Obituaries- text, page 2

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Forsythe, Clellan Scales, 1895-1953; Accidentally killed on hunting trip; son of Alexander and Emma, nee. Russell

OBIT No. 1- REF: From Herald Journal (Syracuse, NY) Sep 18, 1953 (available at Onandaga Historical Assoc, 311 Montgomery St. Syracuse, NY 13202):

"The funeral of Clellan S. Forsythe, 58, who died yesterday on Fox island in Lake Ontario from a gundshot wound, will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the First Presbyterian Church."

"President of Forsythe Motors Corporation, formerly a member of the Legislature from Onondaga County, he was recognized nationally as an automobile distributor and known in public affairs for distictive individual efforts in politics."

"At his preserve on Fox Island for a few days with one of his brothers, he was in a jeep about 1,000 feet from the farmhouse when he apparently suffered a heart attack and slumped over, causing his shotgun to be discharged."

"Mrs. Forsythe had gone to Ganonoque for the day and was told of the tragedy when she returned and was about to leave the mainland for the island."

"The body lies at J P Burns and Son Funeral Home where friends may call from ..."

"District Attorney Angus G. Saunders, of Watertown, said he would issue a verdict of accidental death due to gunshot wounds and that he intends to hold an inquest within a few days."

"Mr. Forsythe and his brother, John R. Forsythe, had gone to the island, located near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, to hunt pheasant which is permissable anytime on a private preserve. He had just finished talking to his broher, asking him to see if he could locate the low water stakes on the property."

The brother had walked less than 40 feet when he heard a shot and turning around saw Mr. Forsythe fall to the ground. His body discharged the shotgun and the stricken man screamed "Oh," to the brother.

Mr. Forsythe resided at 600 Roberts Ave. in Syracuse and maintained a country residence in outer W. Genesee St.

A trapper boy in coal mines of Pennsylvania at the age of 11, Clell Forsythe worked ambitiously for nearly half a century and acheived a recognized position nationally in the automobile field and in political affairs.

He was a prime organizer of the National Small Business Committee for a Republican President. Later he was a leader in organizatoin of War Dads of America and its first president.

He served in the Assembly by election in 1944 from his district in Syracuse including adjacent suburban and rural territory and also served on the State Fair Commission by appointment of Governor Dewey.

FORSYTHE MOTORS main establishment in W. Genessee St. has been rated the largest automotive sales and service establishment in the state.

A man of broad vision, he spent largely from his personal means in promoting public ideas. Before illness limited his activities the last few years, he promoted a large project for shift of the State Fair to the former Army Air Base at Mattydale.

He was a World War I Naval Veteran, with overseas service, and maintained membership in the American Legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars and had numerous other affiliations in civic, business, religious, and outdoors life.

He was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Chruch, a Mason, a member of the Syracuse Automobile Dealers Assoc, Bellevue Country Club, Onondaga Golf and Country Club, the National Auto Dealers Assoc., the Rainbow Falls Hunt Club, the Winged Foot Club, the YMCA, Automobile Old Timer's Club, and the Police Benevolent Assoc.

IN POLITICS, he served apprenticeship as a member of the Common Council before going to the Asssembly, He represented the city as a councilman-at-large from 1942 to 1945.

Mr. Forsythe served earlier as a member of the Municipal Recreation Commission, by approintment, and a commissioner of education by ciywide election. He was commissioner of the State Insurance Fund in his last year. During those years he worked tirelessly behind the scenes among businessmen for the nomination of Governor Dewey in 1948."

"His widest recognition in national political affairs was in connection with the 1952 election, at the culmination of 13 years of effort and thinking on his part in the get-out-the-vote movement. In that activity also he used his own money liberally, in propaganda efforts among businessmen. Largely through his efforts nationally the automobile dealers assumed leadership in the activity."

