The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-02-25
OBITUARY..

Wilkes Barre lost one of it's oldest
and most prominent citizens in the per-
son of Colonel Samuel II. Sturdevant,
who passed away at his residence on
North Washington street early yester-
day morning. Colonel Sturdevant was
member of the firm of Sturdevant &,
Goff, lumber dealers. and was one of
the most widely known and most sue
cesSful business men in Northeastern
Pennsylvania. He was one of the city's
most substantial citizens and his death
removes a prominent figure and will
be regretted deeply and generally. De-
ceased was 66 years of age. He was
an enthusiastic Mason and an earnest
worker in Wilkes Barre lodge, No. 109,
b. p. o. E., Of which organization he
was chaplain. Mr. Sturdevant was
born in Wyoming county, March 20,
1882. His paternal grandfather, Samuel
Sturdevant, was a native of Connecti-
cut, as was also the great-grandfather
Rev. Samuel Sturdevant, both of whom
were among the pioneers Of Black Wal
nut Bottom, in Braintrim township,
Wyoming county, where they died. The
father was born and reared in that
township, and was successfully far
mer, hotelkeeper and merchant; he died
there at the age of eighty-three years.
Colonel Sturdevant was reared in Lu-
zerne county, and educated in the COM
mon schools and at Wyoming semi
nary. In 1851 he began his business
career as merchant in Wilkes Barre,
in which he continued until 1855, when
he embarked in the lumber business, at
which he remained until 1861. On Aug.
3. of that year, he was appointed. by
President Lincoln captain of u. s.
Volunteers; was promoted to lieu
tenant-colonel and later to colonel,
and September 10, 1865, was mustered
out of the service. He has since been
in the lumber business at Wilkes
Barre, since 1869 as a member of the
firm of Sturdevant & Gnff. Colonel
Sturdevant was married November o.
1858, to Leah, DAUGHTER of John and
Emily (Naylo) Uurpuhart, of Lam
bertville, N. j., aud has five children
living: Harry, Ella, George, Samuel
H.. jr., and Robert. Mr. Sturdevant
was a member of the First Presby-
turian church of Wilkes Barre. Politi-
Cally, he was a Republican, and held
the Office of school director. six years,
and councilman, three years.
T. ]. Coolican, a well-known resident
of Archibald, died very suddenly yes
terday morning. Mr.. Coolican retired at
his usual hour on Wednesday night
apparently in perfect health. He told
his wife to awake him early, and when
she called him at o'clock in the morn
ing she received no response. Becom-
ing alarmed she summoned other men,
bers of the family, but their efforts
We're unsuccessful. He was alive. but
unconscious and Is few minutes ne
passed away. Death was due to apo
pleXy. On one or two occasions Mr.
Coolican complained of pain in the re-
gion of the heart, but at no time did
the complaints seem alarming.
Mr.. Coolican was born in Carbondale
fifty-two years ago, and went with his
parents to Archibald when he was very
young. While still a boy he was eager
to- enlist in the army and left home
for that purpose. After trying once
unsuccessfully two years later he en-
listed i'm the cavalry and served with
credit to the close of the war. During
his long residence in Archibald he took
prominent interest in public affairs,
and was several times honored with
local officers He was affable in man.
ner and possessed a fund of good ma
ture that attracted and retained
friends. He was a member of Arch
bald Conclave Improved Order of
Heptasophs, and also a member of
Lieutenant James G. Stephens Post,
G. A. r. Mr.. Coolican was married
to a daughter of Hon, NJ. NJ. Gilroy,
and she with five children yet survive
him. The children are William, Thom-
as, Andrew and Maggie Coolican. of
Archibald, and Mrs G. +. Vail, or Car
bondale. His funeral will take place
on Saturday afternoon at o'clock.
Services will be held in st. Thomas
church and interment will be made in
the Catholic cemetery,