Freeport Journal

"Died: Alter
At Freeport, PA, on Saturday, May 26, Mr. David Alter, son of Dr. David Alter, in the 43rd year of his age. The subject of the above notice was of the many whom we all honor, who in the hour of need, went forth to battle with his country's foes. He was a member of Company F, 78th Regiment, and served 3 years with honor. In the Battle of Stone River he was severely wounded in the chest, the ball penetrating the lung, and remaining there; subsequently causing an irritation which ultimately resulted in consumption, of which he died. The funeral services were held on Monday, at the residence of his father, and were largely attended.

"On Tuesday evening, December 31, Mrs. Elmira Rowley, an old lady living on the north side of town, met with a horrible death. When her son, who is a coal miner, returned from work about 5 o'clock, he found her quite dead, lying with her head under the grate and all her clothing burnt off. She was subject to fits, and the supposition is that she was attacked while standing before the fire and fell in the position in which she was found. She was alone in the house, and, of course, could get no assistance, even if she had called for it, the building being isolated."

"May, 1879...
17 — George Burtner died."

"Esther Ellen Alter died."

"At his residence, Freeport, Sabbath, September 18, Dr. David Alter died, aged 74."

"Dust to Dust: Atkinson
Saturday morning, March 18, at her residence on Franklin Street, Mrs. Lydia Atkinson, aged 72 years.
Mrs. Atkinson, or "Aunt Lydia" as she was generally called, was well-known in the community, having lived on what is known as the "Stony Hollow Farm" for a great many years. A few years since, after her children had all been married and removed to homes of their own, she came to town and has lived here since, where she died on Franklin Street. She was a most estimable woman and always enjoyed the confidence and respect of her neighbors and friends. We sympathize with her family and friends in the loss of their mother."

"August, 1882...
30 — Dr. Alter's daughter Bertha died."

"September, 1883...
15 — Infant son of John Morton died."

"Dr. Alter's daughter Helen died."

"January, 1885...
5 — John Morton died suddenly."

"February, 1886...
20 — Isaac Kebler died aged 72 years."

"A child of Wesley Rowley's was buried here last Friday."

"February, 1887...
12 — Gracie Atkinson died aged 10 yr."

"February, 1887...
14 — Luella Atkinson died aged 5 yrs."

"February, 1887...
14 — Harry Atkinson died aged 3 yrs."

"Dust to Dust — Died at her residence on Second Street, Monday, Nov. 10, of general disability, Adeline, widow of the late Isaac Kiebler, aged 76 years, 3 months, 26 days."

"August 1890...
3 — Mrs. Nancy Morton died, aged 56."

"January, 1890
26 — Jas. F. Atkinson died age 52 years."

"Died at his home on Second Street, Monday, January 5th, 1891, of pneumonia, Wesley Rowley, aged 52 years and 15 days."

"February, 1891...
19 — Geo. E. Atkinson died, aged 49 years."

"June, 1893...
9 — Mrs. Catherine Atkinson died aged 59 years."

"April, 1893...
2— Samuel M. Morton died aged 20 years."

"June, 1893...
9 — Mrs. Catherine Atkinson died aged 59 years."

"Mrs. Dr. Rowley buried at Millerstown."

"Dr. Myron Alter's grand-daughter died in CA, age 11 months."

"Dust to Dust:
At her home in Cleveland, Tuesday Sept 22, 1896, of Dropsy, Mrs. Lena J. Beale, aged 64 years.
Mrs. Lena Beale was formerly Miss Lena Atkinson and the widow of the late David Beale, of this place. She was a most estimable woman who had a host of friends here who with the family and relatives will sincerely mourn her death."

"January, 1896
23 — Dr. M.H. Alter died at Pittsburg, aged 45 years."

"May, 1896...
22 — Homer Atkinson died, aged 11 years."

"August, 1896...
10 — Albert Bruce Porter died aged 23 years."

"Rowley — At his home near Millerstown, Allegheny County, PA, Thursday, July 1, 1897, Myron Hale Rowley, MD, aged 91 years, 8 m, 17 days. Dr. Rowley was a remarkable man in some respects. He was able to practice his profession until within a short time of his death. Last summer he rode to Freeport on horse back and his faculties were scarcely impaired."

"August, 1896...
10 — Allie Haines killed on the West Penn aged 26 years."

"Word has just been received of the death of W. Hale Alter, son of the late Dr. M. H. Alter, of spinal meningitis, Wednesday, January 18, 1899, at their home, Hartford, CT. Interment at Freeport PA."

