Jewell County Family Files
Riner Family Obituaries
Thanks to Jeanne Bedwell for these obits!
ALDRICH
Mrs. Z. S. Aldrich:
Mary Jane Aldrich, the daughter of James and Lydia Patton Lewis was born January 29, 1850 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, the youngest of seven children. At the age of three years moved with her parents to Iroquois County, Illinois where she grew to young womanhood, and December 31, 1869 was married to William Riner in Onarga, Illinois.
In the fall of 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Riner came to Jewell County, Kansas homesteading four and one-half miles southwest of Burr Oak. In 1888 Mr. Riner's heath having failed, they left the farm and moved to Burr Oak where his wife faithfully cared for him until his death in 1907.
In 1910 Mrs. Riner was married to Z. S. Aldrich and in 1916 they moved to Topeka where Mr. Aldrich passed away in May 1935.
Mrs. Aldrich retained her remarkable health and strength until about four years before her death, but retained her mental faculties almost to the last.
Aunt Jennie, as she was lovingly known by her many relatives and friends was possessed with an innate sense of humor and a joyous spirit which enabled her to meet the varied experiences of a pioneer life with a courage and dignity which, combined with the fine qualities of true womanhood made her of such graciousness as to endear her to all who knew her.
She passed to her eternal reward after much suffering endured with great patience on November 1, 1944.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Burr Oak Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Arthur S. Berg.
Mrs. L. A. Pixler, Mrs. Elmer Alexander, Alfred Craighead and Marion Mizner accompanied by Vera Alexander at the piano furnished the music.
The pall bearers were all nephews of Mrs. Aldrich: Edwin, Charley, Russell, Emmett Lewis, Homer Grubbs and Ed Duncan. Burial was in the Burr Oak cemetery. (Burr Oak Herald, 11-9-1944) Contributed by Jeanne Bedwell
CLAYTON
Daniel O. Clayton, son of Ben and Mary Riner Clayton, was born near Burlingame, Osage County, Kansas, November 26, 1870. Died at Fort Jay, Governor's Island, New York, September 20, 1907. When a child, he lived with his parents at different times at Neosho Falls and at Yates Center, Kansas, coming to Burr Oak at the age of fourteen where he grew to manhood and spent most of his life until 1898 when he enlisted for the Spanish-American war and has continued almost all the time since in the service of his country, being at the time of his death on his third enlistment in the regular army since being mustered out of the volunteer service. He was twice in the Philippines. His death was due to an electric shock from having accidently come into contact with a live wire at the power house where he was on duty at the time. The deceased was a full brother of George F. Clayton and a half brother of Albert V. Hunt, both of Clarinda, Iowa and a half brother of Mrs. C. E. Lewis of this place, who with a large circle of relatives are called to mourn his decease. The body was brought here for burial arriving last Saturday evening and the funeral was held Sunday afternoon, conducted by Elder Leio Couch and the remains laid away in the beautiful Burr Oak Cemetery.
(Burr Oak Herald, 10-10-1907) Contributed by Jeanne Bedwell
CLAYTON
MARY RINER HUNT CLAYTON--Mary Riner was born in Warren County, Indiana, January 20, 1838 and died of congestive chill in Burr Oak, Kansas, February 11, 1889. She moved with her parents to Iroquois County, Illinois in 1850, was converted at the age of fifteen and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she was a consistent member. She married George M. Hunt, January 21, 1858. Three children blessed this union, two of whom are still living. She was left a widow in 1866 and soon afterward married Benjamin F. Clayton, who also proceeded her to the better land. To this union were born two sons and one daughter. She made many friends wherever she lived, being of a very sympathetic nature, always ready to respond to the call of the sick or anyone in trouble. Her funeral was preached at the M.E. church by Rev. D. Harrison (undated Burr
Oak newspaper)
DRAKE
Hannah Riner Drake, 1828-1899
Hannah Riner was born at Winchester, Virginia, December 16, 1828. Died at Burr Oak, Kansas, February 11, 1899; aged 70 years, 1 month, and 26 days. Was married to Jesse Drake, in Warren County, Indiana, January 24, 1847. Removed with her husband to Iroquois County, Illinois in 1850 where she resided until 1888 when she removed with her husband to Burr Oak, Kansas. She united with the U.B. church in 1856 to which she belonged until her removal to Kansas, when she joined the M.E. church at Burr Oak. Her husband and one brother, William Riner, together with six sons and daughters survive to mourn her loss, one son, Henry R. Drake having preceded her to the better land at Onarga, Illinois, on December 28, 1876. The living sons and daughters are Mrs. B.F. Duncan, Daniel J. Drake, Mrs. Sarah E. Coyner and Mrs. Emma E. Coyner of Burr Oak. Mrs. S.S. Porter of Springdale, Arkansas, and Frank M. Drake of Mankato, Kansas.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.C.Walker at the M.E. church, Feb. 13, assisted by Elder Truman of the Christian church. The text chosen was the 4th verse of the 21st chapter of Revelation. By her death her husband has lost a boon companion of 52 years. The sons and daughters a kind, watchful, solicitous and loving mother and the community a kind neighbor and friend.--submitted by Jeanne Bedwell
(Burr Oak Herald 2-16-1899)
DRAKE
An Old Settler Gone
Jesse Drake was born in Pike County, Ohio, January 29, 1824, and died at his home in Burr Oak, Tuesday night, June 9, 1908; aged 84 years, 4 months, and 11 days.
