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Misc. Obituaries of Residents

BROCK, Richard Howard

THE ST. CLOUD TRIBUNE, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1939 (abstract)

Elder R. H. Brock, d. 8 Oct 1939, age 90, in Orlando, bur. Rose Hill cemetery, Kissimmee.

BROCK, Mrs. Elsie A.

THE ST. CLOUD TRIBUNE, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1924

Obituary

        Mrs. Elsie A. Brock: Born near Elkhart, Indiana, July 18, 1857, and died at St. Cloud, Florida, June 29, 1924, age 66 years, 11 months and 11 days.
        Mrs. Brocks’s maiden name was Elsie Evans. In 1882 she was married to Mr. Jessie Longacre, and to this union one daughter was born who died at the age of eleven, March 30, 1923. Mrs. Longacre was united in marriage to Elder R. H. Brock with whom she lived happily until the end. She leaves her devoted husband, two brothers and one sister to mourn her loss.
        Sister Brock united with the Seventh Day Adventist church some twenty years ago, and remained a loyal and devoted member until the end. She was a lovely character, a devoted mother and faithful companion. Her beautiful life has been temporarily closed awaiting the glorious Life-giver who will bring it forth again immortalized for eternity.
        Funeral services were conducted by the writer in the Saint Cloud Church, and interment took place in the Rose Hill Cemetery near Kissimmee, Florida.

--- L. T. Crisler

CALDWELL, Burns

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 20 Oct 1905

Burns Caldwell Dead.
        It becomes our sad duty this week to chronicle the death of O. B. Caldwell, which occurred a the home of his brother-in-law, councilman W. C. Bass, on Saturday afternoon last at about 3 o'clock.
        The deceased had been a sufferer from that dread disease, consumption, for some time, and his death had been expected to occur at almost any time within the past several weeks. Nevertheless, when the word was passed around that the end had come, it brought a feeling of sincere sorrow to the hearts of his friends and acquaintances.
        The deceased was 34 years old and a member of the Methodist Church. By the genial nature and sunny disposition he made friends of all with whom he came in contact, and his untimely taking off is deeply deplored by the entire community.
        The funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon by the pastor Rev. J. L. Moon, assisted by Rev. H. P. Jackson, pastor of the Baptist Church, and were attended by a large concourse of people of every denomination.
        After the services at the church the remains were carried to Rosehill cemetery, followed by a long procession of relatives and friends, and there tenderly laid to rest to await the last call.

DIBBLE, V. L.

The Kissimmee Gazette, 6 Feb 1930

Body Shipped North

        The body of V. L. Dibble, who passed away Thursday was shipped to his old home in Holland, Michigan last Friday.

DRAWDY, Mrs. Rosa

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 16 May 1902

Death of Mrs. Rosa Drawdy at Olney.
        Died, at the home of her father-in-law, George Drawdy, Mrs. Rosa L. Drawdy, wife of Smith Drawdy, aged 26 years and 11 months.
        She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John willis, and was the mother of two small children, aged three and four years. She leaves a husband, two children, a father, mother, brother, and five sisters to mourn her loss. She was much loved by all who knew her and will be sadly missed in the community.

FLOYD, Frank D.

The Kissimmee Gazette, 1 Sep 1905

Peghorn
        Mr. Frank D. Sullivan who had been very sick for the past few weeks, passed quietly away on Wednesday the 23rd. May the bereaved ones accept our tender sympathies.

FORREST, James

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 21 Feb 1902

Death of James Forrest
        The news of Mr. James Forrest's sudden death, at Bartow, on Thursday of last week, was received with general regret in Kissimmee, where he was widely known and respected, having been intimately connected with all the Disston schemes since their first inception. He was found dead in his bed at the Bartow house, having apparently died painlessly in his sleep. His body was shipped by express to Philadelphia, where his widow, two sons and two daughters are living.
        At one time Mr. Forrest resided here continuously with his family, but when Mr. Diston died he returned to Pennsylvania and only occasionally visited Kissimmee.
        In his death we lose one of the makers of the early history of the county and town, and his family have the sincere sympathy of our people.

GILBERT, S. A.

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 28 Feb 1902

Death of S. A. Gilbert
        The town was shocked yesterday afternoon to hear of the sudden death of S. A. Gilbert at Jacsonville, whence he had gone on Tuesday for hospital treatment. The sad news came by wire from his brother Al. Gilbert who had accompanied him.
        Word was at once sent by E. L. Lesley, brother-in-law of the deceased to have the body embalmed and shipped to Kissimmee, and it will probably arrive today.
        The greatest sympathy is felt for the family of the deceased gentleman.
        The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church tomorrow morning at 9:30 o'clock, the Rev. O. J. Frier and Rev. F. G. Railey officiating.

