Drug Salesman Victim in Accident at New London Curve

Sylvester Bludau, 56, of 7429 Milwaukee av., Wauwatosa, a drug salesman, was killed and four other persons were injured in an automobile collision at New London, Wis., at 5 a.m. Friday [24 APR 1936].

Bludau's car collided head on with one driven by Ellsworth Clark, Appleton, Wis., at a curve on Highway 45 new the New London city limits. Clark and his brother, Donald, who was riding with him, and Paul Chirpich, 1137 W. Walker st., Milwaukee, and Miss Agatha Wirkus, 42, of Neenah, passengers in Bludau's car, were cut and bruised. The injured were taken to the Community hospital at New London.

Bludau was a salesman for Yahr-Lange, Inc. He had been employed by the firm for 35 years. Chirpich is a salesman for the same firm.

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Mar. 7 [, 1938], Ellen Foster Campbell, residence 2151 N. 38^th St., wife of John Campbell, mother of Mrs. Joseph Scherwenka and James Campbell, sister of Margaret Downey.

Funeral from the funeral home of J. M. O'Boyle Co., 1214 W. Wisconsin av., Thursday, Mar. 10, at 9:30 a.m., to St. Thomas Aquinas' church. Interment Holy Cross.

Member of Happy Death society of Gesu church.

Members of altar society of Thomas Aquinas' church will meet at funeral home Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Jan. 25 [, 1940], John, residence, 2151 N. 38^th st., husband of the late Ellen Foster Campbell, father of Mrs. Joseph Scherwenka and James Campbell; father-in-law of Joseph Scherwenka, brother of Dr. W. B. Campbell of Waukesha.

Dr. Stephen H. Campbell Succumbs in Office to Heart Attack

Shortly after arriving at his office at the soldiers' home Wednesday morning, Dr. Stephen H. Campbell, a dentist on the veterans' administration staff, died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He was 57.

Dr. Campbell was born in Boltonville, Wis. He received his degree in dentistry at Marquette university. During the World War he saw long service at base hospital no. 22 in France as a first lieutenant in the dental corps. Continuing in the service after the war, he was attached to the veterans' administration in Muskogee, Okla.; Detroit, Kansas City, and Chicago before his transfer to the soldiers' home here in 1933.

Surviving are a son, James, Milwaukee, and two brothers, Dr. W. B. Campbell of Waukesha and John Campbell, 2151 N. 38^th St.

Mrs. Margaret Downey (nee Foster) 1610 N. 50^th st., beloved mother of Irene, William of Notre Dame, Ind., and Mrs. John G. Topp, grandmother of Jeanne Beasette, also survived by 5 other grandchildren, passed away July 7 [1946], aged 73 years. Funeral services Wed., July 10, at 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home of J. Becker & Sons, W. Lisbon av., at N. 54^th st., to St. Sebastian church at 9 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross cemetery. Member of Happy Death society of Gesu church. Members of Christian Mothers of St. Sebastian's church and Altar Society, Third Order of St. Francis, Catholic Order of Foresters, Lady of Victory court No. 664 to meet for Vigil Tues. at 8 p.m. In state Tues. After 4 p.m.

Mrs. Downey was active in Catholic work here. She is the mother of William H. Downey, professor of economics at Notre Dame university. She died in the home of her daughter Mrs. John G. (Violet) Topp, 5123 W. Washington blvd.

Mrs. Downey, 73, was the widow of William H. Downey, former roadmaster of the Soo Line at Chippewa Falls, Wis. Born at Random Lake, in 1873, she spent the early part of her life in Milwaukee, where she married. From 1900 to 1923 she and Mr. Downey lived in Chippewa Falls.

Prof. William Downey of Notre Dame Is Dead

Niles, Mich.--William H. Downey, 56, a professor of economics at the University of Notre Dame died Sunday [1954] of a heart attack at his home here.

Professor Downey had taught at Notre Dame and at St. Mary's of Notre Dame for 28 years. He was born in Antigo, Wis., and lived in Chippewa Falls, Wis., until 1923. He was a graduate of Wisconsin State college, River Falls, and Marquette university. He received his master's degree from Notre Dame.

Mrs. Bridget Foster, formerly of Random Lake, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Campbell, at Milwaukee, Saturday Morning, May 5, 1928. The funeral was held Monday morning from the John Campbell home to St. Thomas Aquinas church where the solemn requiem Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Blackwell, assisted by Rev. Fathers Manly and O'Riley. Rev. Father Haberstock was in the sanctuary. The pallbearers were six grandchildren of the deceased, James and Paul Leahy, Melvin and Cyril Foster, Stan and Earl Reilly. After the services at the church, the funeral proceeded to St. Mary's cemetery, Random Lake where she was buried in the family lot beside her husband. Father Kolzer officiated at the grave.

