Shelby County Indiana Genealogy & History, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Phares

Freeman Funeral Homes
March 23, 2014
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Helen Louise Phares, 96, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Heritage House Convalescent Center in Shelbyville. She was born July 30, 1917, in Shelbyville, the daughter of William Andrew and Margaret (Cossairt) Reed. On May 30, 1937, she married her husband of 60 years, Kenneth “Pat” Phares, and he preceded her in death on July 24, 1997.
Survivors include her sons, Phillip Phares and wife, Sandy, David Phares and wife, Mary Jo and Mickey Phares and wife, Mary, all of Shelbyville; daughters, Donna Frogge and husband, Sam of Statesville, North Carolina and Patty Meade and husband, Jamie of Palmetto, Florida; grandchildren, Patrick Phares and wife, Debbie, Kenny Phares and wife, Tammy, Donnie Phares, Christina Scott and husband, Jeff, David Phares and wife, Michelle, Val Phares and wife, Alicia, Cory Phares and Christina Haehl and husband, Mike, all of Shelbyville, Ronnie Phares of Plainfield, Arthur Phares of Waldron, Andy Phares and wife, Bobbie of St. Paul, Jim Frogge and Samantha West and husband, Brian, both of Statesville, Todd Frogge of Texas, Courtney Meade and wife, Lauren of Tampa, Florida, Jennifer Gorris and husband, Mike of Bradenton, Florida, Conrad Meade of Palmetto; 12 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Morris Reed; and a sister, Mildred Hart.
Helen was a lifelong Shelbyville resident, except for five years she spent with her daughter, Donna in Statesville. While in North Carolina, she enjoyed spending time with her family and helping sell honey. She and Pat loved to play cards, and once in a while take in a ballgame. Helen will be long remembered for her angel food cakes and good home cooking, especially her delicious macaroni salad.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. Bill Horner officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Major Hospital Hospice, 30 W. Rampart Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Decmeber 16, 2005
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Harry J. Ferris, 87, Morristown, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005.
Born June 29, 1918, in Shelby County, s/o Ollis R. and Cora A. (Vernon) Ferris.
Married Betty M. Taylor on Nov. 1, 1940, in Carrollton, Ky., and she preceded him in death on March 31, 1983.
Survivors include two sons, Ron Ferris of Greenfield and John Ferris of Russellville, Ky.; one daughter, Alice Bridges of New Castle; one sister, Frances Shearer of Fairland; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by five brothers, Estas Earl Ferris, Harvey Ferris, Dale Ferris, Glen Ferris and Carl Ferris; and three sisters, Bertha Junken, Iva Sharp and Blanche Morrison.
Farmer and bred shorthorn cattle. Inspector at Diamond Chain, in Indianapolis, retiring in 1981.
Member of American Shorthorn Association.
Burial: Concord Cemetery, in Fountaintown.
Erlewein Mortuary, 1484 W. U.S. Highway 40 in Greenfield, handling arrangements.
Contributions may be made to Shelby County 4-H Association or to Morristown High School Athletic Department.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
March 19, 1975
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MRS. PHARES' RITES FRIDAY
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Mrs. Nellie Edith Phares, 82, R.R. 1, Fountaintown, died at 6:00 a.m. today, Conover Nursing Home, Morristown. Patient 2-1/2 years; ill health several years.
Born Moral Township March 8, 1893, to John and Fannie (Lucas) Moore.
Married William H. Phares on Jan. 26, 1916 and he died Jan. 10, 1958.
Surviving are: Seven children, Harold, Clyde, John and Paul Phares, all of R.R. 1, Fountaintown, Herbert Phares, R. R. 1, Fairland, Mrs. Ruby Knoop, Indianapolis, and Mrs. Dorothy Rockey, Greenfield; three brothers, James Moore and Howard Moore, R.R. 1, New Palestine, and Nathan Phares, Fountaintown; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Larkey, Fairland, and Mrs. Maud Smith, Shelbyville, 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Member of the Sugar Creek United Methodist Church.
