The Bullitt County History Museum

Newspaper Reports of Bullitt County Deaths in 1916

We have collected a selection of newspaper reports about people with Bullitt County connections who died in 1916. Following each report you will find up to three links including one that takes you to an image of that person's death certificate, one that takes you away from our site to the "Find A Grave" site for information about that person's burial, and a third link that returns you to the list of links shown below.

The names are listed below in alphabetical order, and the reports are listed in chronological order below. This is not a complete list; but contains just the ones we have located.

Julia Bailey   Philip Beeler   Neill Beghtol   F. A. Boston   John J. Bradbury   Joseph A. Brooks   Sara Burnett   Jessie Grant   Theresa Hoagland   John Hough   W. T. Jasper   John King   Julia Magruder   Bettie Maraman    Sister Susan Murray   Henrietta McKenzie   Nancy C. Peacock   William J. Phelps   Joseph W. Pratt   Sallie Preston   Elizabeth Rickerson   George W. Simmons  Ignatious Spinner   William Z. Taylor   N. H. Weller   Phinetta Weller


 

FOUND DEAD IN SHED.

Mt. Washington, Ky., Jan 7. - John King, 77 years old, a well-to-do farmer two miles from here, was found dead at 7:30 o'clock last night in the coal shed of his home. Heart trouble was the cause of death, according to the coroner. He leaves a widow, four sons and four daughters.

The Courier-Journal, Saturday, 8 Jan 1916

Mr. John King, a well-known farmer near here was found dead by his wife last Thursday morning. He had been ill for some time, but was better that day than usual. Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church by Rev. D. R. Peak at 11 a.m. Saturday. He leaves four daughters, Mesdames J.W.Hecker, G.A.Harris, O.E. Hall and Ed Mothershead, four sons, W. A., Charles, James and Pearl King, two sisters, Mrs. J. D. Hough, and Miss Mary King and several grandchildren and great grand-children.

The Pioneer News, 14 Jan 1916


 

W. T. JASPER

Mt. Washington, Ky., Jan. 12. - W. T. Jasper, 77 years old, a wealthy retired farmer, died here at 5 o'clock this afternoon. He is survivied by a wife, four sons - Ellis, of Mt. Washington; Charles, of Waterford; John, of Chattanooga; and Elmo, of Louisville; a half-brother, George Hardesty, of Louisville; his mother, Mrs. Mary Hardesty, 97 years old, who makes her home with George Hardesty; a brother, the Rev. Tom Jasper, of Owensboro, and two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Gorden, of Owensboro; and Mrs. Mattie Wells, of Indianapolis, Ind. Funeral services will be conducted at the Baptist Church here at 10 o'clock Friday morning.

The Courier-Journal, Thursday, 13 Jan 1916


 

SAME OLD STORY
Didn't know gun was loaded.

John Sloan, aged 16 years old, of Knox County, accidently discharged a rifle, the bullet going through the heart of Philip Beeler, aged 58 years, a farmer of near Beech Grove, killing him instantly last Saturday evening, Jan. 8th. Geo. Beeler, and son had been out hunting. When he returned, he let Slone have the gun to look at, telling him it was not loaded, when it went off killing his father.

Mr. Beeler was well-known in that neighborhood. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for more than two years. After funeral services conducted by Rev. McCormick, his remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground.

The Pioneer News, 14 Jan 1916


 

DEATH OF MRS. JULIA MAGRUDER

Mrs. Julia Magruder, widow of Geo. W. Magruder, died at the residence of her son, Samuel B. Magruder at Lebanon Junction of pneumonia in her 86th year. She leaves three sons, David and Samuel Magruder, of Lebanon Junction, and Geo. H. Magruder of Yuba City, California, a brother, J. F. Combs, of Shepherdsville, and a sister, Mrs. Annie Henderson, of Bardstown Junction, six grandchildren and two great-grand children and two great-great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. Her funeral will be conducted from the residence of her son, S. B. Magruder and interment at Lebanon Junction Cemetery.

