Trails to the Past

Rhode Island

Newport County

Obituaries

 

 

 

Newport Obituaries

ALLAN, John father of license Commissioner John T. Allan and for many years superintendent of "Oakland Farm" in Portsmouth when it was the property of the late Cornelius Vanderbilt died at his home of Wesley Street Thursday, after a long illness in his eighty fourth year.  He was born April 17, 1833 in Edinburgh, Scotland a son of William and Elizabeth (Richardson) Allan, his father being for several years gardener and steward on the estate of Sir William Johnson at Donegal, Ireland.  Mr. John Allan attended the public schools of Donegal and later worked with his father.  In 1853 he came with his parents to the United States and was employed as a gardener in New York, Baltimore, Albany and Highwood, NJ.  In 1886 he accepted the superintendence of  "Oakland  Farm" and continued there for 19 years, retiring in 1905 from active work, and had since made his home in Newport.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, but had few other affiliations. Mr. Allan married March 5, 1857 Margaret Allan a native of the north of Ireland, and she died in Portsmouth 14 years ago.  Of the four children only Mr. John T. Allan survives.  The others were William R. Allan a well known portrait painter who died in New York in 1893, Anna E. who married John H. Martin and died in 1896, and George Allan, who died in 1902.  He is survived by several grandchildren including Miss Jessie Martin, who made her home with her grandfather.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

BLUCK, John for 46 years connected with the butcher business in this city, died suddenly at his home Sunday morning of heart disease.  He had been poor health for some time., but was apparently no worse when he retired Saturday evening.  In the morning he went to the bathroom and shortly afterwards his wife found him there dead.  He was in his seventy-seventh year.  The deceased was born in this city August 10, 1840, and had spent his entire life here.  His grandfather, John Bluck was a farmer in England and his father Richard Bluck, also engaged in farming in that country until his marriage.  At that time he came to the United States, settling in Newport where he was engaged by the late Henry A. Middleton as a gardener of his estate near Bath road.  When the gold fever broke out he went to California and was killed in an accident.  His wife Mrs. Mary Oakley Bluck for many years conducted a boarding house on Bath Road near Easton's beach until the land was bought by the Chanlers.  She died in 1906 in her eighty-ninth year.  John Bluck received his education in the public schools of Newport and at the age of 15 secured a place in the slaughter house of Howland & Greene in Middletown.  There he remained until 1863, when he formed a partnership with the late Stephen P. Slocum, under the name of Slocum & Bluck, and carried on the meat and provision business for 25 years in the building on the corner of Thames and Frank streets, the site of the present Brown building.  This firm was dissolved in 1888 and Mr. Bluck with Benjamin C. Weaver as partner opened a market on Bellevue avenue which was continued for 21 years.  Since 1909 he had not been engaged in active business.  Since 1874 Mr. Bluck had been a member of the Rhode Island Lodge No. 12   I. O. O. F. and at one time served that organization as vice grand.  He was also a member of Aquidneck Encampment of Odd Fellows and was one of the oldest members of the Coronet Council No. 63, Royal Arcanum, having joined that organization March 14, 1879 one year after its institution.  He retained his membership in Rhode Island Lodge and Coronet Council until his death.  He was also a member of the Newport Horticultural Society.  Mr. Bluck married December 19, 1867 Mary Jane Winslow daughter of Eben and Jane Holt (Vickery) Winslow of this city, and she survives Their one child was Miss Mary Jane Bluck who died March 25, 1903 in her twenty-ninth year.  He is also survived by three sisters Mrs. John S. Kesson of this city, Mrs. Warren Barker of Middletown and Mrs. Richard Shannon of Brooklyn.  The deceased was essentially a man of the home and devoted most of his time after business hours to the development of his garden,.  He was an expert Horticulturist, especially adept in the growing of dahlias exhibiting his flowers in the Horticultural Society's shows where he received many prizes offered to amateurs.  He was a regular attendant at the Trinity Church.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

