Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Frank B. Kennard Died 110 Years Ago

Here are three obituaries for Frank B. Kennard. I have found several more on Genealogybank.com. He died on December 21, 1900 (according to information in his probate file) in Miles City, Montana. he left his wife, Sarah (Sadie) Kennedy, an eight year old daughter, Eveleen, and a five month old son, Paul. Not only did Frank die days before Christmas, but he left Sadie with more debts than assets and contracts that she could not fulfill. Sadie was allowed to keep the homestead near Kinsey, Custer, Montana.

From the Helena Independent, December 28, 1900:

F. B. Kennard was found dead in his room at the Miles City hotel by the employee of the house. When discovered the body was lying face downward on the floor and there was indications that showing that he had died during a fit of coughing. While the deceased had been delicate in health for a long time, his death came a shock and surprise to friends and relatives here. Mr. Kennard was a sufferer from chronic bronchitis and had been in town about a month receiving treatment for his trouble.


From the Butte Weekly Miner, December 27, 1900:

Yellowstone Rancher Found Dead.

F. B. Kennard, a Former Railroad Conductor, Dies Suddenly.

   Miles City, Mont., Dec. 24. - Frank B. Kennard, a pioneer in the Yellowstone valley, was found dead in his hotel room this morning. He came from his ranch for medical treatment. He was formerly a contractor and built large sections of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

From the Minneapolis Journal, December 24, 1900:

Pioneer Found Dead.

Franklin B. Kennard Expires at Miles City of a Heart Disease.
    Special to the Journal.
    Miles City, Mont., Dec. 24. - Franklin B. Kennard one of the pioneers in the settlement of the Yellowstone valley, was found dead in his room at the Miles City hotel early this morning. He had come in for treatment from his ranch in Kinzie and though his condition had not improved, his death was wholly unexpected, and was no doubt the result of heart failure.
     Mr. Kennard was a contractor in 1880 and did extensive work on the line of Northern Pacific Railroad near Billings. He had been a rancher and stock raiser near this city for the past eight years. He was born in Maine in 1849. He was an active member of the A. O. U. W. and leaves a wife and two children.