Hendryx Mortuaries New Palestine Chapel.
Burial: New Palestine Cemetery.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
[?]April 15-17, 1970
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RITES SET FOR
GEORGE PHARES
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Services for George W. Phares St., 35, Danielsville, Pa., a former local resident, will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Wesleyan Church here. The Rev. Marvin Hughes will officiate and burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville after 4:00 p.m. Friday and at the church after 9:00 a.m. Saturday.
Mr. Phares died Monday at a hospital in Philadelphia. He had been ill 1-1/2 years.
A draftsman, Mr. Phares resided in Shelbvyille prior to moving to Danielsville five months ago and was a member of the Grace Wesleyan Church.
Born her Jan. 8, 1935, he was the son of the Rev. George V. and Anna Mae (VanLue) Phares. On May 12, 1968, he married Jewell A. Robbins.
Surviving with the widow and his mother are five children, Tricia Lann, Pamela Kay, Charles Bryan, George Walter, Jr., and Todd Anthony all at home; a sister, Mrs. Ivan (Mary) Brown, Rushville, and two brothers, Carl M. and Donald R. Phares, Shelbyville.
Note: The marriage date for George W. should be 1958, not 1968 in this obit. I was trying to figure how to get five children in 2 years and checked Find-a-Grave. Rick Leland
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, April 14, 1970
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GEORGE W. PHARES
DIES IN PENNSYLVANIA
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George W. Phares, of Allentown, Pa., and a former local resident, died Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., following an extended illness.
Mr. Phares had moved to Pennsulvania five months ago and was an architect. His mother, Mrs. Anna Mae Phares, resides at 35 E. Mechanic St.
Services will be announced by the Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, September 3, 1963
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Landy H. Phares, 62, Union Township, died Saturday, Shelbyville.
Born Aug. 10, 1901, Union Township, Shelby Co, IN, s/o James O. and Carrie E. Hedrick Phares.
Married Cecil Keppel Mar. 27, 1921.
Survivors: wife; daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Charlene) Nigh, Shelbyville; brother, Paul M. Phares, Flushing, MI; two grandchildren.
President of the Shelby County Fair Association.
Well-known local auctioneer and farmer.
Spent most of his life in Shelby Co.
Member of the Little Blue River Baptist Church, Waldron Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine at Indianapolis Shelby County Shrine Club and the Eagle Lodge.
Carmony Funeral Home, Shelbyville, Rev. R. C. McNeely and Rev. Allen Roberts Officiating.
Burial: Forest Hill Cemetery.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, December 2, 1954
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ESTA PHARES, 73, DIES IN HOSPITAL
Rites for Local Man Will Be Held Friday
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          Esta Phares, age 73, employe of the Chambers Corporation for more than 30 years, died at Major Hospital Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. He had been ill for five months and was admitted to the hospital yesterday at noon.
          Mr. Phares, whose home was at 310 W. Hendricks St., had spent the greater part of his life in Shelby county. He was born in Union township on August 21, 1881, the son of Amos T. and Artimitia Clementine (Black) Phares. On October 12, 1904, he was married to Elizabeth Irene Young who preceded him in death on September 4, 1951. He is survived by two brothers, Caylor Phares of this city and   Charles Phares of Manilla. Six brothers and sisters preceded in death.
          Mr. Phares was a member of the First Baptist Church and was a former deacon in the church. Hid funeral will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Melvin R. Phillips officiating. Interment, in charge of the Sleeth Funeral Home, will be in Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday October 14, 1954
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J. C. FERRIS IS FOUND DEAD
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Rites Being Arranged
For VanBuren Township Man
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          Justus C. Ferris, 77, VanBuren township resident, was found dead at the Paul Neeb garage, located at the intersection of State Road 9 and U.S. Highway 52, at 9:15 this morning.
          Death was attributed by Dr. Roger Whticomb, county coroner, to self-inflicted strangulation by hanging.
          Mr. Ferris resided with the son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Neeb, on Fountaintown R.R.1. He had been in failing health for some time.
