MOFFAT COUNTY, COGENWEB PROJECT OBITUARIES

OBITUARY DETAIL 1876-1899

Banks, M.j. (Mary)

Died April 16,1876

Fairview Cemetery (Craig) 29-3 Ref. Cemetery records and The Last Frontier, Vol. 111 By V. S. FitzPatrick, P. 41.

This was the first grave in the cemetery. "It's only a low mound, marked by a crude natural stone. But it's the resting place of a real pioneer woman of our county. It's the grave of Grandma Banks. It's the first grave in the cemetery. " "It was April, Snow still covered the ground and the frost had not yet left the gravelly height which was chosen as a prominent and well-drained site for the grave. There was no funeral parlor near, no mortician or "undertaker" as they were then called. There was no place where a casket might be bought. There was no cabinet maker or carpenter to be had to build a coffin, nor was there even lumber from which to fashion one. So the father and john took boards from a wagon box and from them built a rude coffin. The flat was almost inundated, so they took the body and coffin to the mesa above and there laid their loved one to rest, April 16,1876.'1

Wayman, Mrs. W.W.

Died 1885

Fairview Cemetery (Craig) 4-32 Ref. Cemetery records and Craig Courier, Feb.27,1897 Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Breeze, no other information.

Finley, Charles A.

1876 - 1886

Fairview Cemetery (Craig) 12-42 Ref. Cemetery records

Finley, Willella (Steward)

1883 - 1886

Fairview Cemetery (Craig) Ref. Tomb stone. No information

Williams, Andrew J.

Only Date 1888

Military Service. .1 Sgt Co B 10 Kan Inf. Veterans Section. ..Craig Ref. Cemetery Records and Tomb Stone

No information except that he had been buried first at Lay, Colo. Then later moved to Craig.

Wooley, George W.

June 7,1888 - September 21,1838

Fairview Cemetery (Craig) 25-2 Ref. Cemetery records.

Murray, Christina

Died February 30,1890

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Age 26 years Ref. Tomb stone. No information

Ashley, Laura B.

Died March 29,1891

Fairview Cemetery. .Craig Ref. Routt County Courier, April 22,1909.(obituary on Mrs. Mary J. Crowell) Tomb Stone. .Age 24 years, 11 months and 23 days. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Crowell.

Johnston, Carrie

June 14,1842 - February 10,1891.

Fairview Cemetery Ref. Tomb stone. No information.

Daniels, Alice M

October 7, 1862 - March 20,1892

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. The Pantagraph, April 1,1892 "Sunday a.m. at 2:30 o'clock, Mrs. Daniels passed quietly away at her home 15 miles up Fortification Creek. She was afflicted with consumption and was ill for a long time. Born in Jefferson county, Ill., October 7,1862. Married Charles Daniels December, 1887. Mother of two children, one boy and one girl. The funeral was held from the hall Monday afternoon and the sermon preached by Mr. J.D. Tower.

Laughery, Wm

1868 - 1892

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Tombstone No information

Sellers, W.F.

Died July or August 1892

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Tomb stone. No information

Goodwin, Elizabeth

December 10,1829. .June 9,1893

Fairview Cemetery, Craig 30-3 Ref. Cemetery records No information

Kimbley, Jane

Born March 7,1849 - Died August 16,1893

Fairview Cemetery, Craig 29-2 Ref. Pantagraph, August 18,1893. Mrs. Robert Kimbley died of heart trouble. She was born in North England 44 years ago and was the mother of four children, all of whom survive her. The funeral occurred from the hall, Rev. Teagarden preaching an earnest and comforting sermon.

Reed, Charles W.

Died September 5,1893

(also spelled Read and Reid) Fairview Cemetery, Craig 10-8 later, he was moved to St. Joseph, Mo. 1867. Age 24 Ref. Pantagraph, Sept. 8,1893. Other information in the paper.

TRAGIC DEATH. Tuesday morning as the sun was shining over the eastern hills the peace and quiet of our town was broken by the report of a pistol, quickly followed by a terrible scream of anguish, then came three other reports and George Carr was guilty of murder, while Charles Reid (Reed) had been sent before the Supreme Judge without an instant's warning. For the first time in the history of our beautiful city a man was slain by another's hand. Both men were entire strangers in this community, being camped here for the night. Accompanying the outfit were Mrs. Carr and her two children, Alta and Willie Delong. The funeral occurred from the hall at 5 p.m. September 11, Rev. Teagarden officiating, after which the remains were taken to the cemetery and buried. There is undoubtedly something back of the affair which has not yet come out. Carr is a morphine eater and formerly travelled under the name Smith. The night before the murder he was drinking heavily. The woman in the case will figure prominently at the trial. Read (Reed) had $35.30 on his person, and the two teams, wagon and saddle were his property. The money was used to pay funeral expenses. Charles Reed was 24 years old and lived on a farm until three years ago when he came to Leadville. He has borne an excellent reputation as a hard working, honest man and has many friends in the Lake county Capitol. Remains later removed to his parents at St. Joseph, Mo.