The Pioneer News, 14 Jan 1916


 

SHAKERS FEW AT FUNERAL.
Four Survivors of Once Large Colony Honor Sister Susan Murray.

Only four Shakers, all that remain of a once large colony at Shakertown, between this city and Harrodsburg, attended the burial of Sister Susan Murray, which took place in the little cemetery there last Sunday afternoon. Sister Murray succumbed to grip after a short illness. She was 92 years old and was born in Bullitt County. The funeral was conducted in the Center House, the Rev. Robert N. Simpson, pastor of the Harrodsburg Christian Church, formerly of Lexington, officiating.

The youngest of the four survivors of the Shakertown settlement is Brother William Pennebaker, 74 years old. Sister Mary Settles is 80, Sister Sarah Pennebaker 76, and Brother James Howard 75 years old. The surviving Shakers are wards of George Bohon, of Harrodsburg, under an agreement by which he feeds and clothes them, provides nursing and medical attention in illness and meets burial expenses.

In consideration of a nominal sum, and out of appreciation for his kindness and help during a long period the survivors of the colony deeded 1,400 acres, comprising the remnant of Shaker lands, to Mr. Bohon six years ago.

The Courier-Journal, Thursday, 27 Jan 1916


 

MRS. HENRIETTA M'KENZIE, TEACHER 40 YEARS, DIES
Succumbs Suddenly to Heart Trouble - Was 73 Years of Age.

One of Louisville's oldest educators was removed by the sudden death at 10 o'clock yesterday morning of Mrs. Henrietta McKenzie, who before her retirement two years ago had been a teacher in the public schools for two-score years. She was stricken with paralysis of the heart at 4 o'clock yesterday morning at her home, 1006 South First Street, succumbing four hours later.

Mrs. McKenzie was in her seventy-third year. She wa a native of Mt. Washington, but came here in girlhood. She was a daughter of the late William McDonald. Her husband, William R. McKenzie, died in 1876.

Mrs. McKenzie had taught many of the city's most prominent citizens. She was a member of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church. She is survived by a son, F. V. McKenzie, and insurance man, and a daughter, Miss Laura C. McKenzie, teacher at the Western State Normal School in Bowling Green.

The Courier-Journal, Friday, 28 Jan 1916


 

WEALTHY SHEPHERDSVILLE MAN SUFFERS PARALYSIS
Special to The Courier-Journal.

Shepherdsville, Ky., Feb. 5. - G. W. Simmons, 75 years old, reputed wealthiest citizen of Bullitt County, suffered a stroke of paralysis to-day at his home, "Paroquet Springs," and is in a critical condition. He was a brother of William H. and Samuel M. Simmons of Louisville.

The Courier-Journal, Sunday, 6 Feb 1916

FUNERAL SERVICES TO-DAY FOR GEORGE W. SIMMONS
Bullitt County Resident Prominent Twenty-five Years Ago As Railroad Contractor.
Special to The Courier-Journal

Shepherdsville, Ky., Feb. 17. - Funeral services for George W. Simmons, who died Tuesday as a result of a stroke of apoplexy, will be conducted at the Christian Church at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning, with burial in Hebron cemetery.

Mr. Simmons, who was 73 years old, was the wealthiest resident of Bullitt County. He was one of the best-known railroad builders of the country, having built the road from Corbin to Cumberland Gap and the old Kentucky Union road from Lexington to Jackson. He also was one of the contractors engaged in the construction of the Knoxville branch of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, and of the old Air Line, now the Southern. Shortly before his retirement in 1889, he went to Colorado where he also assisted in the building of several roads.

During the last twenty-five years he had lived quietly on his farm, though he was interested in banks and other enterprises. He is survived by his wife, two sons, S. B. Simmons and W. N. Simmons, and a daughter, Mrs. Tom Cochran. Four grandchildren also survive. Mrs. S. P. Meyer, of Louisville, is a sister.

The Courier-Journal, Friday, 18 Feb 1916


 

JOHN J. BRADBURY
Special to The Courier-Journal.

