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Summit child

Child Burned To Death Saturday
The Soper Democrat March 27, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Last Saturday just before noon the little eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Summit was burned to death.
    The mother and three children were in the field burning stalks the mother left the children in the field while she went to the house to prepare dinner. In some manner during her absence the child’s clothing caught fire before help reached her she was burned so bad that she died that night. Mrs. Summitt [sic] heard her cries and came to her assistance, badly burning her hands. The child’s clothes were burned almost entirely off.
    Burial was had in the Sugar Creek cemetery Sunday afternoon.
    Mr. and Mrs. Summitt [sic] live on the R.W. Taylor place 3 miles north of Soper. They have the sympathy on everyone in their great loss.

Mrs. Rogers

The Soper Democrat March 27, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Rogers, aged about 60 years, died at the home Clyde Kerr, at Nelson, last Sunday afternoon at 6:30. Her home was in Paris and she and her daughter came over Sunday morning to spend the day with Mr. and Mrs. Kerr, who were old friends. While on the way Mrs. Rogers was striken [sic] with paralysis and died that evening. Her sons at Paris were notified and came over and had the remains shipped to Paris Monday where interment was had.

Mrs. I.M. Miller

Death of Mrs. I.M. Miller
The Soper Democrat April 10, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. I.M. Miller, of the Preston Hotel died suddenly at Nashville, Ark., about 4 o’clock Saturday morning.
    Mrs. Miller some time ago had an attack of influenza, and had never entirely recovered, and it is supposed that she relapsed an [sic] died very suddenly, as the message to her husband did not state the immediate cause of death.
    Mr. and Mrs. Miller came here from Boswell a little over a year ago and took charge of the Preston Hotel and Mrs. Miller was managing the business while Mr. Miller worked at his trade. She was very popular among the regular visiting traveling men who come to this city and stop at the Preston, besides a host of friends in Boswell and Hugo, all of whom join in extending condolence to the family. It is not known when or where the funeral will take place.
    At the time of her death Mrs. Miller was visiting her parents in Nashville, and Mr. Miller left on the first train after receiving the sad message. – Sunday’s Hugo News
    Mrs. Miller lived in Soper several years ago, during which time she and Mr. Miller were managers of the Choctaw Telephone Co. Later they conducted the Arcade Hotel at his place, before moving to Boswell.
    Mrs. Miller was a good woman, always cheerful, and leaves many friends here who are grieved to learn of her death.

J.O. Hartgraves

Death of Dr. J.O. Hartgraves
The Soper Democrat April 10, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Dr. J.O. Hartgraves died at his home at Sumner, Texas, yesterday morning at 3 o’clock. Burial was had at Sumner at 11 o’clock this morning.
    Death was due to cancer of which he had been afflicted for several years.
    Dr. Hartgraves lived in Soper for five or six years, during which time he practiced his profession. He was about 40 years of age, and was raised at Sumner, Tex. He was a good man, liked by all, who learn of his death with sorrow. He was a consistent member of the Baptist church, of the Woodmen of the World, Odd Fellows, and Woodmen Circle, in which he carried $3,000 life insurance. He leaves a wife and four children, viz: Inez, Sybil, Oscar and Juliet.
    The Democrat joins the many friends of the family in extending sympathy in their sad hour.

D.M. Robison

The Soper Democrat April 10, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    D.M. Robison of near Nelson died Friday night at 11 o’clock. We are sorry to hear of his death. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the entire community.

Sarah Bills

Death of Mrs. Sarah Bills
The Soper Democrat April 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Sarah Bills, wife of Dr. R.C. Bills, of Moyers, Okla., died at a sanitarium at Paris, Texas, Saturday morning at 9 o’clock, where several days before she underwent a sergical [sic] operation.
    The remains were shipped to Soper Sunday afternoon on the 3:13 train. Burial was had in the City Cemetery, under the auspices of the Easter Star, of which she was an honored member. Elder H.L. Taylor, of the Christian Church, preached the service at the grave.
    Mrs. Bills was [unreadable, either 39 or 89] years of age, was raised at Jackson, Okla., and lived in Soper many years. She was a good woman and had many, many friends in our midst who mourn her loss and share the sorrows of the husband, father, sisters and brothers. She leaves a husband, Dr. R.C. Bills, Moyers, Okla., father, Wm. LeFlore, Jackson, Okla., four brothers, Mike LeFlore, Kiowa; Will LeFlore, Norman; Thos. LeFlore, Training Camp; Dave LeFlore, Ethel; two sisters, Mrs. W.M. Griggs, Soper, and Mrs. Edmond Laron, Bennington.