Age 70, Feb. 12, 1973, beloved husband of Marcella Foster (nee Halzbauer), father of Patrick J. (Beverly Ann), Sally B., Mrs. Kathleen (Michael) Costigan, further survived by five grandchildren, 1 brother Gordon (Margaret) Foster, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

We learn that Mr. John Foster, in the town of Freedonia, was kicked by a horse last Saturday in the barn of Chas. Sands in Random Lake. While a saddler was fitting a collar to one of his horses, having a sore breast, John was standing behind the horse when it kicked and struck him in the abdomen, from which injury he died Monday morning [9 JUN 1883], John had a good many friends in this county who feel sorry for his sad misfortune.

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Death of John Foster of Random Lake

Random Lake, April 19^th, 1897. Miss Martha Foster aged sixteen died Saturday evening at the home of her mother, one and one-half miles south-west of this village. She had not been in good health for several weeks, but not until a half hour before she died did her relatives begin to realize that the end was near. It seems hard to realize that she is dead, she was a highly accomplished young lady and a general favorite with all. Among her friends the deceased will be sadly missed especially by the members of St. Mary's Choir in which she was a leading member. The funeral took place Monday forenoon from the family residence, the remains were taken to St. Mary's Catholic Church where the services were conducted by Re. Father Miller, after which a large concourse of friends followed the cortege to Mount Calvary cemetery where the remains were laid to rest.

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Once again the members of the Foster family are chilled by a strange stillness for a member has passed stealthily through the dark halls. A heavy shadow fell from the wing of death as its unbaffled voice called and demanded from our midst our youngest sister, a gentle girl of sixteen summers. At six o'clock in the Evening (Easter Saturday), after a short illness, Martha quietly breathed hew soul into the arms of her maker. In our sorrow we wonder why one so young and gifted should be snatched from the world she had not yet learned to know. But while we leave this with the many mysteries that must remain unsolved in this live [we] can but repeat the words, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

When we say that she was a good girl, we say but little that might be said of her gentle disposition and manner, always more thoughtful of others than of herself. None knew how but to love her, and she will be missed by her family and host of friends. She was a member of the choir and Young Ladies Sodality of St. Mary's congregation, and the place that she filled among them can never be filled by another that by itself shows how deeply her loss is realized. The cause of her death was that dreaded disease, pneumonia, turning into heart trouble. She had been sick only three weeks and apparently grew better the last week even speaking of joining the family for the Easter Greeting on the morrow, the morrow which was never to come for her. All that could possibly be done to save her was done by kind and loving hands. But all earthly power and medical skill having failed, God called her for His own.

Why do we mourn departing friends, the question is easily answered, we miss them so. A noble young girl has gone home and will be there to welcome others as they come. Deceased was attired in her First Communion suit, her long and curly hair hanging over her shoulders, a smile on her face seemed to say she was only sleeping. The funeral services were held Monday from St. Mary's church by. Rev. Mueller it being one of the largest ever held in this parish. The body was laid to rest besides those of her father, who died when she was in her third year, and her sister, Mary, who proceeded her in death by over seven years.

Miss Mary Foster died Wednesday evening [10 DEC 1888] at the residence of her mother, aged twenty-one years. Her death was very sudden, having been sick but two days. All that medical skill and loving friends could do for her was of no avail. Miss Foster was all that was pure and good, and was one of the few persons whose greatest happiness was to make others happy. Her kind manner and loving disposition endeared to a large circle of friends, who held her in the highest esteem. She was the light and life of her home, and her unexpected death has brought great and deep sorrow to her mother, sisters, and brothers. The funeral occurred Friday at St. Mary's Church, the pastor, Rev. Father Muenzer, assisted by Rev. Father Lochemes, officiating. The bereaved have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad affliction.

Mrs. Mary Foster, nee Farrell, aged 57 years, a former local resident [of Random Lake], died last Friday [11 FEB 1938] in her home, 3840 Lisbon avenue in Milwaukee.

Mary Foster was a native of Otogamie county, and after her marriage to Thomas Foster, in January, 1908 [at Little Chute], the couple moved onto the premises known now as the Foster farm, south-west of this village. Mr. Foster died on August 14, 1930, and shortly after his death, Mrs. Foster suffered a stroke from which she never fully recovered. For the past several years she resided in Milwaukee.