Shepherdsville, Ky., Feb. 22. - John J. Bradbury, a wealthy, retired farmer, father of County Atorney C. P. Bradbury and the late William Bradbury, of the Bryant & Stratton Business College, died here this morning of old age. He was 81 years old and had long been prominent in church and school work. He is survived by his widow and three sons and one daughter. He will be buried to-morrow in Hebron cemetery.

The Courier-Journal, Wednesday, 23 Feb 1916.

JOHN BRADBURY

Shepherdsville, Ky., Feb 22. - John Bradbury, 81 years old, died at his home here at 7 o'clock this morning. His wife and three sons, C. P. Bradbury, County Attorney of Bullitt county; George and James Bradbury, and one daughter, Mrs. May McClure, of Mt. Washington, survive.

The Courier-Journal, Wednesday, 23 Feb 1916.


 

J. A. BROOKS, CONFEDERATE AND AGRICULTURIST, DEAD

Joseph A. Brooks, a Confederate veteran and agriculturist, died of infirmities at 5:50 o'clock yesterday morning at his home at Brooks Station, in Bullitt County, near the Jefferson County line. He had been ill three months. He was born seventy-eight years ago on the farm where he died. He was a son of the late William S. Brooks, a pioneer of that section. Brooks Station, thirteen miles south of Louisville, was named for the family. Mr. Brooks is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Roger White; a son, Harris J. Brooks; a sister, Mrs. Anna B. Johnston, of Opelika, Ala., and six grandchildren. He was a member of the Methodist Church at Shepherdsville. He served under Gen. John H. Morgan during the Civil War. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Hebron church, on the Preston street road. Burial wil be in the Hebron cemetery.

The Courier-Journal, Thursday, 2 Mar 1916


 

BRAKEMAN'S DEATH LIKE THAT OF FATHER-IN-LAW

Lebanon Junction, Ky., April 8. - William Z. Taylor, 24 years old, of Lebanon Junction, a brakeman on the L. & N. railroad, met death when he fell off a train at Mt. Vernon, his head being crushed by the fall. Taylor was working on a local train and was switching at Sparks quarry when killed.

Taylor was married in July, 1915, to Miss Darling Payne, of this place, whose father was killed six months ago in almost the same manner. Taylor was a member of Marion Commandery, Knights Templar; T. W. Wash Lodge, No. 430, F. and A. M., and Bullitt Tent. No. 44, Knights of Modern Maccabees. Funeral services will be held in the Baptist church, of which he was a member.

The Courier-Journal, Sunday, 9 Apr 1916


 

CORNELIUS "NEILL" BEGHTOL PASSES AWAY.

Neill Beghtol died at his home near West Point, May 16 of la grippe. He leave a wife and two daughters, Mrs. J. V. Fletcher of West Point and Mrs. Carrie McGuire of Chicago, Illinois. He was born 67 years ago on Knob Creek near Barrallton where he spent most of his life. His remains were laid to rest in the Knob Creek Cemetery Thursday at 11 a.m.

The Pioneer News, 19 May 1916


 

MRS. WELLER PASSES AWAY

Mrs. Finetta Weller, wife of George W. Weller, died at the family home in this place last Wednesday evening after an illness of ten days. The direct cause of her death was a stroke of paralysis which she sustained about ten days ago.

Mrs. Weller was about 69 years of age. She was married to G. W. Weller about four years ago. Before her last marriage, she was the widow of the late Samuel Shepherd, who died about ten years ago. Mrs. Weller is survived by her husband and the following children: Herman Shepherd, of this county; Mrs. Ida Bishop, Mrs. Warren Foster and Casper Shepherd, of Louisville, and R. A. Shepherd, of Chicago. She is also survived by one brother, Dr. John H. Shafer, of this place and many grand children.

The death of Mrs. Weller removes from our midst a good wife, mother, neighbor and friend. In her home she was industrious, affectionate and faithful. She was a loving and indulgent mother, and her whole married life was spent for her husband and children. As a neighbor, she was kind and ever ready to lend a helping hand in time of distress.