          The son of George W. and Anna (Copple) Ferris, he was born on March 10, 1877. His wife, Josie (Metz) Ferris preceded him in death. Surviving with the daughter, Mrs. Neeb, are a son living in Gary; a sister, Mrs. Della Breedlove of this city, and a brother, Ollis Ferris of Fountaintown.
          Funeral services will be announced from the Frazier Funeral Home in Morristown.

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The Shelbyville News
Friday October 15, 1954
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FERRIS RITES ARE ARRANGED
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          Funeral services have been arranged for Justus Clement Ferris, 77, county resident who was found dead Thursday morning. The rites will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Frazier Funeral Home. Rev. William Pruett will officiate and interment will be in Concord Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
          Mr. Ferris, who was graduated from the Indiana College of Medicine in 1905, practiced medicine for several years in Indianapolis, Carthage and Freemont. He also followed the occupation of farming and carpentering.
          Surviving are two children, Mrs. Paul Neeb with whom he resided near Fountaintown, and Karol Ferris of Gary; a brother and sister, Ollis Ferris, Fountaintown, and Mrs. Harvey Breedlove, this city; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville News
Monday, September 13, 1954
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LOCAL WOMEN'S
BROTHER DIES
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          Funeral services were held this afternoon for Horace M. Ferris, 92, former resident of this city and brother of Mrs. Grace Davidson and Mrs. Frank Norvell of this city, in the Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary in Indianapolis.
Mr. Ferris died at his home in Indianapolis Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Born in Versailles, he was the son of Edwin T. and Sybil (Stevens) Ferris. He was united in marriage to Jessie Bresman who survives with three children, Mrs. Owen Warren and Mrs. George Scott all of Indianapolis; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
Saturday May 18, 1929
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CIVIL WAR VET
ANSWERS FINAL CALL
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Death Takes William C. Phares,
Prominently Known Resident
of Community.
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William Currier Phares, veteran of the Civil War, prominently known throughout the county and loved by hundreds of friends, died at 8:15 o'clock Friday evening at the home of his son, John Phares, 119 Fourth street, where he had been ill of a complication of diseases for several weeks. His death occurred at the age of eighty-five years, eleven months and two days, and ended an active career of service to his country and fellow men.
He was born June 15, 1843, the sone of John and Sarah Phares. He enlisted on July 26, 1862, as a volunteer in the union army and experienced some of the hardest fought battles of the conflict. He was a private in Company B, 70th Indiana Infantry, First Brigade, Third Division of the 20th Army Corps, under Col. Benjamin Harrison and Capt. David T. Sleeth. Mr. Phares was in the contingent on the famous march of Sherman from Atlanta to the sea and was present at the surrender of General Lee at Richmond, Va., and was discharged June 8, 1865.
Mr. Phares was united in marriage with Mary E. Kemper, October 6, 1866, and three children were born to the union. The widow and two sons and one daughter survive. They are John Phares at whose home he died, Willard Phares, of Ft. Dodge, Oa., and Mrs. Anna Headlee, of this city. He also leaves fifteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. There is also one sister and two brothers, Mrs. Mary Kemper, of Greentown, Ind., and Matthew and Marion Phares, of Union township.
Funeral services will be conducted at three o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home of the son, where he passed away. The Rev. I. B. Morgan, of Greensburg, will officiate and burial will be in the Bennett cemetery. Carmony Bros. are the undertakers in charge.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
April 14, 1926
Page 1
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GEORGE FERRIS
DIED WEDNESDAY
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          George A. Ferris, age 59, died at 4:30 o'clock this morning at his home of high blood pressure. He had been ill for some time. Most of his life had been spent in and about Fountaintown.
          He is survived by his three sisters, Mrs. Cordia House and Miss Rhoda Ferris at home, and Mrs. Sarah Inlow, of Fountaintown, and one nephew, Harold Ferris, of Indianapolis.