When about 14 years of age, he removed with his parents to Vermillion County, Indiana. On January 24, 1847, he was married to Miss Hannah Reiner, who passed on to the better land in 1899. To this union seven children were born, six of whom, two sons and four daughters, are still living. In 1850 he moved to Iroquois County, Illinois, and live there until 1883, when he came to Burr Oak where he has since lived.
Uncle Jesse, as he was familiarly called, was an honorable and upright man and a model citizen and was honored and respected by the community and had the filial love and devotion of his children. The surviving children are D.J. and F.M. Drake of Topeka, Mrs. B.F.Duncan of Mankato, and Mesdames Mary Porter, Sarah Coyner, and Emma Coyner of this place. There are eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The funeral was held last Friday afternoon. The two sons and four of his grandsons, E.E. Duncan, Roy Coyner, Ross Porter, and Verne Coyner, acted as pallbearers. Rev. J. M. Willis conducted the services, assisted by Rev. W.A. VanGundy. The basis of the remarks was the scripture in I Cor. 15.35 to 38. A large concourse of sorrowing friends followed the remains to their resting place in the Burr Oak Cemetery.
--submitted by Jeanne Bedwell
(Burr Oak Herald 6-18-1908)
PANGBORN
Roseanna Riner Pangborn
Roseanna Riner was born in Covington, Warren County, Indiana, Feb. 7th, 1834. Died in Burr Oak, Kansas, Nov. 10 th, 1893, aged 59 years, 9 months and 3 days.
She moved with her parents to Iroquois County, Illinois in 1850. She was married to C.S. Pangborn Aug. 19th, 1852. In the autumn of this year, she was converted, and united with the M. E. church, remaining a faithful member of the same until death. In March of 1882 she came with her family to Burr Oak, Kansas where she has lived until the present time.
She was the mother of seven children, six of whom survive her. Frank E. Pangborn, of Malden, Ill., Mrs. Fred Norton, of Grant's Pass, Oregon, Mrs. W.E. Noyes, Mrs. W. M. Heaston, Melvin Pangborn, and Quincy Pangborn, of Burr Oak, Kansas. Her son Jesse died in March 1872. Her husband, one brother and one sister, Mr. Wm. Riner and Mrs. Hannah Drake are still living, and they with a large circle of other relatives and friends, sincerely mourn her death.
Though severely afflicted, she was always patient and cheerful and seemed never so happy as when her family and friends were gathered around her fireside. She was usually unable to attend the services of the church, but her well-worn bible was her constant companion and her faith in its promise was steadfast and comforting.
The funeral services were beautiful and impressive. The sermon was preached by Rev. H.B. Breed, an old friend of the family.
A happy home has been broken up, and the sympathy of the entire community goes out to the children and to the husband who has so long, and so tenderly, cared for his companion in her helplessness.
"Let us be patient! these severe afflictions
Not from the ground arise
But oftentimes celestial benedictions
Assume this dark disguise
There is no Death! What seems so is transition
This life of mortal breath,
Is but a suburb of the life Elysian,
Whose portal we all Death."
--submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (Burr
Oak Herald, 11-16-1893)
RINER
DANIEL RINER, 1796-1885
Died, at the home of his son-in-law, R.R. Skeels, four miles southwest of Burr Oak, on May 5, 1885, Daniel Riner, aged 88 years, 6 months, and 26 days.