The greater portion of Mrs. Weller's life was spent in the vicinity of Bullitt's Lick, where during the life of her first husband, her home was always open to the many friends who visited there.

Her remains will be buried in Bullitt's Lick Cemetery today (Friday). Rev. B. W. Hardin, conducting the services.

The Pioneer News, 19 May 1916


 

MRS. NANCY PEACOCK

Mrs. Nancy Peacock passed away on the evening of June 4, 1916. She was a Miss Richey, born July 12, 1845. At 18, she joined the Baptist Church at Kimlin, Scott County, Indiana. At 26 years old, she was married to Mr. Devier, who preceded her to the grave. She lived a widow until Dec. 16, 1897, when she was married to G. W. Peacock, who survives her. She united with the Pleasant Grove Church after she came to this neighborhood and was in attendance as long as she was able. Death was caused by cancer of the eye, of which she was a great sufferer for a long time. She was patient and bore it calmly to the end. She leaves to mourn her loss, a husband, a daughter of Indiana, one sister of Okolona, three brothers and friends. Deceased was 71 years old.

Funeral services were conducted by Bro. McCormick. The text was 107 Psalms and 80th verse "then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desire in heaven". A good lesson was and words of comfort was brought to all after which she was laid to rest in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. We extend our sympathy with many others to sorrowing ones.

The Pioneer News, 9 Jun 1916


 

JOSEPH W. PRATT

Joseph W. Pratt died Friday night at the home of his parents near here. The funeral services conducted by Rev. Edgar Pound, were held at the Baptist Church. His illness was of short duration and not thought to be so serious until a few days before the end. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pratt, he leaves one brother and several sisters.

The Pioneer News, 12 Jul 1916


 

F. A. BOSTON.

Mt. Washington, Sept. 6. - F. A. Boston, 75 years old, died after an illness of several months of complication of diseases. Mr. Boston was a well-to-do retired farmer. He is survived by a widow, three sons, and a daughter.

The Courier-Journal, Thursday, 7 Sep 1916


 

JESSIE GRANT

Died, Sept. 6, 1916 at his home here, Jessie Grant, only son of William Grant, after a long illness of tuberculosis. He leaves a young wife and one little child besides his father and stepmother, three own sisters and one step sister to mourn his loss. Jess was one of our boys, honest and industrious. His honor was unquestioned and his friends were many and loyal. We need such men, but God has taken this one away in his youth and we know it was best. His funeral was preached at Hebron by Rev. Sudbury, after which his remains were interred in Hebron Cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of friends.

The Pioneer News, 22 Sep 1916


 

JULIA BAILEY

Died Sunday night, Sept. 10, 1916, Mrs. Julia Bailey, aged 79 years. Mrs. Bailey had been ill for several months and the end was expected. Mrs. Bailey was the widow of Geo. T. Bailey and had lived here for many years. She is survived by three children, Mrs. Bell Hansbrough, of Louisville, Miss Emma Bailey and Geo. Bailey, of Hebron and 8 grandchildren. She had been for many years a member of Little Flock Baptist Church and had worked faithfully for its interests and her house had been her pastor's home. She was a woman of decided character and always had the courage of her convictions. She is survived by one brother, H. Q. Wheeler and sister, Mrs. Rebecca Quick, both of Okolona. Her funeral was held at her late home by Rev. G. C. Hoagland, of Cox Creek, a former pastor and her remains were laid to rest by the side of her late husband in Hebron Cemetery.

The Pioneer News, 22 Sep 1916


 

MRS. SARA BURNETT.
Special to The Courier-Journal.

Shepherdsville, Ky., Oct 10. - Mrs. Sara Burnett, 76 years old, died at her home here after a few days' illness of bronchial pneumonia. She was a native of Cincinnati. She is survived by a niece, Miss Coleman Burnett, of Cincinnati, and a nephew, A. E. Ellison, of Louisville.

The Courier-Journal, Wednesday, 11 Oct 1916.


