Patterson and Grayson Obituaries 1937, Page 4
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Sequeira, Maria S. 371217 p6
Mother of Local resident Passes; Crows Landing, Dec. 15.—Mrs. Maria Santa Sequeira, mother of Mrs. A. S. Silveira, passed away at the latter's home this morning after having been in a critical condition since Saturday, when she was rendered unconscious by a paralytic stroke. The present plans are for the funeral services to be held in the St. Joachim's Catholic' Church in Newman on Friday morning at 10 o'clock, with Father Porto of Patterson reading the mass. Interned will follow in the Newman Catholic Cemetery. Mrs. Sequeira was 70 years of age and a native of the Azores. Until two years ago, when she came here to reside with Mr. and Mrs. Silveira, she had lived for sixteen years in Tracy with her two sons, Antonio and Joseph Souza. Two sisters and a brother live in the Azores.
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Sequeira, Mike J. 370115 p1
Mike J. Sequeira; Frank Borges, Two Others, Instantly Killed Near Crows Landing; In the worst crossing crash in recent years, three lives were instantly snuffed out yesterday when the south-bound passenger train, No. 240, hit at full speed a sedan driven by Frank Borges, Patterson dairyman for many years, at a private crossing two miles north of Newman. With Borges were Mrs. Emilia Frances, his housekeeper and Mike J. Sequeira, whose ranch they had just left. All three were frightfully mangled, making identification by even close friends difficult. Borges and Mrs. Francis were thrown from the car while Sequeira's body was imbedded on the twisted engine pilot in the midst of the splintered car. Borges formerly resided in the south end of Patterson Colony, near the Ghisletta ranch, and it was to this point that the group were traveling when struck. They had left the Sequeira ranch and reached the private crossing from the east just as the fast-moving passenger bore down upon them with its whistle screaming and brakes screeching, to strike the car squarely in the middle. None of the three apparently saw the approaching train, which was running some thirty-five minutes late. The car, together with Sequeira's body, was carried a quarter of a mile before the light train could be stopped by Engineer Dave Welch. F. T. McGinnis, editor of the West Side Index at Newman, had barely passed the crossing where it enters the Crows Landing-Newman highway when he heard the loud report of the smash and then the engine, with its gruesome load, flashed by him. Identifying the car by its license certificate, he rushed to Newman to notify authorities of the mishap. The three bodies of the victims were taken to the Davis Funeral Chapel at Newman. A section crew was called to remove the wreckage and make emergency repairs on the engine, so that the train could proceed southward. Conductor Martin O'Neil, veteran of many years service on the West Side, was in charge of the train. Borges was about 84 years of age and resided here until his house burned about three months ago, when he left to work for Sequeira, returning here twice daily to milk his few cows. His wife, with two children, reside in San Francisco. Mrs. Francis had been his housekeeper both at Patterson and at Newman, according to the statements of neighbors, and came to Patterson from Pinole, where relatives reside. She was about 35 years of age. She apparently had received the full force of the impact as her clothes had been stripped from her body and the entire torso terribly mutilated.. Sequeira. a single man, was 38 years old. A twist of fate placed him in the fatal car. Light showers had prevented him doing his usual work in the field, so he volunteered to accompany Borges and assist with the milking of his cows.
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Siem, William 370514 p6
Siem Drowned at Fort Bragg; William Siem, former resident of Newman and for the past eleven years proprietor of a market in Tracy was drowned Saturday afternoon in the surf near Fort Bragg. while on a weekend fishing trip in company with Mrs. Siem and Dr. and Mrs A. R. Powers, also of Tracy. The tragedy occurred when Siem, casting in the surf a short distance from the rest of the party, was thrown off his feet by the heavy undertow from a receding wave. He endeavored to fight his way to shore by swimming when the drag of another wave swept him further out. Dr. Powers, an expert caster, threw his line across Siem's body, hooked his clothing, but the line was not strong enough to draw him in. Aided by others called by Mrs. Powers, he was brought to shore but a desperate two hour effort at resuscitation was futile.