Robinson, Catherine

Born May 1,1858 - Died September 10,1893

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Pantagraph, September 15,1893 Mrs. John Robinson went to the berry patch Saturday with her little girl and on the following day as she was starting to pick berries was stricken by heart disease and in a very short time had passed beyond the reach of human aid. The deceased was born in Ireland. She married Robinson 13 years ago and leaves him with four children the oldest of whom is ten.

Wulff, Emura (Could be Walff

Aug. 1892 - May 15,1893

Age 9 Months Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Pantagraph, May 19,1893

One of the saddest accidents that has happened here was the death of the nine months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Wulff.(Walff) On Monday, Mr. Wulff, with his wife and two children started to Craig from his ranch above Elkhead. The turbulent stream carried the wagon box from the running gear and threw the family into the water. All were rescued but the youngest child, Emura. Emura was unconscious and died on the following day. The funeral took place from the residence in Craig Wednesday morning.

Brazil, C.C.

Born June 30,1850 - Died April 5,1894

Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Pantagraph, April 6,1894. Death had been expected as deceased had been ill for two months with pleurisy and heart trouble. He was born June 30,1850 near Little Rock, Arkansas, where he resided until 19 years of age, when he came to Colorado. In this state he engaged in the lumber trade, running saw mills until 1882, when he opened a large merchandise store at Castle Rock, Douglas county. He continued in this business until the spring of 1888, when he removed to Routt county to engage in horse raising. Last November he was elected County commission- er on the Democratic ticket. Deceased leaves a wife, and one brother and sister who reside in Arkansas. The funeral will ocur Saturday from the hall, under the auspices of the Masonic order of which he was a prominent member.

Taylor, Raymond C.

Died January 10,1894.

Age 2 Mo. 20 days Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Tomb stone and Pantagraph, Jan. 12, 1894 Wednesday, January 10,1894, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor died. The little fellow was but three months old and had been ill but a short time. Whooping cough was the cause of his death. The funeral occurred from the house yesterday afternoon, Rev. Ellis preaching the funeral sermon.

Butts, Hiram E.

Died October 22,1895

Age 14 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig 9-8 Ref. Cemetery records and Craig Courier, August 2,1902. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Butts came up from Maybell, Thursday, with the body of their son, Hiram, who died about seven years ago, for interment in the Fairview cemetery at Craig.

Dunn, Farrell

Died July 17,1895

Age about 55. Fairview Cemetery, Craig 245 Military. .Co. B, 11 Ohio Cav. Ref. Craig Courier, July 20,1895. Farrell Dunn, one of Bear river's pioneers, died last Wednesday night at the Craig hotel after a brief illness. The deceased was a bachelor, about 55 years of age and had no relatives here. The burial occurred Thursday afternoon under the auspices of the Old Soldiers of the community. Rev. Teagarden conducted the funeral services, which were held at the church.

Johnson, Baby (boy)

Died July 26,1895

Unknown Burial Site Ref. Craig Courier, July 27,1895. The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Johnson died last Friday afternoon of cholera infantum. The funeral services were conducted at the home, Ref. Ellis officiating.

Ryan, Mrs. George

Died August 28,1895

Age 46 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig 8-5 Ref. Craig Courier, August 31,1895. Mrs. Ryan was very ill for nearly a year and for the last five months was unable to leave her bed, being perfectly helpless, her illness and death being due to a complication of kidney and heart trouble. Mrs. Ryan was 46 years old. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn her, two sons, Fred, aged 18 and Willie, aged 11, are here, and the two daughters, Mrs. Alex Moore and Mrs. John Moore, reside in Bruel, Wisconsin.

Wise, F.M. (Marion)

Born Dec. 21,1846 - Died Aug. 31,1895

Age 49 years Fairview Cemetery, Craig 1-7 Ref. Craig Courier, September 7,1895. After an illness extending over a period of several years, F.M. Wise, one of the pioneers of William's Forks, died at his home last Saturday night. The burial occurred on Monday afternoon, services being held at the Christian Church, Rev. J.L. Ellis officiating. Mr. Wise was born in Hillsboro, Ohio 49 years ago. He resided in the vicinity of Boulder several years and in company with his brother, T.H. Wise located on William's Forks, nine years ago. He leaves a wife but no children.