 

DEATH

Mrs. James Maraman died at the home of her father-in-law, Mack Maraman, Tuesday morning, Oct. 9th of tuberculosis. Mrs. Maraman was about 35 years old. She leaves a husband and other relatives to mourn her loss. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. McCormick, after which her remains were laid to rest in Hebron Cemetery.

The Pioneer News, 20 Oct 1916


 

MRS. ELIZABETH RICKERSON

Mrs. Elizabeth Caldwell Rickerson, beloved wife of J. I. Rickerson, died at her home in Shepherdsville, Thanksgiving morning of heart disease, from which she had suffered for some time. Her remains were buried in the Hebron Cemetery Friday after services in the home, conducted by Rev. P. H. Ryan. Mrs. Rickerson was sixty-four years of age and had spent all of her life in Shepherdsville, where she was born.

She is survived by her husband, J. I. Rickerson, one daughter, Mrs. Pearl Lee, one grandson, Frazier Lee and numerous other relations. Mrs. Rickerson was a faithful wife, loyal and devoted mother, and as a neighbor and friend, she had no superiors. She was a home loving woman, devoting all her time and care to her home. She was a faithful member of the Shepherdsville Methodist Church and in her church and its societies, her loss will be felt most keenly. She lived and died in the faith. Her high standing and worth were so well known in this town and county, that we cannot add to it by a multiplicity of words. "She was a good woman" expresses it as plainly and fully as columns of panegyric could. She will be mourned for and missed in this community, and her death has left a void in her home which cannot be filled. Her aged life partner who has walked by her side for almost a half century, sharing life's sorrows and joys, will miss her more than all others, and to him, and to her faithful daughter, and to her grandson, to whom she was both grandmother and mother, we extend our sincere sympathy.

The Pioneer News, 1 Dec 1916


 

N. H. WELLER

Mr. N. H. Weller, a highly respected citizen of this place, died at his residence last Sunday night, after an illness of several months, of a complication of diseases.

He was about seventy-seven years of age. Mr. Weller was born in Leaches.

The remains were buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery last Tuesday morning. Mr. Weller is survived by his widow, Mrs. Biddie Weller, one son, G. Herc Weller, of Knoxville, Tennessee, three brothers, G. W. Weller, of this place, N. J. Weller, of Pineville and Thos. Weller of Illinois, two sisters, Mrs. Amanda Bowman of this place and Mrs. G. W. Lutes, of Texas.

Mr. Weller was one of the best known men in our county and few men had more friends. He was a quiet, home-loving man who attended strictly to his own affairs, always had a good word for his fellow man, and his cheerful disposition made him a favorite amongst his associates. He was plain and unostentatious, cared nothing for style and pretension and abhorred shams and deceptions of all kinds. Until a few years ago, he was an active business man, but age and disease destroyed his activity, and for several years, he had lived quietly at home. We tender our sympathies to the bereaved ones who have suffered an irreparable lose in the death of their loved one. A loving husband, father and brother has obeyed the last summons.

The Pioneer News, 1 Dec 1916


 

DEATH OF WILLIAM J. PHELPS

Mr. William J. Phelps, Bullitt County's oldest and best loved citizen, died at his home two miles northwest of this place last Friday, from the effects of a fall which he had sustained a short while before. Mr. Phelps was born in Luzeren County, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1820, came to Bullitt County in 1836, and was married to Miss Susan Murray in 1847. To this union were born six daughters and five sons, and of these four sons and six daughters survive their father. Mrs. Phelps died several years ago and since her death, Mr. Phelps has been tenderly cared for by his children.

Last Sunday, the funeral was held at the Phelps home in the presence of a large concourse of friends, relations and acquaintances who gathered to pay a last tribute to a man who was respected by all. The services were conducted by Rev. H. C. Combs, of the Baptist Church here, of which Mr. Phelps had been a devoted member for sixty years.

After the services were concluded in the home, the remains were taken to the family burying ground nearby and laid to rest beside the beloved wife and mother who had gone before him. Six grandsons were pall bearers. The services were very touching. There were few dry eyes in that large crowd.