BUCKLEY, Miss Margaret A. daughter of the late John and Catherine Buckley died this morning at her home on Mann avenue after a two weeks illness of pneumonia.  She was a dressmaker and had many friends throughout the city.  Her sister Miss Catherine L. Buckley died three years ago this month and her mother seven months later.  Miss Buckley is survived by a sister Miss Mary G. Buckley a teacher in the Industrial  School and two brothers Daniel J. H. and John F. Buckley.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

CARD, Isabelle H. News has been received in the death in Pittsburgh, PA January 9, of the widow of General Benjamin C. Card USA. Her death occurred at the home of her daughter Mrs. George A. Howell with whom she had made her home.  Her husband who was a native of Newport and had resided in Washington since his retirement from active service in the army died February 14, 1916, in his ninety first year.  Mrs. Card with her husband was formerly a frequent visitor to Newport being a guest while here of Miss Harriet Card.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

COZZENS, Elizabeth Castloff wife of Mr. John H. Cozzens, died at her home onMt. Vernon street on Saturday of last week.  Mrs. Cozzens was a most estimable lady and had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.  She was a daughter of the late Captain Henry and Elizabeth Castloff.  Her funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from Ray chapel, Rev. W. F. B. Jackson officiating.  Newport Mercury June 6, 1896

 

CRADLE, Mrs. Sarah wife of Mr. Robert Cradle who died Tuesday evening at her home on Spring street, had been ill several weeks.  Her elder sister Miss Karah Steward, although blind and infirm had persisted against the wishes of her relatives in caring for the sister and last Friday evening in moving about the house in her ministrations fell down a long flight of stairs.  She was found unconscious and remained in that condition until her death Sunday.  Her funeral took place Tuesday afternoon and within a few hours Mrs. Cradle died.  Mr. Cradle, who is a janitor of the National Exchange Bank and a prominent member of Lawton-Warren Post Grand Army of the Republic, is himself ill being threatened with pneumonia.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

 

DONOVAN, Mrs. Catherine J, widow of John J. Donovan who died Wednesday at her home on Warner street after a short illness, at an advanced age was one of the oldest members of St. Joseph's Church and had been a resident of Newport more than 40 years.  Her husband who died about seven years ago was for 38 years employed in the machine shops of the Old Colony and New England steamboat companies, one of her sons, the late Joseph T. Donovan for several years was engineer of steamer 4 in the Newport fire department, died March 17, 1912.  Mrs. Donovan is survived by five children, Rev. Edward J. Donovan of St. Peters Church, Brooklyn, John F. Donovan, Mrs. Daniel J. McGowan, Mrs. William Knowe and Miss Catherine T. Donovan of this city.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

DRAPER, Mrs. Henrietta Dana (Stevens) widow of George H. Draper died early Tuesday morning at the Newport Hospital in her seventy third year.  She had been in fair health during the winter, but a week ago Thursday went to the hospital and although she had not been considered in a serious condition became much weaker Monday evening and rapidly failed to the end, which came shortly after midnight.  Mrs. Draper was a daughter of the late James F. and Sarah Easton Stevens and through her mother a lineal descendant of Nicholas Easton.  One of the original settlers of Newport and president of the colony in 1650 - 1654, and governor under the royal charter in 1672 - 1674.  She was born in the house on Touro Street next west of Jewish Synagogue and was married there shortly after the Civil war.  Her married life was spent in Brooklyn, and after her husband's death she returned to Newport and for 23 years conducted a boarding house on Bull street, giving it up about two years ago.  In the latter days of her life, she joined the Christian Science Church and was active in its services.  She was an enthusiastic Suffragist an active member of the Newport County Equal Suffrage Association, and of the Congressional Union for Equal Suffrage.  Mrs. Draper is survived by three children Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wheeler and George H. Draper of this city and Mrs. Thomas C. Weaver of Brooklyn and four grandchildren, including Mr. Henry S. Wheeler.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

DURFEE, Mary B. wife of Mr. William D. Durfee died at her home on Cannon street on Saturday after a long illness.  Her funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from her husbands residence on Cannon street, Rev. K. H. Porter of the Emmanuel church officiating.  Newport Mercury June 6, 1896