Dustan, Bekias

Died June 20,1896

Age 79 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig 5-9 Ref. Craig Courier, Sat. June 27,1896. Bekias Dustan died at the home of Mr. Davis of this place, last Saturday evening. He was buried Sunday in the Craig Cemetery. Mr. Dustan was 79 years of age and was one of the early pioneers of this section. In 1884 he came to Axial and engaged as cook for the Morgan boys. Later he spent most of his time prospecting, and it was in that vocation that he was most generally known. Mr. Dustan has for years suffered from cancer of the face, which was the cause of his death.

Hartzell, (Mrs.) Elizabeth

Died May 19,1896

Age 58 years Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, May 23,1896. Last Tuesday, Mrs. Elizabeth Hartzell died at her home in this place. The funeral occurred Wednesday afternoon from the family residence, the funeral services, con- ducted by Rev. J. L. Ellis, being held at the grave. Mrs. Hartzell was born in Wilkesbarre, Pa., 58 years ago and located at Golden. Mrs. Hartzell has been an invalid for a number of years, being afflicted with heart trouble and Bright's disease of the kidneys. Mrs. Hartzell leaves a husband and two sons.

Johnson, Bertha

Died March 18,1896

Age 17 yrs. 8 mo. 26 days. Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Craig Courier, Sat. March 21,1896. Craig was cast into depths of gloom and sorrow last Wednesday morning when it was announced that Miss Bertha Johnson could not possibly live but a few hours and that her death was momentarily expected. At about 11 o'clock the young lady breathed her last, scarlet fever having finally claimed a victim. The deceased was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Johnson, who reside about a mile and a half west of Craig. The burial occurred Thursday forenoon.

Ranney, Howard (Infant)

Died Thurs. Feb. 2),1896

Age 18 mo. Ref. Craig Courier, Feb. 29,1896. (Ref. is unclear if burial was in Craig or Hahn's Peak) The many friends of County Clerk Ranney and wife will be surprised and pained to learn of the death of their little son, Howard, which occurred early Thursday morning. The little fellow was taken sick last Saturday, the cause of his death being ascribed to brain fever. Little Howard was about 18 months old and was indeed the pride and joy of his parents.

Ratcliff, De Forrest (Infant)

Died March 18,1896

Age S months. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, Sat. February 1,1896.

On last Thursday, shortly after noon, death invaded the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Ratcliff and took from them their five month's old baby boy, De Forrest.

The little one was taken with a severe cold about two weeks ago which developed into pneumonia, and although all that medical skill and tender nursing could accomplish, was done, the effort proved in vain. The funeral occurred at the church yesterday afternoon and the little body was laid to rest in the Craig cemetery.

Teagarden, Rev. Samuel B.

Born Dec. 28,1819 - Died Oct. 13,1896

Age 77 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Tomb stone and Craig Courier, Oct. 17,1896. Died at the home of J.G. McLaughlin, near Hayden, on Wednesday, October 13, Elder S.B. Teagarden.

Elder Teagarden was born in eastern Pennsylvania, December 28,1819. He was, therefore, in his 77th year. For about forty-six years he served as an active and successful minister of the gospel, only retiring from his chosen work some five or six years ago, when failing health compelled him to give up all active work. The deceased leaves four children, Mrs. W.H. Tucker, Mrs. L.L. Breeze, and Mr. W.F. Teagarden, of this place, and Elder E. Jay Teagarden, pastor of Central Christian church of Danbury, Conn.

Breeze, Robert

October 19,1821 - Feb. 19,1897

Age 75. Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Craig Courier, Sat. Feb. 27,1897 Died at the home of his son, L.H. Breeze, three and a half miles south of Craig, on Feb. 19,1897, of la grippe, Robert Breeze, in the 76th year of his age. Deceased was born in Orange county, Indiana, Oct. 19,1821. With his parents he went to Jefferson county, Ill., October 11,1827, where most of his active life was spent, having moved to Routt county in 1882.

January 3,1843, he was married to Martha J. Downes, unto them were born ten children, four of whom died in infancy and a fifth, Mrs. W.W. Wayman, died near Craig in 1885, L.L. and L.H. Breeze, Mrs. J.L. Tower and Mrs. J. T. Jackson, all of this community, and Judge Jno. M. Breeze of Salt Lake, Utah, are the surviving children.