As the grave was being filled, the choir sang "The Sweet By and By" and while the words and music of that beautiful hymn brought tears to the eyes of all who stood about the grave of their departed friend, the soul of the sainted patriarch had crossed over to that beautiful shore and with the countless hosts of the redeemed, was singing "the melodious songs of the blest."

The life of Mr. Phelps was an open book with unstained pages. He was upright in the sight of God and man. Like the waters of a brook, he moved on smoothly and evenly without tumult or friction. His sober, clean life enabled him to live twenty six years beyond the allotted span. Peace to his honored ashes, and may the boys and men of our county emulate his good example. To his devoted children and grandchildren, we tender our deepest sympathies.

The Pioneer News, 1 Dec 1916.


 

MRS. THERESA HOAGLAND

Mrs. Theresa (nee Coomes) Hoagland, age 68 years, 1 month and 24 days. Born in Nelson County, Oct. 4, 1848, and died Nov. 28, at her home at Clermont, KY, after several months illness. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Burns, of Louisville, and burial took place Nov. 29 in the family lot. She is survived by her husband and nine children, 5 sons, Martin, John, Joe, George and James and four daughters, Miss Mary Hoagland, Mrs. Gus Hall, of Bardstown, Mrs. E. J. Porter, St. Louis, Missouri, Mrs. J. W. Wells, Louisville, 1 brother, Mr. Coomes, 2 sisters, Mrs. N. Brooks of Samuels, and Mrs. Geo. Ashlock, of Summit Ky and grandchildren.

The Pioneer News, 8 Dec 1916


 

DEATH OF MRS. SALLIE LEE PRESTON

On Wednesday night, Dec. 6, 19l6, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Wm. Miller, in Hodgenville, Mrs. Sallie Lee Preston, after a long and painful illness, entered calmly, sweetly, and peacefully in the Great Beyond.

Her death, although not unexpected, came as a sad shock to her family and friends. Everything that mortal hands could do, was done to prolong her life but God chose otherwise and her spirit has only winged its way from this sinful world of sorrow and death to the blessed and beautiful realms of eternal life. She was born in Belmont, Kentucky, and lived here the greater part of her life, where she leaves many warm friends who knew her from childhood. She was married about thirty-five years ago to Mr. W. H. Preston, who with one son survives her. She had a bright and cheery disposition and her presence was always sunshine, and conceived all along of failing powers and approaching dissolution. No word of complaint or impatience ever escaped her lips. But the Heavenly Father has called her where there is no suffering nor sorrow and loved ones are never parted.

May God's grace sustain the husband and son, brothers and sisters a few more years when they too will cross over and join her in that better land.

The last rites were performed by Rev. Bell at the Lebanon Junction Baptist Church and with the beautiful hymn, "Oh, Think of the Home over There", her remains were tenderly borne to the cemetery at Lebanon Junction there to rest and await the resurrection morn.

The Pioneer News, 15 Dec 1916


 

DEATH

Mr. I. G. Spinner died at his home on Knob Creek Monday evening. He was raised in Germany and came to this country when a young man. He married Miss Sarah Colvin Monroe who survives him. He was laid to rest in the Monroe burying ground near Sunny Side Wednesday.

The Pioneer News, 22 Dec 1916


 

JOHN HOUGH.

Mt. Washington, Dec. 22. - John Hough, 73 years old, for two terms Sheriff of Bullitt County, died suddenly at 11 o'clock last night. Funeral services will be held in the Methodist church here to-morrow. Surviving are his widow, six daughters, Mesdames J. W. Smith, J. W. Tyler, and Claud Anderson, of Mt. Washington, and Mesdames Clarence Nichols, J. W. Long, and Curtis Stansberry, of Louisville; three sons, B. H. and George Hough of Mt. Washington, and Frank Hough of Detroit; one brother, Charles Hough, of Taylorsville, and a half-sister, mrs. J. W. Sutt, of Louisville.

The Courier-Journal, Saturday, 23 Dec 1916


 

The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 13 Jan 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bullittobits1916.html