"Last Friday night, Dec 8th 1899, Joseph R. Atkinson died suddenly about 11 o'clock. He had been working on his crew at Blairsville during the day, returned on the 8:30 train, ate supper, read his paper as usual and returned about half-past 9 o'clock. About 2 hours later his wife heard him gasping for breath and aroused the family. His son Harry ran in, raised him in his arms were he gave a gasp or two and expired. Dr. Rogers was called, but could not bring the life that had gone out. Joe Atkinson was a man of sterling integrity, honest in all his dealings, and his word good as a bond. He had positive opinions, but never obtuded them upon others. His hand was always open to the needy, and had he helped others less might have accumulated more of the world's gear. He could have been more successful had he been less assuming. He often made way for other men of less merit, and never sought his own aggrandizement. He was a workman who never kept his eye on the sun or boss, and when he contracted to do a job it was guaranteed that the work would be the best that could be done. Whether he made or lost on the contract did not affect the quality of the work. He always took a keen interest in politics, was a stalwart republican, did not hesitate to denounce corruption or oppose a man who was not worthy. In his last conversation with the writer, he expressed in strong language his disgust with the recent election and the debauchery of the franchise. His education was limited, being only such as could be acquired in the country school of 40 years ago, but he kept well posted in public affairs through the journals of the day, and there were few more intelligent voters nor any who had a higher idea of the duties of citizenship. He learned the stone mason trade when a boy, and has worked art it since he left the farm. The Methodist church and large bounded warehouses here are monuments of his skill. Years ago he was appointed Master Mason on the Western Pennsylvania Railroad, where he reminded until the end, giving the company an honest service on his last day of life. His death cast a gloom over the community and caused sorrow in every home. The town has lost a good citizen, the family a kind husband and father and the writer a faithful friend, who sometimes chided, but never wavered in loyalty. The funeral services were held on Monday by Reverent WLM McClure of the Presbytery Church, assisted by Rev. MM Hildebrand of the ME Church. The services at the grave were in charge of Armstrong Lodge F. and A.M. No 239, of which he was a member. Among those from a distance who attended the funeral of JR Atkinson were...Frank and Ed Beale, of Cleveland Ohio, SD Atkinson of McVille, Miss Vi Atkinson of East Brady.
— Mrs. JR Atkinson and family wish to acknowledge their appreciation of the many kindnesses shown them during their recent trouble.
— J.R. Atkinson was with the Western Pennsylvania Railroad about 13 years.
— Thomas J. Atkinson, of this place, is temporarily in charge of mason work on the Western Pennsylvania Railroad."

"Alter, Betsey Amanda relict of the late Dr. David Alter, died at her home on Water Street, Thursday AM, November 15, 1900, in her 76th year, She was born Thursday, May 26, 1825, was a daughter of the late Daniel Rowley, and was married to Dr. Alter in 1855. One daughter, Mrs. Anna Burtner, survives her. On her mother's side she was descended from the celebrated Hale family of England. He grandmother was a daughter of the younger of the eminent jurist, Sir Matthew Hale. She has been almost a life long resident of this place, and was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. The friends have our sympathy in their loss.
The funeral of Mrs. Alter will take place from the M.E. Church tomorrow afternoon at 1:30."

"December, 1900...
13 — Lawrence Nolf died aged 28 years."

"November, 1900...
5 — Parker Nolf died aged 35 years."

"Dust to Dust — Taylor.
Mrs. Electa Taylor died at McKees Rocks, Wednesday, April 27th, 1904, of pneumonia, aged 75 years. She was a sister of the late Mrs. David Alter, and the burial will be in Freeport."

"Dust to Dust:
Jane infant daughter of Chandler Llewellyn died at their home Monday morning, August 8th, 1904 of spasms age 4 mos and 3 days. We sympathize with these friends in their loss."

"Mrs. Electa Taylor, whose funeral takes place today, was the aunt of Electa Alter, the first one buried in Freeport Cemetery. It was 40 years the 18th of this month since her death."

"Burtner. John Burtner died at his home on Franklin Street, Saturday, August 18, 1906, in his 75th year. Mr. Burtner has been an invalid for a long time and his death was expected. He was a quiet, upright citizen who never made much stir in the world but minded his own business and spoke no ill of his neighbor. He leaves a wife but no children."

[obituary Louis Llewellyn]

"Mrs. Phoebe Jane Todd died at her home on Second Street, Sabbath, March 12, of chronic rheumatism, aged 70 years, 9 months, 14 days. She was a lifelong resident of this place, a woman of quiet home life, who never made much stir in the community, but never was the cause of any disturbance. Her brother John Rowley is the only surviving member of the family, and he has our sympathy in his loss and loneliness."

