The Record-courier. [volume] (Gardnerville, Nev.) 1904-current, 1922-02-24
VIM. RITCHFORD
PASSESAWAY
SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES. RECEIv.
ED WHEN THROWN BENEATH
RUNNERS OF SLED LOAD
ED WITH HAY

MS Garcnerville home Saturday
mornine. following injuries received
the previous day when he was caught
beneath sleigh and fatally injured.
Dece ased went to the M. Jacobsen,
just on the outskirts OF town and
loaded eight or ten bales of hay on
his sled. Owing to the short dis
tance to be hauled. the hay was not
made secure to the sled. In crossing
the small bridge near H. Dressler's
home there is slight down grade,
and the bale of hay upon which Mr..
Ritchford was riding, tipped forward
and onto the heels of his spirited
team. Realizing that q runaway was
emminent, he clung to the lines, In an
.endeavor to prevent the runaway and
was dragged beneath the runners of
the sled and with the weight of the
sled and hay upon his chest and legs,
he was pulled for some distance along
the ice-covered road. The team ran
through town attarcting the attention
of the people in the business part Of
town. e. J. Phillips and Albert Dix
on carried the injured man to his
home and a physician was summon
ed. A hasty examination was made
and 1t was found that Mr.. Ritchford's
chest was crushed in, his leg broken,
besides deep decorations in his head
and on different parts OF his body.
His clothing was torn to ribbons,
and the physician declared that any
man with an ordinary constitution
would have died Immediately.
But through life VIM. Ritchford's
first thought had been for the welfare
of his family, and as life fiickered
on the brink Of eternity, his thoughts
were centered upon members Of fam
lily and not upon himself, although
he knew his condition even better
than those that surrounded him and
with loving hands administered to his
wants and did everything possible to
alleviate his sufferings.
Deceased was born near Cape
Bretin, Canada March 18th, 1S47.
He and his estimable wife came to
this section about As years ago and
for a year resided in Alpine county
From that place they went to Ante.
lpove Valley and for years deceased
acted as foreman ON the Rickey
ranches and had charge of ditchine
and laying out new land for cultiva-
ton. They came to Gardnerville and
opened a hotel in 1904 and In 1906
erected the Ritchford Hotel. For a
long period of years Mr.. Ritchford
conducted a livery business in con-
nection with the hotel and because OF
the high standards of bottle stablish-
ments deceased became widely
known.
Although rs years of age, deceas.
ed had the carriage of much young
er man. Straight as an arrow and
with a step that indicated determine.
tion, straightforwardness, his whole
personality was an open book to any.
one who could read human nature
No man was ever more considerate
OF his family than was VIM. Ritch-
ford. He was a loving and con.
siderate husband, an indulgent and
thoughtful father, an honorable anc
patriotic citizen, man highly re.
spected by all. No man could bs
more.
The funeral services were hello
at the family home Tusday morning
Rev. P. H. Willis, officiating. The
latter had known deceased for Al
years, having worked with him In
Antelope Valley. Knowing him a.
man to man, Rev. Willis paid 8
beautiful tribute to deceased ant
touched upon his high ideals ant
unblemished life of the man who's,
spirit had returned to Him who CAV,
it.
Friends from all parts of the Val
ley were present to pay the las
tribute that the living can bestov
upon the dead.
The taking of VIM. Ritchford hal
brought deep sorrow to the people O
this community and they extend theil
deep sympathy to the bereaved re
latives.
Besides his heartbroken widow, tn,
deceased is survived by two children
Mrs. c. w. Nelson of Minden ans
VIM. G. Ritchford of this place.
Interment took place in the GENE
terry at Carson City Tuesday after
noon.