Father Riner was born in Berkley County, Virginia, October 19, 1796. He married December 31, 1826 to Miss May Starry. In 1829 he moved from Virginia to Indiana where he resided until 1850, when he moved to Illinois. There on November 8, 1862, his wife died. On May 11, 1863 he was married to Miss Rhoda Starry, who died May 11, 1867. In the spring of 1883, he came to Kansas, and lived here with his children until his death. He leaves five children. William Riner, Mrs. Jesse Drake, Mrs. Cyrus Pangborn, Mrs. R.R. Skeels, of Burr Oak, and Mrs. William (sic--Benjamin) Clayton of Yates Center, Kansas; four children having preceded him to the better land. He embraced religion in early life, ever true to his convictions, possessed of practical business sagacity and unbending integrity, performing all his duties with promptness, efficiency, and faithfulness. As long as his health permitted, he was regular in his attendance at church and always a liberal supporter of the Gospel and every good enterprise. To his family he was devoted, doing all he could to promote their happiness, not only in this life, but in the next.
His funeral took place at the M.E. Church in this place on Wednesday, May 6 at 2 p.m. and was largely attended. On Thursday morning relatives started with his remains for Onarga, Illinois where they will be laid to rest beside his wife. --submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (undated Burr
Oak newspaper)
RINER
William Riner:
William Riner was born in Warren county, Indiana, September 25, 1840, died at his home in Burr Oak, Kansas, December 19, 1907, aged 67 years, 2 months, and 24 days. He was the son of Daniel and Mary (Starry) Riner and when ten years of age he removed with them to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he lived on a farm until the breaking out of the Civil war. On November 20th 1861 he offered his services to his country and enlisted in Company M 9th Illinois cavalry. With his regiment he participated in many hard fought battles and experienced the hardships incident to the army in the time of war. He was mustered out of the service on March 13th, 1865 and returned to his home in Illinois. He was married December 13th 1867 to Miss Jennie Lewis. In 1881 they moved to Jewell county settling in Burr Oak township, which has been their home for more than thirty-six years. In the early days Mr. Riner went through all the hardships common to the pioneers, but having faith in the country and being energetic and industrious, by patience and perseverance he acquired a competency which supported him when he was no longer able to engage in active pursuits. He had a pleasant and attractive home in Burr Oak to which he retired, still owing a valuable farm in the southwest part of the township where he first settled. Mr. Riner was one of a family of nine children, all of whom have now passed away, Mr. Riner being the last survivor. His death was due to paralysis from which he had suffered for more than twenty years. He united with the M.E. church at this place in 1873 and has remained a consistent Christian during all these years. He was a man of genial disposition, gentle and kind-hearted, never complaining because of his affliction and always greeting his friends with a pleasant word and a cheery smile. He leaves a devoted wife, many relatives and innumerable friends to mourn his departure. The funeral was held at the M.E. church last Friday afternoon at two o?clock and was conducted by Revs. W.A. VanGundy and J. M. Willis, the music for the occasion being furnished by Mrs. A. W. Mann, Mrs. R.W. Johnston, Mr. M. C. Berkeley, and Dr. W. L. McCormick with Mrs. M. C. Berkeley at the organ. After the funeral a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives followed the body to its resting place in the beautiful Oak cemetery. The Herald joins the bereaved relatives in sympathy on account of the grief that has come upon them.
(Burr Oak Herald, 12-26-1944) Contributed by Jeanne Bedwell
SKEELS
D. H. Skeels Rites this Eve
Prominent Farmer, Aged 73, Had been in Ill Health for Some Time
Only a few minutes after he had returned from a trip to Burr Oak, D. H. Skeels, 73, prominent farmer and stockman of the Otego neighborhood, died Tuesday morning. He has been in ill health for some time, but had been around and attending to business matter up to the time of his death.
Funeral services will be held this evening at 7 o'clock, at the Burr Oak cemetery with Rev. C. R. Vasey officiating.
DANIEL HENRY SKEELS
Daniel Henry, only son of Robert and Susan Skeels, was born near Onarga, IL on Nov 15, 1865. With his parents and his only sister, Mary, and a few friends of the family, they traveled overland by ox team, bringing all of their worldly goods and located a home on White Rock creek, five miles southwest of Burr Oak. They had their early privations and difficulties, along with all other new settlers. When their crops were completely destroyed by the grasshoppers--in the Grasshopper year--they returned to Illinois, where Mr. Skeels received his education, including a course in the Onarga Business College.
When Daniel Henry was 17 years old, the family returned to Jewell County and bought back their former farm home. When his parents moved to Burr Oak, Dan had full control of the farm, where he continuously resided for 48 years.
In 1887 Dan was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Drake of Edmund, Kansas. One daughter, Vera, was born to bless their home.
