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Shaffner, Mrs. (wife of Rev. H. J.) Skerritt, Mary J. Stiles, Maynard F.

The News, Denver
March 26, 1873 Page 3

DIED

SHAFFNER-- In this city, March 21, Mrs. Shaffner, wife of Rev. H. J. Shaffner, pastor of the Denver Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, aged 34 years.

Mrs. Shaffner was a lady of most devoted character as wife, mother and Christian. She had greatly endeared herself to a large circle of friends in Idaho, Golden City, Arvada and Denver, while with her husband in these places in charge of religious interests. The family is indeed an afflicted one. Mr. S. is at times a great sufferer, and will sadly miss the kind hands which have so faithfully ministered to his necessities in suffering, and the cheering companionship which has blessed him in ministerial duty. Three motherless children are learning the gloomy lessons of early bereavement. The funeral occurred from the California Street Methodist Episcopal Church yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Dr. Crary, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Kuhl, Allen and Vincent. Reverends Munger, Ross, Drew and Welch acted as pall bearers. The congregation of friends filled the house, and a large procession followed the corpse to the grave. But the glory of this occasion was the memory of Christian loveliness by which, in the faith that procured the character, the hope was full of immortality and eternal life.

(Transcriber's note: A poem by Whittier is attached as the final paragraph.)

Contributed by: Rita Timm 1895 Denver

Rocky Mountain News, Denver
January 18, 1901

(Original includes photo)

PIONEERS BURY MRS. SKERRITT
Last Honors to First Woman Who Crossed Snowy Range.

The funeral services of Mrs. Mary P. Skerritt will be held from her late residence near Orchard Place this afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Pioneers and the Pioneer Ladies' Aid Association will meet at their headquarters at 1 o'clock. The services will be conducted by Rev. Charles Marshall and interment will be at Littleton. The pallbearers are John L. Dailey, C. S. Semper, Robert Morris, A. D. Wilson, C. Lerchen and J. C. Jones.

Mrs. Skerritt, who died from heart failure, from which she had been a sufferer for many years, Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock, was found dead in bed by her family who had left her for a few minutes. She was born in Ireland in 1830 [or 1839, difficult to read], and came to Colorado with her husband Thomas Skerritt, in 1858, and located on what is now the Skerritt Ranch.

Mrs. Skerritt crossed the snowy range with her husband in 1858 and was the first white woman to do so in Colorado. She was through all the Indian scares in Denver and was fond of relating how when left alone in the house, she would run to the hill back of Orchard Place and watch for Indians. Then she would go home, watch over her children for a while and again run to the hill to watch for the Indians.

Mrs. Skerritt was a kind-hearted charitable old lady, beloved by everyone. Many friends called at the house yesterday to gaze on her features for the last time.

Contributed by: Rita Timm 1895 Denver

The News, Denver
January 22, 1873 Vol XV Page 3

DROPPED DEAD

Last night; about half past nine, Maynard F. Stiles, esq., (brother of our ex-Mayor Stiles) of this city, suddenly dropped dead on the sidewalk, Holladay Street, between G and H. Streets. His body was taken into the adjoining house, where friends soon assembled, but their efforts to revive him were in vain, as his spirit had fled to that bourne whence none returns. The deceased resided here since September, 1870, chiefly in the practice of law, when not engaged in the commission business with his brother. He was a native of Vermont. He was probate judge of Hardin County, Iowa, for two years. He resided some years in Chicago, and afterwards in Memphis, whither he went with the army, as a trader. The deceased was the youngest of six brothers, all others of whom still live. His friends and the numerous friends and acquaintances of our ex-mayor will mourn his sad and sudden death.

Coroner Marix was informed of the casualty soon after its occurrence, and repaired promptly to the spot where the unfortunate man was lying. It was at first supposed that life was not extinct, and restoratives were freeely administered. But all was to no effect. A large crowd also gathered upon the scene, and all exhibited the utmost solictude in caring for the body.

The inquest on the body will be held at 9 o'clock this morning. Notice of the funeral will be given hereafter.

Donated by: Rita Timm 1895 Denver