Hart, Russell

Died December 11,1897

Age 78. Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Craig Courier, Sat. December 18,1897. The funeral of Russell Hart, who died last Saturday, occurred last Monday from the Christian church, Elder J.L. Ellis conducting the services. The deceased was the father of William, Frank and James Hart of William's Forks and came from Minnesota to make his home with them about a year ago. Mr. Hart had reached the ripe age of 78 years, a great portion of his career having been spent in the west, he was one of Colorado's pioneers and saw this great state grow from a frontier territory to its present advanced stage of development.

Kellogg, John W.

January 22,1844 - September 16,1897

Fairview Cemetery, Craig 27-2 Ref. Cemetery records and Tomb stone.No other information.

Taylor, Mary Frances

Died January 29,1897

Fairview Cemetery, Craig 17-8 Age 7 months and 20 days Ref. Craig Courier, Jan 30,1897. Death invaded the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Taylor last night, removing from them their precious baby, Mary Frances. The cause of death was due to heart failure, which is frequently the result of la grippe after it has developed into pneumonia. The child was 7 mo. and 20 days old. The funeral will occur tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Bolger, Edward

August 10,1864 - February 3,1898

Age 32 years. (Same information listed under the name of Robert Bolger, with the same dates etc.) Fairview Cemetery, Craig 5-8 Ref. Tomb stone and Craig Courier, Feb. 5,1898. This community was shocked Thursday afternoon at the announcement that Ed Bolger was dead. He died about 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon as the result of being kicked by a horse. Ed Bolger was 32 years of age and un-married. He was a brother of Mrs. C. A. Brotherton, who was constantly at his side to the last. He was a plumber by trade, but owing to poor health came to this county from Auburn, N.Y., about six years ago. The funeral occurred this afternoon from the Christian church under the auspices of Cedar Mt. Lodge # 104, I.O.O.F., of which Mr. Bolger was an honored member.

Misemer, Ellis Merril..(Also spelled Miesmer)

Died May 22,1898

Baby. Fairview Cemetery, Craig Age 7 weeks Ref. Cemetery records, Tomb stone and Craig Courier, Sat. May 28,1898. Last Sunday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, Ellis Merril, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Miesmer, breathed his last after a very brief illness. The little one was seven weeks old and had never been very strong, death being due to heart trouble. The child had been sick but two days and its sudden death was a terrible blow to its parents. The interment occurred in the Craig cemetery Monday afternoon, Mr. Thomas Humphreys conducted the funeral services.

Taylor, Mrs. S.H.

Died April 25,1898

Age 70 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, Saturday April 30, 1898. Funeral services were conducted at the residence by Mr. Thomas Humphrey at 11 o'clock Wednesday forenoon and the interment occurred in the Craig cemetery.

Mrs. Taylor was a lady of refinement and excellent education. She was born near West Winfield, Herkimer county, N.Y., 70 years ago. Her early life was spent in her native State and later she made her home in Wisconsin where for years she had charge of the musical department of the academics at Richland City and Albion. Mrs. Taylor was an artist and musician of considerable note and the greater portion of her life was devoted to the advancement of her chosen profession. Although Mrs. Taylor was but her stepmother. Mrs. Wilcox (Mrs. A.N. Wilcox) pays the highest tribute to her memory, and says she was all to her that the tender term, "Mother" could imply, and a grand Christian soul.

Givens, Robert

Died August 28,1899

Age 6 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, September 2,1899.

Early Monday morning, August 28,1899, little Robert Givens passed away to eternal rest in the world to come.

The sickness was short and the end came suddenly, startling the whole family.

The services were held at the church at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Hunt officiating. The interment occurred at the Fairview cemetery immediately after the services. Robert Givens was six years old, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. George Givens. Never being very stout, he became the pet of the family and so will be missed the more from the circle of loved ones left behind.

Harmon, Roy

Died November 29,1899

Age 5 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, December 2,1899.

Roy, the five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs.

H.L. Harmon, was drowned last Wednesday evening in a small pool in the creek near J.E. Kellogg's residence. It is presumed that the little fellow broke through the ice on the pool as his foot- steps were tracked to the water's edge and his body was found on the opposite side of the water. Mrs. Harmon is a niece of Mrs. J.E. Kellogg. Mr. Harmon is in Iowa, having gone to his former home but a few weeks ago.