Mr. Skeels united with the M. E. church in early manhood, gave liberally to its upkeep and enjoyed its fellowship. He attended church services regularly as long as his health would permit. He was conscientious and honest in all of his dealings, loved his neighbors and friends and constantly sought to be of service to others.
He loved his family better than anyone else in the world, but he was also a great lover of children and many a mother's baby was lulled to sleep by his crooning of some tuneful lullaby. His affection for dumb animals, particularly the horse and the dog, was unusual.
He traveled but little, but broad reading and much study gave him an understanding of many things. Few men have so many admirable characteristics and his place will not soon be filled. Some years ago he suffered a nervous breakdown which gradually broke down his health and strength and made him an invalid for several months. He passed away quietly at his home on the morning of July 18, 1939, at the age of 73 years, 8 months, and 3 days. His going will be sadly missed by his faithful wife of the home, his daughter Mrs. William Brandt, and grand-daughters Helen Ann and Rosalee of Colorado Springs, Colo., by his sister Mary Grubbs of Sterling, Colorado, and by other relative and a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Appropriate funeral services will be held at Burr Oak cemetery this evening at 7 o'clock in charge of Rev. C.R. Vasey, the procession will leave the Merritt Funeral Home at 6:30. Music will be furnished by a double quartet, consisting of Mesdames Florence Pixler, Frances Davis, Lora Modlin, and Lillie Mann and Messrs Donald Modlin, Alfred Craighead, Dallas Davis and W. L. Mc Cormick. A vocal solo will be sung by W. M. Green of Jewell City. The hymns selected are: "A City Foursquare," Mercy," and "O, Love that Will Not Let Me Go." The pallbearers are Messrs Clarence Fearing, Charles and Emmet Lewis, A. B. Tegley and Laurel Pixler.--submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (Burr Oak Herald, 7-16-1939)
SKEELS
Prominent Pioneer Citizen is Gone
Robert Richard Skeels (see photo)
Picture if you will, a young man, strong, energetic, determined, walking into the little village of Burr Oak, March 1, 1872, having made the journey on foot with heavy baggage from Scandia, Kansas which was the farthest he could come by rail. He settled on the farm on White Rock creek five miles northwest of Burr Oak, and moved his family here the following fall. He resided there two years and returned to Illinois in 1874, only to come back to the same farm in 1881. He hauled lumber from Waterville by ox team to erect a home in the far west. There was something in the wild west that appealed to Mr. Skeels. He loved the out door life, the green earth, the face of town and country, the unspeakable rural solitudes and country, the sweet security of the streets. The sun and the sky, and breeze, and the solitary walks, and ???? and the summer holidays, and the juices of the wild meats, and society, and the the candlelight, and the fireside conversations. When he worked, he worked strenuously and when it was over there was recreation to his liking. He loved a horse, a dog, and a gun, and in those days, ample opportunity was given for them all.
In the sod-house and dug-out days, friends were friends and neighbors were neighbors. Everyone who entered this home received a warm reception.
Later on when other villages in the country sprang up, Rev. Breel who was the first pastor of the Burr Oak Charge, made frequent visits to the home, and in turn with an ox drawn wagon sojourned to their place near Jewel Centre, and on every occasion, the Skeels family sang this familiar hymn, "Home of the Soul." He took an active part in all enterprise of an uplifting nature. He was a charter member of the first M. E. Church. This organization was located one mile east of Burr Oak, and he remained a useful and loyal member to the last.
Few men indeed have filled so many varied and worthy places of trust in this county and town as did he, acting in the capacity of County Commissioner over a period of fifteen years, trustee of the school boards in every district in which he lived, filled every office in the church, and was director of the old time singing schools before the use of instruments was known. Not only did he have a fine voice, but he enjoyed and was a good judge of music. It is hard to say in a few lines what it took one long life to fill. He was heir to all of the hardships that befell the early settlers, the Indians, grasshoppers, prairie fires, hot winds in the summer and hard blizzards in winter, but undaunted, he carried on, having faith in himself, his country, and God. "Those coming first build up for those who follow, paving the future though they know not of it."
Robert Richard Skeels was one of three children, born to Henry Skeels and wife in Onarga, Illinois, January 30, 1842. Mr. Skeels had been married three times. He first wedded Susannah Riner, September 1861, and to this union two children were born, Mary Grubbs of Sterling, Colo., and Dan H. of Burr Oak. These good people were also foster parents to orphan relatives, Annie and Emmett Kennison and Jake Kiser. After his wife's death in 1892, Mrs. Frances Darling of Burr Oak became his wife. She, too, died in 1907. Mr. Skeels and Mrs. Sarah Beanblossom were united in marriage in 1911, she preceding him in death by only a few months.