 

EUSTIE, Henry S. died at the Newport Hospital Wednesday afternoon from injuries received about three weeks ago at Jamestown, and his remains were taken to Cambridge Wednesday night for interment in the family grounds at Mt. Auburn.  The deceased was 51 years of age and a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished of Massachusetts families, his father being the late Gen H. L. Eustie who for several years previous to his death occupied a chair at Harvard.  He was well known in Newport having been in the habit of spending his summers at Jamestown for many years and having spent the past winter with his aunt, Miss Eckley in this city.  He was a gentleman of education and of genial disposition, and made many friends here and elsewhere who will sincerely mourn his loss  Newport Mercury June 6, 1896

 

 

FITZGERALD, Francis son of Francis and Margaret Fitzgerald who died suddenly Tuesday night was a young man with a wide circle of friends in the city.  He had been active in basket ball and baseball as a member of St. Joseph's teams and for a short time had been an apprentice machinist at the Torpedo Station.  He received a cut over the nose a short time ago and from this was developed lockjaw.  He was 18 years old he is survived by two brothers and three sisters.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

FREEBORN, William F. died Saturday afternoon at his home on Water Street after a short illness of pneumonia.  He was the son of the late Charles and Annie (Tallman) Freeborn and was 77 years old.  He married Lotitia Tallman daughter of the late Benjamin and Sarah Tallman 62 years ago.  Two years ago on New Year's day Mr. and Mrs. Freeborn celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.  He is the last of three children the others being John S. Freeborn and Patience A. Shurtleff, both of whom died a number of years ago.  His wife survives him.  The funeral. Was held at his home on Water street Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended by relatives and friends.  The service was conducted by Rev. A. Edward Kelsey of the Friends Church assisted by Rev. John F. Lowden of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The Pall Bearers were David H. Anthony and three nephews, Charles, John, and Ralph Freeborn. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

GASH, John Died at his home on Golden Hill street on Friday of last week.  The funeral was held from his late residence Monday afternoon, Rev. E. H. Porter of Emanuel church officiating.  The deceased was a son of the late John Gash.  He leaves a widow and two daughters.  He was for many years employed in the paint shop at the Old Colony repair shop, and for years was a member of the old volunteer fire department, and when the paid department was formed became a part of the new No. 7, and had been with that company up to his death with the exception of one year.  The bearers were W. Henry Kelley, George R. Logan and Cassius  M Hallock from No. 7 Company, Walter Dennis, William Bennett and Dana Laugwer from the Old Colony repair shop, Alderman Charles A. Easton and Wright Aldred.  There were a number of handsome floral tributes, including a wreath from the painters of the Old Colony shop, and a very handsome piece in the form of a fireman's shield from the No. 7 company.  Newport Mercury June 13, 1896

 

GLADDING, Mrs. Thomas died at her home on Broadway and Friendship street late Thursday night after a long suffering illness from Bright's disease.  She was a most estimable lady and leaves a wide circle of relatives and friends who will sincerely mourn her loss.  Two sons and two daughters:  /Sidney B. Gladding and Sanford T. Gladding, Misses Ida and Hattie Gladding survive her and Mr. John Ring her brother of Newport, and Mrs. William James Gladding her sister of Providence.  She was 68 years of age and was a member of the old Zion Episcopal church.  The funeral will be held from here late residence tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Newport Mercury February 8, 1896

 

HAZARD, Charles H. whose serious illness was chronicled in these columns last week, died at his home in Middletown early yesterday morning, and his funeral will be held from his late residence on Alley road Monday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock.  The deceased was in the 73rd year of his age and had long been one of the prominent citizens of the town.  He had filled numerous positions of honor and trust, and was a member of the public school committee at the time of his death.  He leaves a wife and four children.  Mr. Daniel T. Hazard of this city is his son and Mr. James T. Hazard of this city is his brother.  Newport Mercury June 13, 1896

 

 