"He was presented a silver plaque at the 1953 San Francisco convention of the national Auto mobile Dealers Assoc for his work in this endeavor. The citaion read:

In recognition of his invaluable service to the nation and to new car dealers. His unselfish patriotism and his clear vision as originator of the get-out-the-vote campaign contributed immeasurably to good dealer-public relations."

"Newsweek Magazine in 1952, cited him as a concrete example of the constructive efforts of one man in one American city and county in attempting to halt the dangerous decline in the number of persons who go to the polls to vote."

"AMERICAN author Raymnond Moley called him 'Mr. American Individual Enterprise: Moley wrote that Clell Forsyteh has been giving attention to good citizenship for a good many years.' "

"Mr Forsyteh was also cited by Freedoms Foundation for his activities in getting citizen to excercise their right of franchise."

"He was an early riser in his most active years and until the last year or two was often seen leaving his home at 6 am for a walk around the reservoir with a favorite dog."

"A man of deep sense of family relationship, he extended his responsibilities among employees and acquaintances, often buying and distributing Christmas trees and Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys by the truckload."

"His interest in the outdoors was evidenced in the farm on the western edge of Syracuse, where friends enjoyed fishing, riding horses, and other activities."

"He had gone on hunting and fishing expeditions on a wide range in the Eastern US and Canada. He loved the lore of outdoor sports and had a Chesapeake Bay pirate's gun of extraordinary dimensions on display at his business place as a token of his interest in duck hunting."

OBIT No 2 . Shorter than Obit No. 1, but mentions the immediate family of Clellan Forsythe

"Watertown, N.Y., Sept. 18 (AP)- Clellan S. Forsythe, fifty-eight, Syracuse automobile dealer and former state assembyman, was found shot to death on a Lake Ontario island today, and a coroner's physician said his death was accidental. ..."

" ... Surviving is his wife, Frances, whom he married in 1918, their son Frederick, and five brothers."

REF: from the Barnesboro Star, Thursday, May 23, 1946, page 1 (available on microfilm at Barnesboro, PA, public library):

"Funeral services for Otto Strike, 69, former Barnesboro resident who died Monday morning [20 May 1946] were held yesterday afternoon in the Long Funeral Home, Barnesboro. He had been employed as a maintenance engineer at the Cresson Sanatorium for the past 13 years. His death was caused by coronary thrombosis. Interment was in North Barnesboro Cemetery."

"Mr. Strike came to this country from Germany with his parents when a small child, and located in Houtsdale where he remained for a number of years. He was united in marriage to Miss Emily Russell of Barnesboro and to this union were born six children. His wife preceeded him in death 28 years ago."

"Mr. Strike is survived by these children- Mrs. [Mrytle] James Lusk, Akron, OH; Mrs. [Gladys] C M McKillop, Hazel Park, MI; Mrs. [Martha] Harold Vernon, Akron; Mrs. [Ruth] Michael Scord, Van Nuys, CA; and Russell O. Strike, Alexandria, VA, a former employee of the Barnesboro Star. A half-sister, Mrs. Bertha Wagner of Houtzdale, also survives, along with 14 grandchildren."

[Strike, Otto Karl, continued]. REF: Barnesboro Star, Thursday, May 23, 1946, Page 12, column entitled: "Barnesboro News about Town":

"Due to the sudden death of their father, Otto Strike, members of the family arriving for the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. James Lusk of Akron, OH; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Vernon, also of Akron; Mr. and Mrs. C.M. McKillop, Hazel Park, MI; Russell O. Strike and two daughters of Alexandria, VA, and R. C. Kramp also of Alexandria. Mrs. Michael Scord of Van Nuys, CA, another daughter was unable to attend due to transportation difficulties."

REF: From Syracuse Herald Journal, 13 Sep 1968 [Bde vol 14, p117, obit file, Onondaga Co Public Library, Syracuse, NY]:

"William A. Forsythe of Delray Beach, FL, former president of DeWitt Sales, died yesterday. He was 62."

"Born in Pa, Mr. Forsythe lived in Syracuse many years. His residence was 903 Second Ave. N.E., Delray Beach."

