The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, September 4, 1910
 pg. 1

Mrs. E.J. Birchfield Dead
After an illness extending through a period of the past 3 years, Mrs. Eliza J. Birchfield died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John D. Ourand, No. 106 West Sears street, Wednesday  forenoon at an early hour.
The deceased had reached the ripe age of 88 years.  Mr. Birchfield passed away in St. Louis in 1866 and left a widow and 2 daughters, Mrs. Josephine Patterson, now a resident of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and Mrs. John D. Ourand of this city.  The widow came here in 1899 and was a resident for about 2 years, and then made her home in Sherman, where she
remained about 2 years, and then moved back to Denison and had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ourand, ever since.
In connection with the death of this lady the writer wishes to call attention to the heroic devotion of her daughter.  There was nothing more loveable  ever known in a family circle.  A year or so before death the infirmities of old age impaired the mind of Mrs. Birchfield and she required constant attention which was given her by her daughter.  No one but the immediate family circle will ever know what Mrs. Ourand went through.  Day and night she was the constant attendant of her mother, giving her every possible attention.  There was no sacrifice that was too great for the comfort and well being of her mother.  For over 2 years she has devoted a greater portion of her time watching at the bedside of her mother and
humoring her in every possible way.
In her prime, Mrs. Birchfield was a remarkable woman, strong in mind, handsome and attractive in personal appearance, and typical of the good old mothers that  are fast passing from the stage of life.  At the early age of 14 years she joined the Methodist church and was a consistent member all through life.
The burial took place at Fairview Cemetery and religious services were conducted by the pastor of the M.E. Church.
Paris and Ft. Smith papers please copy.

Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, September 11, 1910
pg. 2

HOME NEWS
While attending the funeral of Mrs. Birchfield, we saw a very old tombstone.  The inscription was discolored with green substance and the stone dilapidated, but it bore the words, "Joseph H. Wiggins." He was one of the very first to be buried at Fairview, but one of the very best known of our citizens.
Everybody knew Joe Wiggins, proprietor of the Rancho saloon.  His name is forgotten; his memory obliterated.  Not one in a thousand of the present population will recollect Joe Wiggins.  We may well exclaim: "Sic transit gloria mundi."