Curley Crowder

Curley Crowder Died
The Soper Democrat April 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Curley Crowder, well known in Boswell, died at Sulphur Springs last Saturday. The remains were shipped here and interred in the Crowder Springs cemetery Tuesday morning. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Frank Hopkins. – Boswell News.

Mrs. John Martin

The Soper Democrat April 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Jno. Martin died at her home on the Fred Bornmann place Southwest of Soper Monday night. Burial was had in the City Cemetery Tuesday afternoon. Death was due to childbirth.

Hattie Gertrude Anderson

The Soper Democrat April 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Little Hattie Gertrude Anderson, the year old daughter of Mrs. Pearl Anderson, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Hart, two miles east of Soper, Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Death was due to tuberculosis. The little one had been sick for several months. Burial was had in the Crowder cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock. The entire community deeply sympathizes with the bereaved mother and other relatives.

Mrs. Goodlow Story

Death of Mrs. Goodlow Story
The Soper Democrat April 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Story, wife of Goodlow Story, died at the family home across Boggy, South of Unger, last Thursday and was buried in the City Cemetery Friday afternoon, Rev. Pole conducting the service. Death was due to after effects of the flu. Mrs. Story was a good woman and had many friends who regret to learn of her death. This family has had more than its share of sorrow as two of their children died just a week before the mother.

Ida S. Butler

Death of Mrs. L.J. Butler
The Soper Democrat May 8, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Ida S. Butler, wife of L.J. Butler, died at the family home 4 ½ miles northwest of Soper Saturday night at 10 o’clock, after a ten days’ illness of blood poisoning. Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, followed by interment in the City Cemetery. Rev. M.A. Pillars, of Nelson, conducted the services.
    Mrs. Butler was 38 years of age, and was born near Buena Vista, Tenn. She was married to L.J. Butler on Jan. 19, 1902, and moved to Texas with her husband on March 4^th the same year, and moved to his community a few months later. To the union four children were born, viz: Maynard, Eldon, Fairy and Davis, all of whom survive her. Besides a husband and children she is survived by three brothers, Jimmie W. Jones and D.T. Jones, of Soper, and G.Y. Jones, of Cordova, Tenn. The latter was unable to attend the funeral.
    Mrs. Butler was a good Christian woman, having been a consistent member of the Baptist Church since early womanhood. She was a devoted wife, mother and neighbor, and many, many friends mourn her death. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors, in which order she carried $1,000 insurance.
    The entire community deeply sympathizes with the family in the untimely death of their loved one.

Mrs. Cleo Hicks

Death of Mrs. L.W. Hicks
The Soper Democrat May 22, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Sunday morning the shadow of sorrow was cast over our city when it was known that Mrs. L.W. Hicks had passed away, death coming to releive [sic] her great suffering at six o’clock that morning, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Walker.
    Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jno. Crain, of Boswell, followed by interment in the City Cemetery. Funeral services were under the auspices of the Eastern Star, which order she was an honored member.
    Mrs. Hicks was a victim of tuberculosis, having been afflicted about two and a half years. In an effort to save her life the family moved to Alamogordo, N.M., where for a time she improved but the disease had gained such headway that her life could not be saved. Several weeks ago she returned to Soper to spend her last days with her parents and friends. All that loving hearts and hands could do was done to save her but to no avail.
    Mrs. Cleo Hicks was 30 years, four months and four days old, was born in Mississippi and moved to this section when quite young. She has been a faithful member of the Baptist church since she was 15 years old. She was truly a noble woman, and was loved by all. Besides her husband and two children she leaves to mourn her death her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Walker, and one brother, M.E. Walker, and numberless friends.
    The entire community mourn with the bereaved ones and wish for them a happy reunion with their loved one in that promised land beyond.

Woodrow Minerd

The Soper Democrat June 26, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Woodrow Minerd, 2 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Minerd, who live 3 miles south of Unger, died Friday and was buried at Boswell Saturday afternoon. Flux was given as the cause of death.

George Frank Riggs

Death of G.F. Riggs
The Soper Democrat July 17, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Geo. Frank Riggs, aged about 38 years, died at the hospital at Hugo last Thursday night, where he had been taken for treatment. The remains were brought to Sugar Creek Cemtery [sic] where interment took place, funeral services being conducted by Rev. M.A. Pillars, at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon. His death was very sudden, being unexpected. However he had been in failing health for quite awhile. He leaves a wife and two children, Della and Bennie Lee. Besides his wife and children he leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Riggs, and five brothers: Talmage, Earl, Jesse and Jim, of Soper, and Richard, near Murphyborro, Ark., who failed to arrive for the funeral.
    Mr. Riggs came to this country from Murphyborro, Ark., about 14 years ago, and was a good citizen, liked by all who knew him. His many friends will be grieved to learn of his sudden death.