Mrs. Foster, before her affliction, was one of the industrious women of this community, devoting her time to the welfare of her family, church and neighborhood. Although her affliction curbed her activities as a worker she, never-the-less did what she could, and under trying conditions retained her cheerful disposition until the end.

Mrs. Foster is survived by three children, Melvin of Waubeka [note: another obit says Freedonia], and Marion and Adrian of Milwaukee.

Funeral services were Monday [Feb. 14,at 8:30 from the funeral home of J. N. O'Boyle Co., 1214 W. Wisconsin av., to] St. Thomas Aquinas church in Milwaukee, and the remains were brought here where interment was made in the family lot in St. Mary's cemetery, with the Rev. R. Knauer conducting the services at the grave.

[from papers of Anne C. (Spellman) Leahy;
courtesy of Jody (Leahy) Filipi]

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Michael Foster, 65, an employee of the International Harvester Co. for 20 years, died Friday after an illness of two weeks. He lived at 648 N. Eighth St. Before coming to Milwaukee from Random Lake, where he was born, he was a railroad engineer.

Mr. Foster was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the men's sodality, the Happy Death and Holy Name societies of Gesu church. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Downey and Mrs. John Campbell, both of Milwaukee.

It is with feelings of profound regret that we record the early death of Brother William Foster, which sad even occurred on September 19 at the residence of his brother, Dr. J. J. Foster, 824 3^rd Street, Milwaukee.

The deceased young gentleman was only twenty-four years of age, and had been for four years a student of St. Francis' Seminary, where his brilliant intellect and aptitude for learning had enabled him to run one year ahead of his studies. His sunny disposition and gentlemanly conduct won for him the esteem of his classmates, and his strict compliance with the discipline of his superiors made him the college favorite. But, alas, for the profession in which he would have shone as a twinkling luminary, and for the home that was made ethereal by his presence, they are both bereft of their priceless jewel. Hard study and close application undermined his youthful constitution and left him an easy prey for the grim reaper, who makes no distinction between young and old, worker or drone. In hopes of recuperating he bent his steps westward to the climate of golden sunset and invigorating breeze, only to find that his earthly sojourn was fast coming to a close. His anxious friends, learning that the western climate was powerless to bring about his much-desired recovery, besought him to return home, that they might be able to comfort him in his last moments, or, perchance, alleviate the pain of his feverish brow. Accordingly, Dr. J. J. Foster, examining physician of our division, went to Mexico and brought him back to breathe his last in the bosom of his family and dearest friends.

Thus ended in life's roseate morn the career of a brilliant and promising Irishman. His death leaves a void that cannot be easily filled in the hearts of his parents and friends, who are prostrate with grief at the loss of their darling boy. Let us that Time, the great healer of sorrows, will supply the balm for the wound his death so unexpectedly inflicted in their loving hearts. His exemplary life is a guiding star for all who desire to tread the narrow path of virtue and uprightness. To his bereaved family and our esteemed brother, Dr. J. J. Foster, we tender heartfelt sympathy in the heavy affliction that has befallen them.

The large concourse of mourners that followed the remains to their last resting place, Random Lake, testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The out-of-town visitors were numerous. Among them were Father Ryan of St. Francis and Father Madden of Chicago. A large delegation of members of Hibernian Division No. 1, headed by the redoubtable Francis J. Sweeney, was present at the funeral. May he rest in Peace!

James Coogan

Port Washington, Wis.--A Port Washington man was killed Wednesday [1 DEC 1971] when he drove his car over a bluff above Lake Michigan.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's department said Paul F. Leahy, 28, drove his car at a fast speed on a road that ended at the bluff, three miles south of Port Washington.

A witness told authorities that the car smashed a guard post at the bluff, then sailed about 300 feet in the air and landed in the lake about 100 feet from shore.

LEAHY--Capt. Paul F., U.S. Navy, age 59, passed away at Guam, MI. Requiem mass Friday [2 OCT 1964] 10 a.m. at the U.S. Naval Base Chapel, Fort Snelling. Rosary Thursday at 8 p.m. at Gill Brothers (Bloomington-Richfield) Chapel, 9947 Lyndale Ave., So. Interment Fort Snelling National cemetery. Visitation 7 to 9 p.m.

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Port Dentist Is Killed in Auto Accident on Guam

Body Is Returned to St. Paul, Minn., for the Funeral Rites

Capt. Paul F. Leahy, 59, a former Port Washington dentist was fatally burned in an automobile accident last week Wednesday on the island of Guam where he was stationed with the United States Navy.

Capt. Leahy, a native of Random Lake, was alone in the automobile when the accident happened on the Agana naval air station, according to word received here. His wife Maybelle had been with her husband during the 1 1/2 years he was stationed there.