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Silva, Manuel 370312 p2
Man Leaps to His Death In Front of Train; Manuel Silva Ground to Bits Under Train Near Patterson; Manuel V. Silva. Newman dairyman, apparently committed suicide at noon last Saturday when he leaped in front of the southbound passenger train two miles north of Patterson. Death was instantaneous as the wheels of the engine and three cars cut the body to bits as it passed. over it. Investigation of the tragedy indicated that Silva had become deranged. Sometime during the morning he had driven west over the Zacharias crossing, and had then returned, parking his car on the left hand side of the highway, facing south. As was his custom, he shut off the feed pipe to a leaky carburetor. He then removed his shoes, placing them on the running board; emptied his pockets of money and personal effects, laying them on the seat; and then sat awaiting the coming of the train. The engine crew state that as the train approached, Silva dashed across the track, apparently misjudging the speed of the train, whirled and ran back again, being struck just as he stepped between the rails. Some three days before, he is reported to have told Newman friends that he had gone to the river at four in the morning to jump in, but found the water too muddy. He was thought to be joking at the time. To another friend, Mike Luis, he had offered to sell his ranch, bought from C. R. Stahiman only a month ago, for $2000 less than he had paid for it. Silva lost some $9000 in the First National Bank crash in Newman several years ago, and had long brooded over it. The purchase of the ranch had taken all of the cash that he had saved since then, and it is believed that the realization that all of his ready money was once more gone, led to complete derangement. Silva was a single man, about 45 years old, and a native of the Azores, coming to this country 31 years ago. He is survived by three brothers, John of Newman, Armando of Nevada, and Joe of the Azores Islands. There also, live two sisters, Mary and Annie.
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Simas, Joseph E. Jr. 370219 p1
Death of Small Child Wednesday Joseph Edward Simas ,Jr., small son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Simas of Walnut Avenue, passed away at a Modesto hospital Wednesday evening. A native of Gustine, the boy was 2 years of age and is survived by a sister, Della, and brother, Theodore besides the parents. Rosary services will be held at the Davis & Evans Chapel tonight at 8 p.m., followed by funeral services Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Joseph Porto officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
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Skenis, Mike 370702 p2
Two Drown When Boat Is Upset: Mike Skenis; The Merced River claimed two more victims on Sunday afternoon, when Chris Condos and Mike Skenis, both of Turlock, were drowned in its swift current after their fishing boat was capsized. Although a third member of the party was seated on the river bank, no one saw the accident occur. Paul Gimerkas heard a cry for help and saw one of the men sink, the other already having disappeared beneath the water. Bodies Recovered; The bodies of both men were recovered. Condos was found early Monday morning by Deputy Coroner Hal Davis and Rolland Gourley by means of grappling hooks. The body of Skenis was recovered Tuesday morning as it floated down the San Joaquin River, being seen from the bridge by R. Lorenson bridge-tender, who notified Gourley as he cruised along the stream. Using Small Boat; The two men were using a small, collapsible tin boat, powered by an outboard motor, and it is assumed that the motor proved too powerful for the light raft, causing it to upend and throw the fishermen into the water. The accident occurred some 300 feet above the point where the Merced river empties into the San Joaquin. Turlock Services; Condos was the owner of a cleaning business in Turlock and Skenis was engaged in farming there. The bodies of both men were taken to Turlock. Services for Condos were held Tuesday morning and afterwards the body was taken to Sacramento for interment.
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Solari, Ester 370813 p1
Passing of Mrs. Ester Solari Saturday; Mrs. Ester Solari, wife of Albert Solari of Apricot Ave., passed away at a Modesto hospital late Saturday night. A native of Switzerland, she was 34 years of age, and had been a local resident for ten years past. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Albert, Jr., and William; a sister Mrs. Isolina Tamagni of Nevada; a brother, Thomas Sarina of Modesto; and four sisters and one brother residing in Switzerland. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Joseph Porto in charge, followed by interment in St. Mary's Cemetery.
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Souza, Frank E. 370108 p2
Funeral Here of Gustine Man Wednesday; Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from Sacred Heart Church for Frank E. Souza, Gustine man, who passed away at Modesto Monday following a brief illness. He was stricken ill while visiting at the Frank Mendes ranch. He was 59 years of age, a native of the Azores, and a California resident for 24 years. A wife and two daughters survive in the Azores, with Joe C. Baganha of Gustine, a nephew, the nearest local relative. Rev. Joseph Porto conducted the services, with interment in St. Mary's Cemetery following. Arrangements were in charge of Davis and Evans.
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Truman, L.F. 371210 p2
Father of F. L. Truman Passes; L. F. Truman, father of Fred Truman of Patterson, passed away at a Modesto hospital yesterday morning following an extended illness. He had been visiting here but took a turn for the worse Saturday and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was 83 years of age. The remains will be shipped East to his old home in Indiana for interment and Mr. and Mrs. Truman plan to accompany the body East for services there, probably 1eaving this evening. Three other children survive the deceased —Ralph Truman of Modesto, Harold Truman of San Francisco and Mrs. Hayden Graystone of Huntington. Indiana.