GILBERT, S. A.

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 7 Mar 1902

Funeral of S. A. Gilbert.
        The funeral services were held at the Baptist church last Saturday and the burial occurred in Rose Hill cemetery. A large number of people were present at both functions. The services were conducted by Rev. O J. Frier, assisted by Revs. F. G. Railey and F. E. Shipp.
        S. A. Gilbert was 38 years old and the second son of the family. He was born in South Carolina, but was reared in Lee county, Georgia, at the family home, coming to Florida with his father in 1887. His chief business has been that of steamboating, but after his marriage he engaged in the cattle business at Bassinger for some years.
        He was a man of boundless energy and a hard worker. A staunch friend, and a good citizen, he stood well in the community, and his untimely death is deeply deplored.
        He leaves a widow, the daughter of E. O. Morgan, and two children, to mourn him.

IDE, Mrs. Fannie

ST. CLOUD NEWS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1936, PG. 12 (abstract)

        Mrs. Fannie Ide, d. last monday, age 81, pioneer settler of St. Cloud, Eiselstein Bros. Funeral Home, Rev. C. W. Caldwell of the 1st Presbyterian officiating. Survivied by 4 daughters and 4 sons, bur. Mt. Peace cemetery.

IDE, William and son

ST. CLOUDNEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1937, FRONT PAGE & PG. 8
(abstract of a very detailed article)

        Justice of the Peace William Ide, age 45, and son William jr., age 13, by drowning after stepping into a Dredge Hole along the lake shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga at foot of Caroline Ave on last Sunday afternoon, bur. Mt. Peace cemetery, member of Presbyterian church, widow Violet Ide, 3 brothers and 3 sisters surviving.

LITZEL, Mrs. Louise

The Kissimmee Gazette, 6 Feb 1930

Mrs. Litzel Passes Away

        Mrs. Louise Litzel, widow of John Litzel, both of whom were winter residents of Kissimmee for many years, died at her home, 14351 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Monday, January 27, 1930 at the age of 82 years.
        Mrs. Litzel was born September 16, 1847. Her girlhood home was near Abbeyville, Medina county, Ohio, where she was confirmed in the Lutheran church near her home. In mature life she entered into membership of the Warrensville Methodist church and was transferred to the Church of the Savior by the union of the two churches. Dec. 1, 1870, she married John Litzel of Cleveland. To this union were born three children, Mary A., Louisa, and John G. In 1877 the family moved to their farm in Warrensville on what is now Lee Road, which remained their home till the death of her husband in 1926. Since then, Mrs. Litzel's home has been 14351 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
        Mrs. Litzel was a kindly helpful neighbor, a devoted intelligent wife and mother, a modest faithful Christian. Her sane philosophy of life, her keen discrimination of right and wrong, her high sense of honor and justice, and her deep devotion in duty made her contribution in life around her a large one.
        Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 30, at the Warrensville church. Burial was in Highland Park Cemetery.

MASSEE, Mrs. J. D.

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 14 Jan 1910

A Noble Life Ended

Mrs. J. D. Massee Dies at Her Home in Marshallville, Ga.

        Marshallville, Ga., Jan 4. - Mrs. J. D. Massee died at her home on Monday night at 11 o'clock, after an illness of several months. All that affection and skill could suggest was done for her relief to no avail, and sympathizing friends suffer with the family in their crushing sorrow. Our entire community is shadowed by the calamity that has fallen and shortened the young life and beautiful influence of this noble woman.
        In the varied relations of daughter, sister, wife and stepmother to three young girls, Mrs. Massee lived up to her high ideals and bound to her by the seetest and tenderest influence those friends who knew her best.
        Consecrated to Christian service in early life, gifted in mind and nature with those qualities that make a capable and successful worker, she knew no discouragement in the various church enterprises that called for her help. Especially will her bright face and winning manner be missed by the primary class of the Baptist Sabbath school, which she had taught a number of years with wonderful success.
        Mrs. Massee leaves her husband, Mr. J. D. Massee, three stepdaughters, Mrs. Mark Yarborough, Springvale; Mrs. R. I. Maffatt, Fitzgerald; Miss Mabel Massee, Marshallville; three brothers, Messrs. Bert and Conrad Bryan, Kissimmee, Fla.; Mr. E. C. Bryan, Marshallville, and one sister, Miss M. C. Bryan, Kissimmee, Fla.
        The funeral took place this afternoon at three o'clock. - Macon Daily Telegraph.