"Surviving are his wife, Mrs Martha Grube Forsythe; two daughters, Mrs George F. Holbrook of Camillus, and Mrs. Russel Sena of Rincon, GA; a son, Capt. W. Douglas Forsythe, stationed with the Air Force in Germany; two brothers, John R. Forsythe of Fairmont, and Alexander D. Forsythe of Solvay, and six grandchildren. Services and burial will be conducted in Delray Beach. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc."
Go to William A. Forsythe's father, Alexander D. Forsythe. Return to Obit.Index or go Home.

Strike, Martha V. (Mrs. Hebden), 1904-1907, only daughter of Julius Strike and Leah Lininger.

REF: Johnstown Tribune, 15 Nov 1987, page 2C (available on microfilm at Cambria Co Library, Johnstown, PA):

"HEBDEN- Martha V., 83, 3326 Dark Shade Drive, Windber, died Nov 14 1987, at Maple Mountain Manor, Berlin. Born Nov 4, 1904, in Philipsburg, daugther of Julian [sic, should be Julius] and Leah (Lewis) Strike. Preceeded in death by parents; first husband, James Smith; and second husband, Thomas Hebden. Survived by these children: James Smith, married to former Ann Litko, Windber; William B. Smith married to Former Frances Kaminsky, Phoenix, AZ; Leah V., wife of Frank Potla, Buffulo, NY; and Catherine, wife of Carl S. Boring, Windber; also 10 grandchilden and nine great grandchildren. Friends received from ... at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc, South Fork, where service will be held 11 a m Wednesday, the Rev. Eric D. Smith, Interment, South Fork Cemetery." [aka. Falcon Field]
Go to obit of Martha's mother, Leah, nee. Lewis. Or, return to Obit.Index or go Home.

"Mrs. Minnie Schrock died at her home in Beulah, on Friday, Setember 24th after having been ill for some time of complications incident to old age. Mrs. Schrock was born in Germany on April 7, 1848, coming to this country in 1882 with her home first in Tioga County for three years. Following that the family moved to Beulah."

"Deceased was a faithful member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, of Houtzdale, throughout her life. Her kind disposition and helpfulness will make her sadly missed by all with whom she was acquainted."

"At 22 years of age she was married to August Sheski and to them were born three sons and two daughters. Mr. Sheski died fifteen years later."

"In 1886 she was again married, her husband being Fred Schrock, and to them were born one son and two daughters."

"Her second husband died in 1917 and she leaves the following children: Emil Sheski, Greenbay, WI; Herman Sheski, unknown; Charles Sheski, Tampa, FL; William Schrock, Beulah; Mrs. John Schultz, Peshtigo, Wisconsin. There are also 21 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild."

"Funeral services were held the first part of this week with her pastor, Rev. A. Kammrath, officiating."

REF: Philipsburg Daily Journal, 14 Dec 1940, front page: "Funeal Sevices Monday for Lewis H. Hohnka (sic)"

"Lewis H. Hohnka, 55, a prominent coal operator, died at 11 o'clock last night at the Philipsburg State Hospital where he has been a patient for the last eight weeks. He has been ailing all summer and has undergone three operations during the last several weeks".

"Mr. Hohnka was chairman of the Centre County Board of Public Assistance. He served as Overseer af the Poor for four years and served as a member of the borough council for eight years."

"During the last 15 years he has operated various coal operations of his own. Previous to that time he was affiliated with the Morrisdale Coal Company."

"He was active in Masonic circles being a member of the Moshannon Lodge F. and A. M. the Moshannon Commandery Knights Templar, the Jaffa Shrine, and the Williamsport Consistory. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Reliance Fire Company."

"Mr. Hohnka was born in Peale on October 18, 1885. He was a son of Julius and Tille (sic) Hohnka and lived in this area all his life. He moved to Allport with his family and lived there until after his marriage to Agnes Campbell in 1918 when he moved to Morrisdale. After living there four years they moved to Philipsburg where they have lived for the last 18 years."