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Truman, L.F. 371217 p2
Remains of L. F. Truman Taken to Indiana; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Truman left Friday evening to accompany the remains of the former's father, L. F. Truman, to Huntington, Indiana, for funeral services and interment there. He passed away at a Modesto hospital Thursday. The deceased had an outstanding record as a railroad man, having served as a locomotive engineer for fifty-seven years prior to his retirement on pension ten years ago. He started railroad work at the age of 14, 68 years ago, firing engines with cord wood in an era when many modern safety accessories and improvement were lacking. He handled many special trains carrying presidents and other distinguished personages, and received many citations for saving lives in serious wrecks, being injured a number of times. He never had a demerit mark in his long career.
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Watson, Ed 371008 p2
Passing of Ed Watson Friday at County Seat; Ed Watson local resident for the past twenty years, passed away at a Modesto hospital Friday following an extended illness. A native of Oakdale, he was 55 years of age and had resided in this county all his life. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson of Fresno, and nine brothers and sisters, as follows: Mrs. Maude Mc Millan and Mrs. Emma Wrinkle of Oakdale: Mrs. C. J. Bush of Fresno; I. T. Watson and Roy Watson of Modesto, and W. L. Watson, Arthur Watson and Earl Watson of Patterson.
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Webb, Harry 370903 p1
Death of Harry Webb Sunday at San Francisco; Harry G. Webb of Modesto, active in development of West Stanislaus District bean lands for the past seven years or so, passed away at the University of California Hospital at San Francisco Sunday morning. He had been there three weeks preparing for an operation but his condition grew worse as time went on and the operation was found impossible. Webb has been active in district affairs and was a director of the West Stanislaus Bean Growers' Association. He was a native of Australia, aged 53, and had been farming in this county for 22 years. Beside the widow, two sons and a daughter survive, as well as his mother, a brother and a sister, residing in Australia. Funeral services were held at Modesto Wednesday afternoon. with interment in the Modesto Masonic Cemetery following.
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Webb, Robert W. 370910 p1
Boy Killed as Auto Skids; Six-Year Old Hurled Out When Car Skids and Hits Culvert; Patterson contributed a victim to the death toll of over 400 for the national week-end holiday when Robert Wesley Webb, 6-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Webb, was instantly killed late Saturday night. The mishap occurred at the junction of Elm Avenue and the county road at the south end of the Colony, where negligent irrigation had allowed water to flow over the oiled road. The Webbs were bound toward their Modesto home after spending the evening here when the car struck the wet road and skidded sideways. A front wheel struck a concrete culvert and the car turned completely over, landing right side up again on the road. But Mrs. Webb and the boy were hurled out as it spun. The latter struck on his head, receiving a badly fractured skull, which must have caused instant death. Mrs.Webb received only slight cuts and Webb was unhurt. All four local officers, C. W. Kirk. 0. S. Ball, Carl Busengdal and Manuel Silva. were called out, but turned the investigation over to motor patrolmen when they arrived. Dr. C. P. Custer was also summoned. Funeral Tuesday; Funeral services were held from the Davis and Evans Chapel Tuesday afternoon, followed by interment in Del Puerto Cemetery in the family plot. The parents survive the deceased as well as the two grandmothers, Mrs. Manuel Andrade and Mrs. B. Webb.
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Witten, Margaret 371119 p5
Death of Former Resident in Turlock; Crows Landing, Nov. 17. — Mrs. Margaret Witten, widow of the late P. W. Witten and a resident of Crows Landing for many years, passed away Friday morning in Turlock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Beryl Terry, after a brief illness. The funeral Services were held on Monday morning in the Shannon Chapel in Modesto and many of her life long friends from this district attended. Rev. T. Ross Paden, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, conducted the services. Entombment was made in the Modesto Mausoleum. Mrs. Witten joined her daughter in Turlock last summer, after having made her home here for thirty-nine years. She had always been an active member of local women's organizations.
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Zellers, Wm. J. 371126 p1
Passing of William J. Zellers Monday; William J. Zellers, long-time local resident, passed away at a Modesto hospital Monday, following an illness of a week's duration. A native of Illinois, he had resided in California 24 years. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Isabella Webb of Patterson, and one brother, Eugene Zellers of Illinois. Funeral services were held from the Davis & Evans Chapel Wednesday morning with Rev. C. A. Hedlind officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto Cemetery.
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Donated by Gale and Jean Stroud
May 2008
Stanislaus Obituary Index
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