JAMES, William T. died quite suddenly Wednesday at his home on Caleb Earl Street.  He had been in poor health for some time but was able to be out Tuesday  A son of Thomas and the late Annie James, he had lived all of his live here, having been employed as a boilermaker at the shops of the Old Colony, now the New England Steamboat Company.  He was a member of Land's End Lodge of Moose and is survived by a widow, several children, his father, four brothers James, Thomas, Jonathan and Albert James, and a sister Mrs. James Lawton.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

KERR, Robert, Former Councilman died Thursday afternoon at his home on Rhode Island avenue, after an illness of several years.  During that period he had suffered several serious ill turns but recovered sufficiently to be able to be out.  Mr. Kerr was born in New York November 3, 1851 and was educated in Brooklyn, where he was later engaged in business as a manufacturer.  After he retired about 25 years ago, he came to Newport to make his home and resided here until his death taking an active part in public affairs.  He served four years as a member of the Common Council from the First ward and was for five years a member of the Representative Council serving on various important committees in both bodies.  In 1907 and 1910 he was also a member of the house of representatives, and for several years an overseer of the poor, retiring from the latter position when his health failed.  He is survived by a widow and five sons, Captain Robert W. Kerr, medical corps USA, Lieutenant Francis R. Kerr USA, William G., and Albert Kerr of the contracting firm of Kerr Brothers, and Edgar J. Kerr, salesman for J. H. Barney Jr. & Co. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

McDONALD, William L. Services were held last Sunday at 12:30 p.m. over the remains of his body which was found on Friday of last week.  Rev. E. L. Buckey conducted the services, which were most impressive, the choir of the church of which the deceased has been a member, singing several selections.  The bearers were William H. Swartz, Frank P. King, Edward Cozzens, John Dennis and William Frank, of Newport, and Ernest Wilbur and Irving Waite of Providence.  Newport Mercury June 13, 1896

 

MILLER, Mrs J. Fred died at her home on Ledyard Street at 5 o'clock Thursday morning, after a serious illness lasting since last fall.  When Mr. Miller, former manager of the Opera House went to New York to follow his profession he left her here, but in October she was so much worse that she decided to go to him and they remained in New York until Sunday morning when they returned to the home which they had kept here.  For the past five or six weeks her condition had been critical and Mr. Miller himself is heart broken.  The couple were married 12 years ago and were greatly devoted to each other.  Mrs. Miller was a native of Providence and is survived by a sister in that city, one in New York and a brother in Bristol.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

MUENCHIUGER, G. E. H. The funeral was solemnized from the chapel of the United Congregational church, Rev. R. W. Wallace officiating.  A fine program of vocal music was rendered by A. H. Swan and H. H. Luther and Misses Corley and Martland.  The bearers were His Honor Mayor Boyle, Deputy Collector Martin B. Hall, Frank F. Nolan, Charles H. Keehue, Jr. A. J. Fludder, J. Dowling, and George Rounds.  Newport Mercury June 13, 1896

 

NORMAN, Sarah Elizabeth (Stacy), widow of William J. Norman died Wednesday at her home on Rhode Island avenue in her ninetieth year.  She was a life-long resident of Newport a member of a family which has been prominent here for many years.  A daughter of Joshua and Sarah Stacy, she is survived by a brother, Mr. Joshua Stacy and four children Thomas M, John S Norman, Mrs. Thomas Aylsworth and Mrs. Archibald B. Sayer.  She was a sister of the late John A. C. Stacy and the late Hannah Stacy.  Mrs. Norman was one of the oldest members of the First Baptist Church.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

PECKHAM, Annie died at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Martha Greason, on Sunday.  She leaves one daughter.  Her funeral was held from St. Mary's church Tuesday afternoon and was attended by a large number of friends.  Newport Mercury June 6, 1896

 

 

POTTER, William Y. a native of Newport where he was born in 1834 in the Potter house on Mill street near Touro park died in Providence Wednesday after a long illness.  He had been a resident of that city since he was 16 years old, with the exception of a few years when he resided in East Greenwich.  For many years he was associated with the Mutual and Washington life insurance companies, and as agent for these came to Newport every week, making many friends here. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