PARTIN, Moyer

Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 21 Jan 1910
        Mr. Moyer Partin, after an illness of several weeks, passed away at his residence a few miles east of town last Monday afternoon.
        The deceased was about thirty years of age, and a son of Mr. H. S. Partin, one of this county's leading citizens. He was a member of one of the oldest and best families in South Florida, and was a successful farmer and popular with all who knew him. Besides a large circle of sorrowing relatives and friends he leaves a widow and two small children, who have the sympathy of his entire community.

PEELER, O. C.

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 5 Jan 1906

Death of O. C. Peeler
        The many friends of O. C. Peeler were inexpressibly shocked late Tuesday afternoon to learn that he had expired suddenly at his home in West Kissimmee. Dr. Hicks, who had been attending him, says that appoplexy was the immediate cause of his death.
        Mr. Peeler was manager of Mugge's saloon at this place, and had many good traits of character which endeared him to a large circle of friends.
        The funeral services were held at the family residence on Wednesday afternoon, and were conducted by Rev. H. P. Jackson, of the Baptist Church. After which the remains were carried to the Rose Hill cemetery, and there laid to rest to await the last call.
        He leaves a widow and a step son to mourn his loss, who have the sympathies of the entire community in their bereavement.

PEARCE, Susie Catherine

THE KISSIMMEE GAZETTE, 6 Oct 1905

Death of Little Susie Pearce
        Susie Catherine, the little two-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Pearce of this city, died yesterday noon after an illness of only three days.
        She was a sweet-natured child, and was loved of all who knew her. The sympathies of the entire community go out to the stricken family and friends.
        It is hard, fond parents, to give the darling up, but it ought to be sweet to know that your loss is her gain. She has gone to take her place among the countless thousands of children in the pretty kinder-garten of Heaven - and oh the sorrow her little grave has saved her!
        October 5th, 1905

PORTER, Mrs. Mattie W.

THE KISSIMMEE GAZETTE, August 1940, pg. 5

Mrs. Mattie W. Porter
        Mrs. Mattie W. Porter, 82 year-old pioneer resident of Kissimmee passed away Sunday evening after a long illness. Mrs. Porter was married in Ohio, in 1881 to M. H. Porter and in 1884 came with her husband to Kissimmee, then a small frontier trading post. She was the last surviving charter member of the First Christian Church of Kissimmee.
        She is survived by her daughters, Mrs. Vera C. Miller of Kissimmee, Mrs. L. E. Bass of Avon Park, Mrs. G. P. Starkey of St. Petersburg, Mrs. A. J. MacDonough, Daytona Beach, two sons, E. V. Porter of Tampa and A.[sic] D. Porter of Kissimmee, besides a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and on great great- grandchild.
        Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p. m. in Grissom chapel with Rev. A. M. Chisholm, pastor of the Christian church in St. Cloud, officiating.
        Interment in Rose Hill cemetery.

PORTER, Orville Delraine

THE KISSIMMEE GAZETTE, July 9, 1954, front page

Orville Delraine Porter, Pioneer Citizen, Died After a Brief Illness
        Orville Delraine Porter, 68, of 104 Bass Street, passed away Wednesday night after a brief illness.
        Son of Melville Hamilton Porter and Caroline Wiley Porter, pioneer family who settled here in 1883, he was born in Kissimmee, October 18, 1885.
        He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Belle Porter, Kissimmee; one son, Orville J. Porter of Akron, Ohio; two stepsons, Paul Sewell, Tampico, Ill., and Curtis Sewell, Kissimmee; two sisters, Mrs. A. J. McDonald [sic], Hendersonville, N. C. and Mrs. Vera Miller, Kissimmee; half sister, Mrs. Gertrude Starkey, St. Petersburg, and three grandchildren.
        Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Saturday from the Grissom Chapel, with Rev. D. D. Debault, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Casket-bearers will be Eugene Simmons, Julius Smith, J. M. Johnston, Doc Partin and E. P. Neid. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Grissom Funeral Home.

RAMSDELL, Stephen Fisk

St. Cloud Tribune, 12 Aug 1920
        Stephen Fisk Ramsdell was born in Providence, R. I., Oct. 13, 1840, and died in St. Cloud Aug. 9, 1920, being of age 79 years, 11 months and 28 days. He went to St. Louis, Mo., in 1864, was postmaster at one of the stations at St. Louis for about 13 years. He was married to Miss Ruby Munsell of Vermont in 1866. To this union three children were born, one son and two daughters, the son and one daughter preceding him to the other world. One daughter, Mrs. C. L. Vanderwater, living in St. Louis, still survives him. He was married to Mrs. Mary Ivin in August, 1913. On account of Ms. Ramsdell's health they came to St. Cloud in 1913, where they have resided until the time of his death. He professed faith in Christ years ago and has since endeavored to live a consistent Christian life. He expressed himself many times as being ready and prepared to go, leaving the encouraging testimony behind that he was going home to his heaven, to be with Christ and loved ones gone on before. He was a refined and well educated man, loving and kind, and loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his friends.
        Interment was in Mt. Peace cemetery and was conducted from the Eiselstein Undertaking parlors on Massachusetts avenue.