After practicing dentistry here since the 1930's, Capt. Leahy served in the navy during World War II, and was recalled during the Korean conflict. He remained in the service and was stationed at the Great Lakes (Ill.) training center, in Tokyo and in California before going to Guam. The family lived here until about three years ago.

Son and Two Daughters

Survivors besides his wife include a son, Paul Jr., who was living at Madison, and two daughters, Mrs. Ann Vandre, of Lake Mills, Wis., and Mrs. Lois Monahan of Mazomanie, Wis.

The navy informed family members that the body would be returned to St. Paul, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Bloomington, Minn., with interment at Fort Snelling, U.S. Navy cemetery, St. Paul, Minn.

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Navy Man's Body Being Sent Here

Agana, Guam--The charred body of a man found Wednesday in a burned car was identified today as that of Navy Capt. Paul F. Leahy, senior dental officer at the naval air station on Guam.

The body will leave Guam Saturday en route to St. Paul for burial. Leahy's hometown was not given.

"Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." These were the words with which Michael O'Brien, one of the oldest settlers in the town of Granville, Milwaukee Co., closed his eyes at 7:30 Monday morning, Oct. 27 [1880], surrounded by his family, which consisted of seven children, fours sons and three daughters, including many of his grandchildren and two of his great grandchildren.

The deceased was a native of County Limerick, Ireland, born in 1808, and emigrated to this county twenty-one years later, fortified with a true knowledge of his religion, which he uncompromisingly practiced to his dying moments, and likewise instilled the same spirit into his children.

Besides his seven children, he leaves a most devoted wife, who is but two years younger than the deceased. On the twenty-fifth of November, he was to have celebrated his golden wedding, and was preparing to gather around him all his children, but , like the autumn leaves nipped with frost, he faded away. His deathbed was surrounded by all of his own, and was a most beautiful scene, he being fortified with all the sacraments of the Church and being resigned to the will of God. Officer John O'Brien, Wm. O'Brien, U. S. Railway Postal clerk, Patrick O'Brien, Mrs. Mary Cordigan, residing in Chicasaw county, Iowa, Mrs. John Foster, of Random Lake, Wis., James O'Brien, his second-youngest son, and Mrs. E. Daily, his third daughter, are children of the deceased. He closed his remarkable career with the words, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

Funeral services for Michael Alfred "Alf" O'Brien, a retired railway mail clerk, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the O'Boyle chapel, 1214 W. Wisconsin av., and at 10 a.m. at St. Rose's church. Burial will be in Holy Cross cemetery.

Members of Holy Name society of St. Rose's church will meet at the funeral home Friday at 8 p.m. Remains may be viewed after 7 p.m. Thursday.

Mr. O'Brien died Tuesday at his home, 3002 W. Juneau av., after an illness of three weeks [1943].

A lifelong resident of Milwaukee, he entered the railway mail service in 1894, and retired in 1936. Since September, 1942, he had been employed as a weigher and inspector of grain at the Milwaukee Grain and Stock exchange.

When William M. (Bill) O'Brien, 88, died Tuesday [11 APR 1939] at his home, 1518 Wauwatosa av., Wauwatosa [, WI], an unusual chapter in the records of the federal government was closed, it was revealed Friday. In 1888 Bill O'Brien became a railway mail clerk. From then until 1923, when he retired, he plied the railroads in Wisconsin, sorting and stamping mail. In 1894 Alfred O'Brien, a son, also became a railway mail clerk and he also retired in 1937 after 43 years' service. Thus the government had father and son on pension at the same time. That was a most unusual situation according to government records.

Bill O'Brien was born in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, in 1850, into a family which had settled there in 1838. His first run as a mail clerk was between Chicago and Minneapolis on the Milwaukee road. The trip took 14 hours. The number of that train was, and still is, 57, but the run today is made in six and one-half hours.

After eight years Bill O'Brien was shifted to the Milwaukee-Mineral Point run, and it was on this route that he became so well known that railroad men called it the "Bill O'Brien run." He sorted mail for 20 years between here and Mineral Point. He was one of the first men to come under the federal pension plan.

Funeral services for John J. Reilly, 55, of 3630 W. Mount Vernon av., an engineer for the Milwaukee road, will be 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the O'Boyle chapel, 1214 W. Wisconsin av., and at 9:00 a.m. at St. Rose's church. Burial will be in Holy Cross cemetery.

Mr. Reilly was found dead in his bedroom Sunday [5 March 1939] morning. Bruises on his face were caused when he fell as he collapsed, it was revealed at an autopsy Monday afternoon. Death was attributed to heart disease.