          Short services will be held at the home preceding services to be held at the Fairview M.P. church Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev. Robert Barclay will officiate. Interment will be in the Fairview cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
April 14, 1926
Page 1
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DIED FOLLOWING
LINGERING ILLNESS
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Funeral for George Albert Ferris
to Be Held at Church Friday Afternoon.
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          Following an illness of several years caused from kidney and heart trouble, George Albert Ferris, fifty-nine years old, lifelong resident of Van Buren township, passed away at his home south of Fountaintown at 4:30 o'clock this morning.
          Short funeral services will be conducted at the house at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon and at the Fairview M. P. church at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. J. L. Barkley, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery in charge of Max Herrlich & Son, funeral directors.
          Mr. Ferris was widely known thruout the northern part of the county. He had always followed the occupation of farming. Early in life, he became affiliated with the Fairview church and while health permitted was a worker in the church, He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Seth Ferris, who died a number of years ago.
          Mr. Ferris is survived by three sisters, Miss Rhoda Ferris, Mrs. Cordia House, who made their home wit Mr. Ferris, and Mrs. Sarah Inlow, of Fountaintown. He also leaves one nephew, Harold Ferris, and a niece, Miss Alta Ferris.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday August 13, 1925
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GEORGE W. FERRIS
          DIED THIS MORNING
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          George W. Ferris, a veteran of the Civil war, and prominent in agricultural circles in Shelby county, died at 3 o’clock this morning at his home in VanBuren township, after a serious illness of two months following a stroke of apoplexy. Mr. Ferris was known throughout Shelby county and adjoining counties and the announcement of his death this morning was a cause of deep and sincerest mourning his hundreds of friends.
          Altho advanced in age Mr. Ferris had always enjoyed unusually good health until early in June, of this year, when he suffered a stroke of apoplexy. Since that time, he had remained in a weakened condition and had shown little or no improvement. During the past several days, his condition had been extremely critical and relatives and friends had given up all hopes of his recovery.
          Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon from the late home in VanBuren township and burial will be in the Fairview cemetery in charge of Ralph J. Edwards, undertaker.
          Mr. Ferris was a son of the late Daniel and Sarah Ferris and was born in the state of Illinois, on July 6, 1841, being at the time of death, eighty-four years, one month and one day old. When he was a child, he moved with his family to this community where the remainder of his life was spent. He had always engaged in farming and during his lifetime he had been one of the leading figures in Shelby county agriculture and was also prominent in public affairs of the community.
          At the outbreak of the Civil war her enlisted on Co. I, 51^st Infantry Volunteers and served the entire period during the war. After receiving his discharge from the service he returned to this community and took up farming.
          He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harvey Breedlove, of east of this city and Mrs. Bert Drake of Shelbyville, two sons, Ollis R. Ferris, and Justus C. Ferris, both of VanBuren township, twenty one grandchildren and eight great grandchildren .
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Fairview Cenetery
George W. Ferris
July 6, 1841 – August 7, 1925
Co. I   51st Ind. Inf.
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Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday February 8, 1923
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DEATHS
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(From Friday’s Daily)
          Annie Jane Ferris, wife of George W. Ferris, a lifelong resident of VanBuren township, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harvey Breedlove, 116 Van Avenue, following an illness of nearly one month. About a month ago she came to the Breedlove home for a short visit and while there was taken seriously ill. Funeral services will be held at her late home in VanBuren township, Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, the Rev. G.W. Carnes officiating. Burial will be made in Fairview cemetery, in charge of Ralph J. Edwards, funeral director.
          Mrs. Ferris was a daughter of the late Daniel and Barbara Copple, and was born in VanBuren township, August 12, 1842. She was probably one of the best known women of the community in which she lived, and at the time of death was 80 years 5 months and 19 days old. On August 17, 1865, she was united in marriage with George W. Ferris and to this union nine children were born, four of whom survive. During her life she had been a kind and loving mother, devoted to the welfare of her home. Her wedded life had been one of simplicity and happiness and her death removes one of the most beloved women of the community.