STARKEY, Fred H.

The Kissimmee Gazette, 1 Sep 1905

Death of F. H. Starkey
        On Saturday last, after an illness from that dread disease consumption, Mr. Fred H. Starkey passed away.
        A little more than two years ago he sold his bicycle business in this city and with his family went to Arizona and from there to California with the hope of regaining his health. The improvement was only temporary, and he returned a few months ago, where everything was done for his health that friends could do.
        He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss.
        Mr. Starkey was a member of St. Petersburg Camp, Woodmen of the World joining the camp as a charter member taking a policy for $2,000.
        Mr. Starkey was a highly respected citizen, as a member of the Camp and also of the Christian Church, and his loss will be deeply mourned by all who knew him best.
        The funeral took place at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon and was under the auspices of the Camp and a large number of friends were present. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Undertaker Bussy officiating.
        --- St. Petersburg Sun.

SULLIVAN, Frank D.

Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 1 Sep 1905

Peghorn
        Mr. Frank D. Sullivan who had been very sick for the past few weeks, passed quietly away on Wednesday the 23rd. May the bereaved ones accept our tender sympathies.

SYLVESTER, J. W.

Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 11 Feb 1910

In Memoriam

        The death angel again spread his wings over a home on January 25, 1910, and took in his cold embrace the form of J. W. Sylvester of Tampa. Mr. Sylvester was several years city marshall of Kissimmee, and has many friends here who will feel sad to hear of his death. He moved his family to Tampa three or four years ago. Since that time he has given his heart to Jesus and lived a Christian life.
        He is not dead, but has just been called to a fuller and happier life. He left the church militant to join the church triumphant.
        Dear friends, while your hearts are breaking because of his absence, 'tis sweet to know you weep not as those who have no hope. Just look up through your tears and see his beckoning hands at the pearly gates, where he is now waiting with the hosts of angels with outstretched arms to greet you on the golden shore where sad parting comes no more. - A. Friend

WRIGHT, Mr. and Mrs. W. H.

The Kissimmee Valley Gazette, 23 Sep 1910

A Sad Ending

To the Lives of a Happy Couple That Were Recently Married.

        On Monday night East Lake claimed its first toll from the colonists at St. Cloud - Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wright losing their lives in it while bathing.
        The circumstances surrounding the drowning of Mr. and Mrs. Wright are and will ever remain a mystery, as no one witnessed their sad ending, but after a careful investigation of the case, it was learned that they went to the lake late Monday afternoon for the purpose, evidently, of taking a swim, as Mr. Wright had lately been giving his wife lessons in swimming, and that was the last time they were seen alive.
        Tuesday morning, when they were missed, search was made along the lake front, and the body of Mrs. Wright was found about thirty yards from the shore in water about ten inches deep, part of her clothing being on the beach not far away.
        Search was continued throughout the day for the body of Mr. Wright, but it was not until Wednesday morning that it was found about a quarter of a mile from that of his wife. Both bodies were clothed such as to indicate that they went into the water for a swim.
        Mr. U. G. Clark, Mr. E. W. Reynolds and wife and Mrs. Calvert, relatives of Mrs. Wright, came up from Zephyr Hills to look after the arrangements for shipping the bodies to their former homes - the body of Mr. Wright leaving on the 10 o'clock train yesterday for Eau Clare, Wis., and that of Mrs. Wright for Stuartville, Minn., on the same train. The bodies when found were taken to the undertaking parlors of J. W. Thompson, where they were embalmed and otherwise made ready for shipment.
        What makes the passing away of this devoted and happy couple doubly sad is that they had only enjoyed the love and companionship of each other a little less than two months, having married in the North and moved directly to St. Cloud, in which place they spent last winter, where they formed an acquaintance that later ripened into love. The sad accident has cast a gloom over that town, and it will be a long time before anyone from St. Cloud goes out on the lake without recalling the lamentable fate of Mr. and Mrs. Wright.


Transcribed and donated by Anza Bast, Lisa Slaski, members of the Genealogy Club of Osceola County and various site visitors, 2005 thru 2008