"Surviving Mr. Hohnka are his widow and one son, Lewis C. Hohnka, a junior at Pennsylvania State College. The following four sisters and brothers also survive: Mrs. Bertha Turnquist, of Sunbury, Mrs Lena Fleck, Clearfield; Mrs. Christine Lorenzin (sic), Allport; Mrs. Emma Thompson; Windber; and August Hohnka, Altoona."

"The body will be taken to the Hohnka residence, 301 Ninth street this evening where it will remain until Monday noon when it will be taken to the Presbyterian Church. It may be viewed at either place up until time of the services Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. His pastor, the Rev. Charles W. Maclay, will have charge of the services and burial will be made in the Philipsburg cemetery."

REF: Houtzdale Citizen, 6 Nov 1924 (available on microfilm at Clearfield Co Historical Soc): "Mrs. David O. Johnson called to her reward. Death occurs in Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh following an operation"

"Mrs. David Schrock Johnson died in the Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on Saturday evening Nov 1, 1924 at half past five following an operation. Her illness dates back to Sep 13 when she suffered a paralytic stroke which left her left side parallized. With the hope of recovery she was taken to the above hospital where all was done possible for her restoration but without avail, the end coming at the above time. The patient woman remaining fully conscious until the last minute."

"Mrs. Johnson was a member of the English Lutheran Church of Kittaning, near where the family resided. She was a lovable, christian wife and neighbor whose death has proven a severe blow to many loved ones."

"The body was brought to Beulah and to the home of her mother where funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. Kammrath, pastor of the German Lutheran Church of Greenoch near Pittsburgh Wednesday afternoon at 2 and interment was made at Beulah Cemetery."

"Besides her husband, she leaves the following children to mourn the loss of a loving wife and mother: Harry William, age 11, Edward Frederick, 8, David Alexander, aged 4, and baby Eleanore Grace, 13 months. She is also survived by her aged mother and the following sisters and brothers: Charles Sheski of Tampa, FL; Amil Scheski of Kewana, WI; Mrs Robert Smith of Cleveland, OH; Mrs. William Steve of Beulah. Her father died in 1917 in March. Deceased maiden name was Miss Ellen Marie Shrock (sic)."

WAGNER, August, 1852-1925, b. in Krauzlamburg, Pommern (Pomerania), brother of Charles M. WAGNER

REF: Houtzdale Citizen, Thursday, Oct 15, 1925, front page (original newspaper kindly lent to me by Larry Koskoskie, Houtzdale, PA.) : "Pneumonia Claims Aged Man near here"
"Born in 1852 Came to this Country in 1890"

"After having been ill for a period of 5 weeks with pneumonia August Frederick Wagner passed away on Saturday evening, October 10th about 8 o'clock as a result of complications which later set in. He was aged 73 years having been born in Krauzlamburg, Pommern, Germany, in 1852."

"With his wife, who was before marriage, Miss Wilhelmina Bondimer, he came to America in 1880 settling in Houtzdale where they lived until 1904 when they moved to Edna, PA, near Pittsburgh. They lived at the later place until July 1925. It was at Etna that Mrs. Wagner died on July 14th, 1923. Following his wife's death Mr. Wagner moved to this place and took up residence at West Houtzdale with his brother, Charles Wagner. It was at the home of his brother that the illmness came on him which caused his death."

To Mr and Mrs Wagner were born 7 children, six boys and one daughter. The daughter and four of the sons are dead. The other sons, Fred and Henry both reside at Edna. Surviving him also are three step children, Edwin Welash, of Spangler, and Mrs. Amelia Knarr, of Irvona [Clearfield Co], and Elvil Powell, of Patton [Cambria Co].

"Funeral Services were conducted at his brother's home on Tuesday, October 13 at 2 o'clock. Rev. Kammrath, of the St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment was made in the Brisbin Cemetery. "