The Western news. [volume] (Stevensville, Mont.) 1890-1977, 1904-08-31
SAD STORY FROM
CLEARWATER
MRS. JOHN KENDALL DIES ON
BOULDER TRAIL.
CLASH OVER PLACE OF BURIAL
Brother Takes Possession of Remains
and is Arrested Charged With In
sanity and Lodged in Jail.

| Mrs. John Kendall died Thursday
morning about eight O'Clock on the
| Boulder trail leading out of the Clear
water, about so miles south of Hamil
ton. She had been i'll about two years
OF consumption and about seven weeks
! ago, accompanied by her husband and
little four year-old child, went over
the Boulder trail, horseback, to the
ranch of her brother, Abner Cooper,
on the Clearwater, in the hope that
life in the mountains among the lofty
pines would prove beneficial.
According to the story of her hus-
band, who arrived here Thursday
evening, she continued to grow weak.
er and, realizing that the end was
near, expressed wish to go back to
her girlhood home near Darby TO die.
In Difference to her wish, although
they had little hope that she would
survive the trip, the party undertook
the journey.
Her Dyins Request.
Mr.. and Mrs. Kendall and Mr.. Coop
er were mounted, one of the men
carrying the child. Their camp out
fit was carried on pack horses. Mrs.
Kendall grew weaker and where the
trail was rough and steep she was un-
able to sit on her horse and her hus-
band or brother would carry her in
his arms. Her condition was such
that they were compelled to camp
early Wednesday afternoon on the
Boulder trail within about six miles
OF the wagon road that winds up the
West Fork of the Bitter Root river.
The next morning she felt much better
and insisted that they continue the
journey. So, after breakfast, the
horses were saddled and Mrs. Kendall
was placed on her horse by her hus-
band. She sat erect for a moment
and then fell forward into her hus-
bands arms, expiring shortly after.
Before passing away she requested
her husband and brother to bury her
there by the side of the trail, indicat-
ing the spot. She said that her
brother could care for her grave as he
passed to and fro to his lonely ranch
on the Clearwater-that it would be
company for him.
Leaving the remains in care of Mr..
Cooper, Mr.. Kendall took the child
and rode to Darby where he notified
the relatives of his dead wife. He
then came on to Hamilton to get a
casket and arrange for the burial.
He telephoned his brother, Percy
Kendall of Missoula, who came on
the evening train and joined him here.
They then went to Darby where they
joined the father, B. F. Cooper and
brother ]. Frank Cooper and other
relatives and friends. These all unan-
imously desired that the remains be
brought to Darby and given christian
burial, to which Mr.. Kendall finally
acceded.
With this understanding Mr.. Ken
dali, Albert Hammond, Frank Cooper
]. Kerlee started for Boulder to bring
out the body. Arriving at the mouth
of Boulder they were met by Abner
Cooper who had left the remains in
charge of Jerry Wilkerson and Will
Kerlee who had joined him in his
lonely vigil.
The Clash.
When Abner was informed of the
proposed arrangement he entered a
decided protest, saying that ''it was
Gods will and his will that she be
buried where she died." The others
gently but firmly insisted, whereupon
Abner flew into passion and swore
hat the burial must take place where
she had requested. They all started
for the camp, Abner arriving first
When the others came up they found
Abner sitting by the tent, rife
across his knee and revolver in his
hand. Kerlee and Wilkerson were
sitting near by, but had nothing te
say. Abner determinedly informed
them that they might bury her there
but if they attempted to take the re
m aims away "they would do it at theil
| own risk
All entreaties and persuasion were
u navailing and the party, exceptin.
Kerlee and Wilkerson, returned t,
Darby. Abner requested the latter t,
ro.,, IN, xu;fh y;