Shelby County Indiana History & Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Rapp / Ropp

Franklin Daily Journal
November 21, 2001
[Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana]
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John W. Rapp Jr
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John W. Rapp Jr., 83, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2001, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. He was a resident of Indianapolis.
He was born June 7, 1918, in Indianapolis. His parents were John W. and Caroline Elizabeth (Bilskie) Rapp. He married Kathleen (Deem) Rapp on Oct. 19, 1946, in Indianapolis. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Stephen Rapp of Cleveland and John W. Rapp III of Indianapolis; two daughters, Rita Courtney of Greenwood and Anita Hohmann of Wanamaker; two sisters, Mary Alice Strange and Frances Clare Mahin, both of Indianapolis; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceeded in death by a brother, Austin Joseph Rapp.
He was employed as a quality inspection engineer for 22 years by Indiana Gear Works, retiring in 1983.
He was a B-17 pilot in World War II with the 8th Army Air Corps 407th Squadron of the 92nd Bomber Group. In February 1944, his plane was shot down over Germany and he was held as a prisoner of war for 15 months.
A service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Daniel O'Riley Funeral Home in Indianapolis with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church in Indianapolis. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in White River Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 19133, Indianapolis, IN 46219-0133.
Contributed by Rita Rapp Courtney

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday February 3, 1999
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Mary Jean Rapp, 68, Shelbyville, died Tuesday at Major Hospital.
Born August 1, 1930, Indianapolis, d/o Irene Morgan. Married November 1958 to Earl C. Rapp, he survives.
Employed in manufacturing for 10 years at Mallory, Inc., bookkeeper at Lawyer's Title Insurance Corp.. Graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, Indianapolis.
In addition to her husband, Shelbyville, survivors include a daughter, Tina M. Ledford, a stepson, Danny E. Rapp, two brothers, Charles T. Morgan and Vernon Morgan, and four grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1 son and 6 brothers and sisters.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday, October 27, 1975
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GEORGE M. RAPP
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George M. Rapp, 92, 302 W. Broadway, died at 1:35 a.m. today at Major Hospital.
Born September 11, 1883, near Rays Crossing, the s/o Charles L. and Margaret (Heller) Rapp, he married Laura Young November 29, 1905, she died December 4, 1959. Surviving daughter, Mrs. Russell (Helen) Mohr. Lifelong resident of Shelby County, retired from the former Chambers Corp. Member of the First Baptist Church, Old Modern Woodmen Chapter in Shelbyville.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday, May 11, 1970
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RITES ARE SET FOR EARL RAPP
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Earl C. Rapp Sr., 70, died Sunday. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Retired clerk, member of the Zion United Church of Christ, Eagles Lodge and the Moose Lodge in Indianapolis. Born in Union Township March 7, 1900, s/o Charles A. and Margaret (Heller) Rapp. Married June 5, 1922, to Ruby M. Price , surviving. Also surviving are one son, Earl C. Rapp Jr.; two brothers, George M. Rapp, Clifford Rapp; two sisters, Mrs. Katie Holbrook, Mrs. Carrie Young. Two brothers and one sister preceded.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday, August 21, 1969
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RITES SET FOR MARIE RAPP
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Mrs. Marie Rapp, 69. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Born Elwood November 3, 1899, d/o Edward and Carrie (Bass) Schutt Hill. Married 1927 to Harry L. Rapp and he died in 1930. Survivors: daughter, Mrs. Robert (Billie Lou) Crosby, half-sister, Mrs. Ora (Evelyn) Treon, two brothers preceded in death.
Retired from Indiana Bell Telephone Co. Spent most of her life in Shelby County; member of the First Baptist Church here, its Bethany Class, Indiana Bell Pioneer Club.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Saturday, October 20, 1956
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DEATH CLAIMS SOPHIA RAPP
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Local Woman's Rites Will Be Held Tuesday
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Sophia Rapp, 69.
D/o Charles and Margaret (Heller) Rapp, born at Ray's Crossing September 6, 1887.
Survivors: 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Earl Rapp, John Rapp, George Rapp, Clifford Rapp, Mrs. Katie Holbrook, Mrs. Fred Young ; 2 sons, Ervin and Eugene, preceded.