Pfeiffer, Charles

Born 1853 - Died February 12,1899

Fairview Cemetery, Craig 22-5 Ref. Craig Courier, February 18,1899. Mr. Pfeiffer was born in Hofgeismar, Germany, in 1853, coming to the United States when but 15 years of age. He first located in Sedalia, Mo., afterwards moving to Gerard, Kas. From Kansas he came to Leadville in 1879, where he was engaged in the bakery business for eleven years. In 1890, Mr. Pfeiffer came to Craig and engaged in the hotel business which he followed till sickness compelled him to give up all occupation. In 1880 Mr. Pfeiffer was married to Miss Wilhelmina Broeuiser, who with two sons, Carl and Frank, mourn his loss. The funeral occurred last Monday afternoon and was conducted by the Masonic Lodge of this place, of which order Mr. Pfeiffer was an honored member.

Shaw, Ethel

Born March 20,1888 - Died April 17,1899

Age 11. Fairview Cemetery, Craig Ref. Craig Courier, April 22,1899. The grim reaper, death, has again passed over our community and plucked from loving hearts one of our choicest flowers, Ethel Shaw. Born the 20 th day of March, 1888, her pure spirit left its earthly garment Monday morning, a few minutes before 2 o'clock. She was ill for several days before she was confined to her bed, but her desire to prepare for the approaching examination at school nerved her to fight against her illness. From the very first, the disease seemed to baffle every attempt of skill and loving care to give relief. The burial occurred Monday afternoon, the funeral services being conducted at the residence of Mrs. Shaw by Elder W.T. Hunt. Many were the friends who gathered to pay a tribute of love for the memory of the little girl and to follow the remains to their resting place in the Craig cemetery. Six little girls, classmates of Ethel, were the pall bearers. They were Maggie Taylor, Maude Bryan, Myrtle Downs, Nora Green, Gertrude Davis and Celia Smith.

Spencer, Lydia

August 29,1833 - March 28,1899

Age 65 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig

Ref. Craig Courier, April 1,1899. Died, at her home on Williams' Fork, Tuesday, March 28,1899, Mrs. Lydia Spencer at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 2 days. The cause of her death was complicated nervous disorder. Mrs. Spencer was born near Sedalia, Mo., August 29,1833. In 1855 she was married to Francis M. Roland, who was killed in a battle of the Rebellion in 1863. In 1867, at Doniphan, Kansas, the deceased was united in marriage to Sylvester N. Spencer. In 1870, Mrs. Spencer with her husband, moved to Central, Kansas, from which place they came to Colorado in 1891. After living in several towns in Colorado, they finally came to Routt county about three years ago and located on a ranch on Williams' Fork.

By her union with Francis Roland four children were born, three of whom, George, Will and Luke Roland, are still living. With her second marriage, two children were born, one of whom, Walter Spencer, survives her. Together with these four sons she leaves a devoted and loving husband to mourn her loss.Mrs. Spencer had been a sufferer for several months and had been bedfast since the first of the year. The body of the deceased was brought to Craig Thursday morning and interred in the Fairview cemetery. The funeral services were held at the cemetery at 1 o'clock Thursday and were conducted by Elder W.T. Hunt of the Christian church.

White, Jack

February 8,1869 - December 8,1899

Age 30 years. Fairview Cemetery, Craig 6-5

Ref. Craig Courier, December 9,1899. It is with the deepest regret that we announce the death of Jack White, which sad event occurred yesterday morning at 8 o'clock at the ranch of Bert Hall on Big Gulch. Mr. White had a long siege of typhoid fever and three weeks ago he was considered well on the road to recovery, but suffered a relapse which terminated fatally. Mr. White leaves a wife and two little girls, a mother at Las Animas, Colo., and a brother at Kenton, Oklahoma, to mourn his untimely demise. "Jack" White, as he was familiarly known, was a typical western man who had followed the cattle business all his life. He was strictly temperate in his habits and possessed of the good cheer, kind-heartedness and generosity that is proverbial among the genuine cowmen of the west. Jack took a conspicuous part in the Indian fight with game wardens in western Routt county two years ago when he was called upon and sworn in as a deputy to aid Game Warden Wilcox. Upon this occasion he distinguished himself by his acts of bravery. Had Jack lived until February 8th, next, he would have been 31 years of age. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, but came to Colorado when ten years old and had resided in this state most of the time since. He had been in Routt county off and on for ten years and at the time he was taken ill was foreman for Bert Hall, one of the county's prominent stockmen, who was stricken with the fever at the same time with Jack and who is still very sick. Funeral services will be conducted at the Christian church this afternoon by Rev. W.T. Hunt and the remains laid to rest in the Craig cemetery.

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