          She leaves besides the husband two daughters, Mrs. Esther Drake, and Mrs. Harvey Breedlove, of this city, two sons, Dr. Justus C. Ferris, and Ollis R. Ferris, both of VanBuren Township, 21 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
          The body will be removed from the Breedlove home where she died, to her home in VanBuren township, Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, December 12, 1918
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CIVIL WAR VETERAN
ANSWERS FINAL CALL
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Death Comes Peacefully To
Aged Man At Home Here
Early This Morning
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(From Tuesday's Daily.)
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Amos T. Phares, a well known aged resident of this city, died at his home, 108 Miller avenue, this morning at 4:20 o'clock, death being caused by senility. He was eighty-five years and two days of age and was one of the venerable old veterans of the Civil War, residing in this county. Death came naturally, as he had not been ill and was downtown in his usual good spirits yesterday. Shortly before his death he awakened and spoke of a slight illness and soon answered the higher call.
Mr. Phares was born in Union township, Dec. 8, 1833, the son of the late Rev. John Phares and wife, and spent the greater part of his life on a farm near the place of his birth. He moved to this city to his late home about fifteen years ago. He was first united in marriage to Mrs. Frances Baker and to their union one daughter, Mrs. Thomas Rhodes was born and survives the father. He was again married Dec. 17, 1866, to Miss [Arthiminia C.] Clementine Black, who with their six children survives the deceased; the children are Mrs. Jacob Shepple, of Marion township; Mrs. O. P. Yeager, Esta Phares and Harry Phares, of this city; Caylor Phares, of Columbus, and Charles Phares, of Manilla. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Mary Kemper, of Greentown, and three brothers, William, Marion and Matthew, of Union township.
The deceased was a highly respected man of this city. He joined the colors in the year 1861 and served the country until the close of the Civil War. He has ever been patriotic and faithful to the country for which he fought. He was a member of the Little Blue River Baptist Church early in life, but lately had adhered to the Spiritualist faith.
Funeral services will be held at the late home Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock and Stewart A. Fix, undertaker, will have charge of the burial, which will be made in the Bennett cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Indianapolis Star
December 15, 1910
Page 5   Column 6
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SHELBYVILLE -- Mrs. Mary Phares, 73 years old, is dead here. Her husband, George W. Phares, two sons and three daughters survive, her daughter being Mrs. Charles E. Plummer of Indianapolis.
Contributed by Virginia Latta Curulla

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday July 9, 1908
Page 4 column 3
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DEATHS - FUNERALS
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Milton Phares died at his home, 11 Center street at ten-thirty this morning of lung trouble, aged sixty years, ten months and three days. Funeral services at Lewis Creek Methodist church. Rev. S. D. Hawkins will officiate, assisted by the Rev. L. H. Carter. Burial in Patterson cemetery. Time of burial will be given later.
Contributed by Barb Huff

A Shelbyville Newspaper
Tuesday, December 9, 1902
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The filve days old child of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Phapes[sic], died at their residence, in Union township, at 7 p.m., Friday, December 5, 1902. Interment in Blue River cemetery, at 2 p.m., today, December 6. M. G. Tindall.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Harrison News
Harrison, Hamilton County, Ohio
Nov 3, 1892
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Mrs Elizabeth Phares died at home of son, Richard Phares, in Cincinnati, OH, while visiting there. She was born at Paddy's Run, Butler Co, Jan 28, 1810. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Herrin. She was 82 years, 8 months 29 days of age when she died. When but an infant she came with her parents to Hickory Flats, spent her entire life in Crosby Township (New Haven area). She married Amos Phares May 5, 1835. He died 1846. They had seven children- two died in infancy- four survive: Naomi, Charles, William and Richard. She had three sisters: Mrs. Susan .Penny, Mrs. Sallie Brown, and Mrs Hannah Arnold.
Submitted by Richard Weightman

The Shelby Democrat
February 25, 1892
Page 3
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City and County.
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Mrs. Mary Fares, aged seventy-eight; Mrs. Mary Smith, aged seventy-five, and Michael F. Miller, aged eithy seven, died at Crawfordsville last week.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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