Uncle Robert's life had been despaired of for some time, and after fitfully flickering for some time, the candle of life was snuffed out, the loving heart ceased to beat, and the proud spirit took its flight to that God whom he loved and feared and served on the evening of July 2, 1931, at the age of 89 years, 5 months, 2 days. He leaves to mourn his going, his son and daughter, three-grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who, with a host of other relative and friends was limited in number to the circle of his wide acquaintances.
So passes another of the few pioneers of this section of the country who are left.
A man who radiated the sunshine of good cheer and good fellowship, a man who always had time to aid any good work for moral and material advancement of the community, giving to such work not only of his means, but of his valuable time.
A public spirited citizen, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, a Christian gentleman and an honest man.
The funeral services were held at the M.E. Church Sunday afternoon July 5, conduced by Ira Wagoner, assisted by Kermit C. Walker. Suitable music was rendered by the quartet and internment was made in the Burr Oak cemetery.--submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (Burr Oak Herald, 7-9-1931)
SKEELS
Obituary of Mrs. R.R. Skeels
Sarah Alidah Bostwick, daughter of Asbael and Alidah Bostwick was born near Syracuse, N.Y., July 7, 1846 and departed this life February 23, 1931, at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 16 days. She came west to Chicago with her parents, brothers, and sister when 10 years old, and was married to Alfred Hiatt in 1868. They moved to Indiana, where two sons Maurice W. and Bertin L. were born. Later they came to Kansas and homesteaded in Butler County where her sister and other relatives settled. Here the daughter, Mrs. Alice Wilson was born.
After the death of her husband, she married David Beanblossom and later moved to his place where her daughter, Mrs. Nora L. Gleason, was born. Because of his health, they went to Missouri, but he soon passed away. She and her family returned to Burr Oak, and since that time have resided there.
Raised by Christian parents, she was a zealous Christian throughout her whole life, being one of the early members of the Methodist church and a charter member of the Cheerful Workers Sunday school class.
In 1911 she was united to Robert R. Skeels. They were known to their many friends as Uncle Robert and Aunt Sarah. She was a devoted wife and mother, always willing and ready to serve. For several years she has been in very poor health and a few weeks ago was taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.S. Gleason, where she passed peacefully to her eternal home.
She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, R.R. Skeels; one son, M.W. Hiatt of Leavenworth, Kansas; two daughters, Mrs. Alice Wilson of Nelson, Nebraska, and Mrs. Nora Gleason of Burr Oak; and two step children, Mrs. Alice Bailey of Enid, Oklahoma, and Wilson Beanblossom of this place. Also nine grandchildren. A son Bertin Hiatt and three stepchildren, Mrs. Arena Burr, Mrs. Sadie Dailey, and Grant Beanblossom, preceded her in death. --submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (Burr Oak Herald, 2-26-1931)
SKEELS
Susannah Riner Skeels 1842-1892
Death of Mrs. R. R. Skeels
Died--At her home in Burr Oak, Kansas, March 8, 1892. Mrs. R. R. Skeels, aged 49 years, 4 months, and 23 days. Her maiden name was Susannah Riner, daughter of Daniel and Mary Riner, and was born near Covington, Warren County, Indiana, September 15, 1842. She was the youngest of nine children, three of whom survive and live in our midst: Mrs. Jesse Drake, Mrs. Cyrus Pangborn, and Mr. William Riner. Was married at Onarga, Illinois to R. R. Skeels, November 17, 1861. She leaves a grief stricken husband and two children--Mrs. Mary Grubbs and Mr. Daniel Skeels. Her death was a shock to all as she was expecting to be out again soon after her recovery from diphtheria, when she was afflicted with rheumatism which reached her heart and she soon passed away. She had early and carefully been trained in a christian life and could not recall the period in life when she began to pray. She joined the M. E. church at the age of thirteen and has ever been a humble, loving, loyal follower of Christ. Her influence for good was unbounded and was a benediction to all with whom she came in contact. She had taught the primary class in Sunday school for a number of years and is no doubt now joined with many of her little scholars who have lately proceeded her to that Beautiful Land.
Daniel and daughter Susannah came to Onarga in 1849.
Susan Skeels:
In the death of Mrs. Susan Skeels Burr Oak loses one of the best members of its society. She was an earnest Christian. A large circle of friends mourn her untimely death, and extend their sympathy of the grief stricken family. submitted by Jeanne Bedwell (Western Advocate, 3-11-1892)
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