"Rowley. Dr. D.G. Rowley died at his home, Culmersville, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 1917, aged 59. Funeral services at Deer Creek United Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Nov. 22nd, at 2:30 p.m."

"Dust to Dust: Burtner
Mrs. Anna Burtner died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clyde Scott, Vandergrift, Sabbath, Aug. 4, 1929 of heart trouble.
Mrs. Burtner was a daughter of the late David Alter, a noted scientist, the dedication for whose memorial in the Freeport Cemetery a few years ago was one of the largest and most impressive ceremonies of the kind ever held in Freeport. Mr. Alter, according to good authority, discovered or invented the telegraph about the same time as Professor Morse, but never attempted to capitalize his discovery. The late Professor John Brashear, celebrated scientist of Pittsburgh, who made the principal address at the above mentioned dedication, told of the discovery of what is known as the spectrum analysis by Dr. Alter, which is considered on the most important for years at that time.
Mrs. Burtner lived for a number of years on Water Street, and was for a long time official reporter of the river stage for the U.S. government.
She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Clyde Scott, of Vandergrift, with whom she made her home.
The funeral services were held here Tuesday afternoon in the M.E. Church."

"Dust to Dust: Rowley
Miss Elizabeth Rowley died at her home on Fifth St., Saturday, October 5th, 1929 of heart trouble, aged 72 years. Mrs. Rowley was born in Butler County on what is known as the Shearer Farm, near Fisk Chapel., Nov. 19th, 1857, but has lived the greater part of her life in Freeport. She was married to Henry W. Rowley, Jan 19th, 1886, by Rev. Leonard, then pastor of the M. E. Church here. With her husband, she is survived by five children, Carrie and Myron, at home, Clyde of Freeport, Howard of Vandergrift, and Mrs. Sarah Mickey, Laneville.
Mrs. Rowley was essentially a home loving and home keeping woman, but was known to nearly everyone in the community and had a large circle of friends. She was the pivot on which the whole family circle revolved, and will be sadly missed by all of them. She gave them a lifetime of devotion and care, and it was returned in kind by everyone of the family, 'mother' being the first thought and care of both father and children. Although suffering a chronic illness for years, as far as humanly possible, she never permitted her pain to cloud the lives of others.
We are all going to miss Mother Rowley, and extend to the family, along with a host of others, the sympathy of a friend."

"John Rowley died on Friday, Feb. 13, 1931, at the residence of his niece, Mrs. Chandler Llewellyn, in Buffalo Township, Butler County, aged 82 years. Mr. Rowley has been a life-long resident of Freeport and vicinity and has worked at various occupations, such as farming, agent, etc. He was a son of Asa Rowley, who was a veteran of the War of 1812, came here with his brother from Vermont and built the first flour mill ever erected in this vicinity on Buffalo Creek a short distance above Laneville. Mr. Rowley was an exemplary citizen who was respected by the whole community, and we believe had no enemies during his entire lifetime. He was the oldest member of the Baptist Church of this place, of which he was a loyal member for many years, being known to many of our older people as 'John the Baptist' not in derision, but in recognition of his faith. He was never married, and is survived by one niece, Mrs. Chandler Llewellyn, of Butler County, 4 nephews, J. R. and Wm. Rowley, of this place, David, of Brackenridge, and Charles, of McKeesport. The funeral services were held sabbath afternoon in the Baptist Church by the pastor, Rev. David Thompson, and interment was in the family plot in the Freeport Cemetery."

