Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1901-06-19
FRANK SHEPLEY
I'm HIS List SLE0P.'

state of sorrow mourning the loss oil
one of its oldest and most highly re.
spected citizens, the subject of this
sketch, who died at O'clock Thurs
day evening at his home on Second
street. Less than week before he
was waiting upon customers in his
store and apparently in good health.
Last Sunday week lie was suddenly
attacked with a slight stroke of par
alysis, gradually growing worse until
death ems sued, the immediate cause
being heart failure.
His faithful, white-haired wife, one
daughter and his only son were at his
bedside when he expired, heart-broken
witnesses to the closing scene in lies
great drama, when the last goodbye
is spoken and the spirit takes its flight
at the call OF the dread messenger.
Benjamin Franklin Shepley was
born at Dover, Maine, Nov. Is, 1928,
his boyhood days being spent in that
state. At the age OF twenty-five on
Aug. 81, 1850, in the city OF Provi-
dence, r. l., he was united in mar
riage to Miss Ann L Johnson with
whom he lived most happily for fifty
one years and who now survives him g.
To them were born three children,
Anna c., who died in Minnesota Feby.
I5, 1871, aged IL. Mrs. Ella A. Fas-
sett and Fred b., the latter having
been associated with his father in
business here for the past thirteen
years. The deceased arrived in Ritz.
vile June 5, 1888, from Avoca, Iowa,
and constantly since then has been
one of the most prominent aud fa-
miliar figures in the growth and up
building OF our town lie was made
an Oddfelow in Minneapolis nearly
thirty years ago and the large turnout
OF the members OF Ritzville Lodge
No. So, l. 0. o. F., was convin-
cling evidence Of the high esteem in
which he was held by that fraternity.
He was II most exemplary, quiet
and unassuming citizen who loved his
home, family, country and friends,
and in passing no blemish on his pri-
waite or public life is left to mar his
character. Those who knew him
best priced and revered his acquain-
lance most.
The funeral occurred at Up. M,
Rev. Frank L. Whitman, pastor OF
the Congregational church, conduct
ing the services at the residence.
During the morning hours the re-
mains laid in state at the home and
the firm and kindly face lying in per-
feet repose was viewed by many who
came lor last look. The plain black,
rich casket covered and strewn with
flowers and floral decorations so reliev-
ing by their. presence, upon silver
plate bore the following inscription,
cat Rest" b. f. Shepley, died June IL,
1901 aged 49,"
Faithful friends! 1t lies know.
Pale and white and cold as snow;
And ye say, "Abdallah's deadl"
Weeping "a: tie feet and head
| can see your falling tears,
can hear your signs and prayers;
Yet smile and whisper this
am not the thing you kiss;
Cease your tears and let 1t lie.
TWAS mine-it is not T.
In somber hue and with quiet tread
the sad procession moved to the Span
jer cemetery interrment OF the bJly
took place attended bya large con.
course Of people from city and vicinity
All the principal places OF business in
the city were fittingly closed during
the impressive ceremonies and an all
of seriousness appropriately surroundt ID
the occasion. The acting pail bearers
were n. ii. Greene, Benz. Zlmmer, ID
G. Barronett, III. Zimmerman, f. NJ
Egbers and Clinton Stacer. The fol-
lowing were honorary pail bearers rep
resenting the Oddlellows; David Rich.
ardson, John L. Prouty, +. p. French
John Bovee, Chas. L. He:sL bergel
and Aug. Holmquist.
Another pioneer has gone; the end
ing OF Il useful and well spent life
Sympathy to the beloved wife ant
worthy family in their undesirable
bereavement and g,ici is extended by
all the community.
The Rltzville Hardware Co. is un
| loading one carload OF Rushford anC