ROSE, Rebecca R. widow of William H. R. Rose died Sunday evening at the home of her son on Bay Side avenue in her eighty-first year was a daughter of the late William Stevens and Sarah (Freeborn)  Lawton.  Among her sisters and brothers, nine of a family of 16 who lived to manhood and womanhood, were Mrs. William G. Peckham of this city and Mrs. Alexander B. Gladding and Henry B. Lawton of Providence, and the late William S. Lawton Jr, George C. Lawton and Mrs. Edward Otto.  She is survived by a son, Mr. Alvah E. Rose, and a married daughter.  Mrs. Rose's mother died April 21, 1903 at the age of 96. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

SMITH, Miss Elizabeth Roberts, daughter of Captain Samuel and Elizabeth (Martin) Smith was found dead in bed at her home on John Street Tuesday morning.  She was in her usual health when retiring the night before.  Miss Smith's father for many years was engaged in the coasting trade and was one of Newport's well known sea captains of 50 years ago.  Since his death she had resided with her aunt the late Miss Mary S. Martin who died in June of last year in her eighty ninth year.  She continued to live in the old Martin house on the corner of John and Martin Streets with cousins.  The deceased had been for many years a member of the United Congregational Church, a regular attendant on the services and active in its various interests.  She was one of the heirs of the late John Henry Tilley.  The property, which was held intact until the recent death of Mrs. Tilley had not been distributed.  Miss Smith is survived be several cousins including George, Charles D. and Frank Martin, Miss Belle Martin, Mrs. William B. Hudson, Mrs. Benjamin F. Tanner, Miss Mary Sanford, Mrs. Lydia Peckham and Mr. Henry Sanford.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday February 16, 1917

 

SPOONER, Mrs. William died at her home on Water Street Thursday afternoon.  She had been ill only a few days, being taken sick about midnight Sunday, but grew rapidly worse until the end.  She was the home of William and Susie Dennis, she was born in February 1884 and was one of two children.  The brother died just six years ago Friday and was the same age when he died as his sister, another coincidence is that they were afflicted with the same disease.  She was married to William B. Spooner and to them were born two children Florence Elsie and William.  She is survived by her father, mother and husband and two children.  She was treasurer of the Ladies Benevolent Society, a member of the Epworth League and of the Helping Hand Society, and in each was an active worker.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at her home on Water Street with a very large attendance of relatives and friends, every room being filled and many standing outside.  The service was conducted by Rev. John F. Lowden of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which Mrs. Spooner had always attended.  The pall bearers were Ernest and Lester Coggeshall, Ralph Freeborn and Charles Borden.  The interment was in the family lot in the Portsmouth cemetery. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

SULLIVAN, Eugene died suddenly Saturday at his home on Howe avenue he was will known throughout the city and had been for many years a member of St. Mary's Church.  For a long time he was employed by the late W. Watts Sherman, being retired several years ago. He is survived by a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Roscoe A. Cochran and Miss Julia Sullivan.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

 

TILLEY, Mrs. Louise Hammett (Marsh) widow of John Henry Tilley, died at her home Wednesday evening after a long illness.  She was a native of Newport, being a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Wood) Marsh and had lived her entire life here being married March 23, 1856 to Mr. Tilley who died about 10 years ago.  She had been an attendant at the Channing Memorial Church.  She is survived by no immediate relatives. Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

TOZIER, Albert L. The funeral was held from his late residence on Greene street, Rev. J. H. MacDonald of the Thames street M. E. church officiating.  The bearers were Frank Oakley, Edward Shaw, William Allen and Sherman Dawley.  Newport Mercury June 13, 1896

 

ZIESEL, Mrs. J. K. died at her home on Second street Sunday morning after an illness of 11 months, was a daughter of Mrs. Mary Louise and the late William M. Vars.  She was 29 years old and had spent practically her entire life in Newport, where she had many friends.  She is survived by her husband, mother and three small children, two sisters Mrs. Fred W. Kent and Mrs. Charles H. Ritt and two brothers Stephen F. Vars and William J. Vars 2nd.  Newport Journal and Weekly News Friday January 12, 1917

 

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