"ROWLEY, Henry Walter:
Our community was shocked last Saturday when word was received that Henry Walter Rowley, one of our oldest business men and native sons had succumbed to a heart attack, and death had occurred about 6:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25th, 1934, at the age of 79 years, having passed his 79th birthday on January 9th, 1934. He made his usual trip to Canada this year, but did not stay as long as usual, and it was noticed during the past month he was failing. He was born in Freeport, January 9th, 1855, attended the public schools here, and celebrated his 51st year in business last January. He started in the stationary business buying out the late Walter A. Weaver, in the building now occupied by the Humes Restaurant. He moved later to the general store occupied by the Late General Anderson, and in 1890, erected the building now occupied by the American Store on Fifth St. He acted as agent for all of the Pittsburgh papers until several years ago when the agency was sold to L. Viletto & Son, he continuing the stationary business in the Clark building until about a year ago when the Dibert Building across the street was purchased. He was always interested in outdoor sports, particularly baseball, and if he had been paid for all the goods he sold on credit, would have had much more wealth than he possessed. He was married on Jan. 19th, 1886, to Elizabeth Dike, of this place, who preceded him in death, October 5th, 1929. Of this union five children survive, Mrs. W.W. Rowley and Myron at home, Howard, of Wheeling, W. Va., Clyde, of Verona and Mrs. Merle Mickey, Laneville. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren. One of the marked characteristics of the deceased was his love of children, and he was never too busy to listen to their troubles or give them a helping hand. He took a keen interest in sports, and was for many years official scorer for the old Baseball Club. His death marks the passing of another of the "Old Guard," and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and services were held in his late home on Fifth street, Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 28, at 2:00 p.m., by his pastor, Rev. Taylor H. Carson, and interment was made in the family plot in the Freeport Cemetery.
Out of town folks who came to pay their respects to their old friend, Henry. W. Rowley, included E. N. Gillespie, John Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Snyder, Mrs. and Mrs. Charles McCressin, Pittsburgh, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carpenter, son Donald, Hamburg, NY, Mrs. Ray Grinder, Blassdell, NY, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dike, Woodlawn, NY, Mr. and Mrs. Park Stewart, Aspinwall, Mr. and Mrs. EarI Starry, Mrs. V. Graybigle and daughter, Mrs. Jessie Ekis, Mrs. William Africa, Tarentum, Miss Clemm Hue, Mr. and Mrs. Al Stauffer, H.W. Phillips, John Silvis, William Hickey, Mrs. Charles Hawk, Mrs. Fred Graybigle, Dormont, H. S. Skinner, H. S. Corbis, Mr. and Mrs.Hale Rowley, New Kensington, Charles Sober, H.C. Scott, son Clyde, daughter Anne, Vandergrift, Mrs. Samuel Bowers, Manor, Walter Clowes, Dan Clowes, Springdale, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Ludwick, grand-son, William Latimer, Burtt F. McKee, Oakmont, Mrs. Mattie Barbour, Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Helper, Leechburg, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Smith, Mrs. Mulvey Shearer, Mrs. Gertrude Ort, Natrona Heights, Mrs. William McCall, Valley Camp, Hale Sipes, Butler, R.R. Bodenhorn, W.E. Bodenhorn, Verona, Louis Kennedy, Pittsburgh, Martin Mochel, Sarver, John Walters, Millerstown, Miss Marie Shaner, Charles Shaner, Leechburg.
The picture of H. W. Rowley is used this week through the courtesy of the Tarentum Valley Daily News.

"Dust to Dust: Rowley
J. R. Rowley died at his home on Buffalo St., Freeport, Wednesday morning, Jan 23rd, 1935, of a complication of diseases, aged 60 years. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Rowley, was born and has lived here all his life and has been engaged in railroad work, being a freight conductor at the time of his death. He had been in ill health and unable to work for several months. Last Sabbath night he suffered a stroke which terminated in his death as stated. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lydia Smith Rowley, and four sons, Richard, of South Buffalo Twp, Hale, in New Kensington, and Dellimer and Edward, at home. He also has two brothers living, Charles in McKeesport and William, in Freeport. Job, as he was generally known, was a good, industrious citizen, who had the affection of his family, and the respect of his fellow men in full measure. He was a member of the M.E. Church, I.O.O.F, Jr. O.U.A.M., B. of R.T., Knights of Malta, and Fraternal order of Eagles. Funeral Services will be held in his late home, Saturday, Jan. 26th, at 2:30 p.m., in charge of his pastor, Rev. T.H. Carson, with interment in the Freeport Cemetery."

"Dust to Dust: Rowley
Clyde R. Rowley died in his home, 368 College Ave, Oakmont, Pa., on Sabbath morning, March 24th, 1935, of pneumonia, aged 44 years. He was a son of the late Henry W. and Elizabeth Dyke Rowley, and was born in Freeport. He attended and graduated from the Freeport Public Schools, entered the employ of the P.R.R. Company at the age of 17, and had been with it continuously ever since. Several years ago he was transferred to Verona as agent, where he worked until his late sickness. He served on Council here. He was a member of the M.E. Church at Oakmont, also of Armstrong Lodge No. 269, F. & A.M., of this place. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Bertha Rowley, one daughter, Miss Ruth, three sons, Robert, Myron Howard and Clyde Kennith, all at home, two brothers, Howard, Wheeling, W. Va., and Myron H., Freeport, also two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Rowley and Mrs. Sarah Mickey, Freeport, to mourn his passing. Services were held in his late home in Oakmont on Wednesday afternoon in charge of his pastor, Rev. Shultz, of the Oakmont M.E. Church, assisted by Rev. T. H. Carson, pastor of the Freeport M.E. Church. Internment was made later in the Freeport Cemetery beside his father and mother."