermillion County March 6, 1885, Mrs. Dowdell was a lifetime resident. She was the daughter of Thomas and Melinda Abernathy Mitchell. The well known resident was a member of the Clinton Church of the Nazarene, and the Royal Neighbors of America Lodge.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Brazukas, of Clinton; 2 great-granddaughters, Debbie and Terri Hill of Clinton; 2 brothers, John Mitchell of Danville, IL, and Jake Mitchell of Jellico, TN; and a sister, Mrs. Izatta Richardson of Terre Haute.

The body was taken to the Frist Funeral Home where friends may call after noon Sunday. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday and burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery.

Downs, Lowell

Submitted by: Karen Zach
Source: Star Tribune, Attica In - Tuesday Oct 28, 1986 p 2

Lowell Downs, 68 Rt 1, Cayuga, died 1 p.m. Wed Oct 22 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Danville, Ill. He was born Nov 28, 1917 in Vermillion County, the son of Wilbert & Iva Fortner Downs. He married Lucille Payne June 30, 1949 in Greencastle. She survives. He retired from farmin gin 1981. He was a WWII Army veteran, having served overseas. He enjoyed gardening raising cattle and being with his grandkids. Surviving besides his wife are 3 daughters, Mrs. Tony (Shirley) Martin, Perrysville; Mrs. Joseph (Linda) Wilson, Cayuga; and Mrs. Goerge (Judy) Harrison, Danville; five grandchildren; four sisters, Grace Elliott, Dana; Frances Belser, Cayuga; Ruth Noggle, Georgetown, Ill and Melva McGuire, Rosedale; two brothers, Arley & Owen Downs; both of Dana; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at DeVerter Brothers Funeral home, Cayuga with Rev. James Walters officiating. Burial in Thomas Cemetery, Newport with military rites by Newport American Legion.

Dryer, Christian

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
The Daily Clintonian, Tuesday, July 2, 1912, p1

Hangs Self at Centenary
CHRISTIAN DRYER, 51 years old, a German miner, who had been arrested Saturday, charged with stealing some concrete from the Clinton coal company, hanged himself from the limb of a willow tree, in the hollow back of Centenary School house, the body being discovered there early Monday morning.

Dryer belonged to Crown Hill Local No. 5, which will have charge of the funeral. He had recently been at West Terre Haute and returned here about a month ago. Dryer formerly worked as a butcher in Clinton. He left no family here.

The rope had almost buried itself in his neck, and he had been dead some time when found.

Dunavan, Harvey

Contributed by: Karen Zach
Dated 18 July 1968 -- found in an old scrapbook of obituaries

Perrysville - Harvey Dunavan, age 85, died at noon Thursday, July 18, at the Vermillion County Hospital in Clinton. He had been a patient there 12 hours and had been a patient at the Wabash Valley Nursing Home in Montezuma since 1965. Mr. Dunavan was born July 5, 1883, in McKindree Township, the son of Mary Ann Eaton Dunavan. He was the last member of a family of nine children. He had resided in Highland Township and had been a blacksmith in the Vermillion River area most of his life. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bodine and Shelby Funeral Home in Covington. The Rev. Grover Williams officiated and burial was in Niccum Cemetery.

Dunlap, John M.

Submitted by: Carolyn Schwab
Newport Hoosier State, Thursday, January 23, 1873

Died -- At his home in Perrysville, Vermillion Co., IN, JOHN M. DUNLAP, suffering for more than two years with the insidious, yet fatal disease, consumption.

Mr. DUNLAP was born in Belfast, Ireland, on the 1st day of February, 1831, and died on the 2nd day of February, 1873 aged 42 years, and one day. Early in life he yearned for the Christians character. At the age of 16, he united himself with the M.E. Church, in which society he continued an active and persevering member until his health failed; never shunning or evading the duties and the responsibilities assumed; discharging and meeting all with a zeal and an energy highly commendable.

In 1840 he came to the United States, an adventurous youth, alone, and without means. By his many virtues, he soon gathered around him friends who were willing to aid. Success and prosperity attended his efforts. Indeed all the business affairs of his life were marked by an activity, industry and perseverance, that clearly told the determined man. Social by nature, he became the father of a family, to which he was remarkably devoted. Their interest absorbed a large portion of his thought and time. On earth he did his duty well, and died with the hope of a Christians ward.

His remains were accompanied to the grave by his grieving wife and children, and relatives, and many sorrowing friends.