Bowers infant

The Soper Democrat July 24, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    The infant of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bowers died at their home Wednesday morning. Burial was had Wednesday afternoon in the City Cemetery, services being conducted by Rev. J.W. Shockley. Death was due to summer complaint.

Drunell Holt

The Soper Democrat August 14, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Little Drunell, the 10 month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Holt died at their home southeast of Soper last Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Burial was had in the city Cemetery Thursday morning at 11 o’clock, funeral services being conducted by Elder J.N. Conway. Death was due to stomach trouble. She was sick only 13 days. The entire community deeply sympathizes with relatives in their deep sorrow.

M.M. Kerr

M.M. Kerr Dead
The Soper Democrat October 2, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    M.M. Kerr, for many years a resident of Nelson, died at his home last Saturday morning and was buried in the Sugar Creek cemetery Sunday afternoon. Death was due to old age.
    Mr. Kerr was a good man, being well liked by all who knew him, who will be grieved to learn of his death. He leaves a large family, all grown.

Mary Matthews

Mrs. Mathews Dead
The Soper Democrat October 2, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Mary Matthews, wife of J.L. Matthews, died at the family home near Sugar Creek, Sunday morning at 7:30 and was buried at the Sugar Creek cemetery Monday afternoon. Death was due to bowel trouble and complications.
    Mrs. Matthews was 46 years old and had lived in this section about 11 years, coming from Texas. Besides a husband she leaves 5 girls and 3 boys, viz: Misses Ora, Mantie, Amo, Burnice, and Robert, Morris and Emmit.
    Mrs. Matthews was a good woman and will be greatly missed by all.

Gwennell Walters

The Soper Democrat October 2, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Gwennell, the little 10 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Walters died last Saturday and was buried in the Soper cemetery. Death was due to desentery [sic].

Tilwa Sam (Sam Bob)

The Soper Democrat October 16, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Tilwa Sam, known as Sam Bob, a Choctaw about 35 years of age, died at his home northeast of town Tuesday morning. Death was due to typhoid fever. Burial was had in Sugar Creek Cemetery.

note: name correction supplied by Betty Bratcher

Millie Johnson

The Soper Democrat October 16, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mille, the 14 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Johnson, died at their home in Soper Saturday afternoon at 5 o’clock. Death was due to dyptheria [sic]. The little one had only been sick a few days. Burial was had Sunday afternoon in the City Cemetery. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of their dear one.

Nancy Pistenah

113 Years Old – Died Friday of Last Week
The Soper Democrat October 23, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. Nancy Pistenah, an Indian woman, died at her home south of Boswell Friday and was buried in their family cemetery Saturday afternoon. Deceased was 113 years old and had enjoyed good health up until a few weeks ago. – Boswell News.

Stanley Fairchilds

The Soper Democrat November 6, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Stanley Fairchilds, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fairchilds, died at the family home at Forney, Saturday night. Interment was had in the Soper Cemetery Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock, services conducted by Elder King. Death was due to typhoid fever. Stanley was just 21 years of age, was a model boy and a great favorite with all who knew him. He attended school in Soper several years ago and had quite an acquaintance here who are grieved to learn of his untimely death.

Arch B. Salmon

The Soper Democrat November 27, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Arch B. Salmon, aged 40 years, died at his home southeast of Soper, Tuesday evening at 7 o’clock. Burial was had in the Soper Cemetery at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, funeral services being conducted by Rev. G.W. Gardner.
    Mr. Salmon was a victim of cancer, being afflicted for nearly two years. He suffered terribly for many months but bore his burden nobly. In an effort to cure him he was taken to many specialists but to no avail.
    Mr. Salmon leaves a wife and four children, besides other relatives, and many friends.
    The entire community extends deep sympathy to the bereaved ones in their great sorrow.

May Rowe

The Soper Democrat December 11, 1919 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Mrs. May Rowe, age 24 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kelly, died at her home in St. Louis last Wednesday. The body was shipped to Soper and interment took place in the Soper cemetery, Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock, funeral services being conducted by Elder J.N. Conway. Mrs. Rowe was a devoted christian, having confessed religion about 10 years ago. Her husband, Chas. Rowe, accompanied the remains to Soper. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the entire community.