Burial will be at Forest Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, September 4, 1946
Page 1 column 8
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DEATH CLAIMS MISS RAPP, 88
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Union Township Woman Dies at Hospital
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          Miss Mary Louise Rapp, 88, of near Rays Crossing, died at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Major Hospital. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John George Rapp, she was born February 26, 1858 in Union township. Miss Rapp was a member of the Zion Evangelical Church. She is survived by one brother, Edward F. Rapp, who resided with her, five nieces and five nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Zion Evangelical Church with the Rev. J.W. Dickmann, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery in charge of D. E. Carmony.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday July 17, 1944
Page 1 column 1
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NATIVE OF COUNTY DIES AT SISTER’S
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Funeral for Mrs. Ropp to Be Held Today
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Mrs. Myrtle H. Ropp, widow of the late Joseph Ropp, passed away Friday at 10:55 p.m., at the home of her sister, Mrs. Ethel A. Eades, at 1802 Prospect street, Indianapolis. Mrs. Ropp had been ill for the past nine months and was due to cardio vascular disease.
A native of Shelby county, Mrs. Ropp was the daughter of Mr. Amos and Mrs. [Mariah] Payne. On July 4, 1903, she was united in marriage to Mr. Ropp who preceded her in death in 1936. Survivors besides the sister, at whose home she died, are two other sisters, Mrs. Maude O’Leary, of Oakland, California and Mrs. Lena E. Shimer, of Indianapolis, and two brothers, Roscoe Payne, of Beech Grove and Eord Payne, of New Bethel.
Mrs. Ropp was a member of the Lutheran Church.
Funeral services, in charge of Morris H. Sleeth, will be held at the Sleeth funeral home at 2:00 p.m. today with Dr. Walter Hand, of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Flat Rock cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, June 14, 1941
Page 1, column 1
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STROKE FATAL TO MISS RAPP
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Lifelong Union Township Resident Succumbs: Rites Sunday
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Following a stroke of paralysis suffered Wednesday, Miss Wilhelmina Pauline Rapp, age 65, died at 2:45 o'clock Friday morning at her home in Union township. Miss Rapp was born August 20, 1875, the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. John George Rapp, in Union township, where she had spent her entire lifetime. She was a member of the Waldron Rebekah lodge and of the Zion Evangelical church, where funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, with the Rev. J. W. Dickman officiating. Burial will be made in the church cemetery in charge of D. E. Carmony. Friends may call at the late home at any time. Survivors are one brother, Edward F. Rapp, and one sister, Mary Louise Rapp, both at home, and five nephews and five nieces.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, August 7, 1939
Page 1, column 1
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G. W. ROPP, SR., DIES IN COUNTY
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Well Known Flat Rock Resident,
90 Years Old, Passes Away
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George W. Ropp, Sr., age 90, one of Shelby county's best known residents, died Sunday at his home in Flat Rock following an illness of several months.
Mr. Ropp was born in Washington township on July 25, 1849, the son of Jacob and Barbara Ropp. On September 25, 1873, he was married to Jeannette Keller, and to this union ten children were born, eight of whom survive. They are Mrs. Emma Woodhull and Mrs. Laura Mount , of Flat Rock; Mrs. Mary Vangorden, of Norristown; B. F. Ropp, of near Columbus; Walter Ropp, of Hope; Mrs. Alta Swinford, Mrs. Minnie Swinford and Mrs. Esta Isley, of Washington township.
Survivors also include twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.
Mr. Ropp was a lifelong resident of Washington township and was a member of the Flat Rock Methodist church.
Funeral services will be held at the church at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, with the Rev. F. W. Davis of Greencastle, former minister, assisted by the Rev. George Murphy, of Columbus and Rev. George Kreig, of Petersburg, Indiana, officiating.
Burial will be in the Flat Rock cemetery in charge of Charles M. Ewing, funeral director. Pall-bearers will be Lowell Woodhull, Herschel Mount, Henry Vangorden, Joseph B. Swinford, Paul B. Swinford and Allen Isley.
Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Woodhull, Floyd Mount, Kirk Vangorden, Emmett Vangorden, Millard Vangorden, Walter Vangorden, George H. Swinford, Ralph Thomas Swinford and John Isley.
Friends may call at the Charles M. Ewing funeral parlors from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today, after which they may call at the home in Flat Rock. Friends are asked to omit flowers.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, August 15, 1938
Page 1, column 7
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MRS. ROPP DIES AT HOME SUNDAY
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Rites For Washington Township Woman
Will Be Held Wednesday
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Mrs. Jeannette Phillipina Ropp, aged eighty-four, wife of George W. Ropp, Sr., died at her home in Flat Rock Sunday morning at 8:20 o'clock, following an illness of six weeks due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
At the time of her death Mrs. Ropp was eighty-four years, three months and seven days of age. She was born in Washington township and in her entire life-time lived only two places. Until twenty-seven years ago she lived on the place of her birth, about one mile east of Flat Rock. Following that Mr. and Mrs. Ropp moved into Flat Rock where they resided at her death. She was the daughter of George and Marie (Anthony) Keller.
On September 25, 1873, she was united in marriage with Mr. Ropp, who survives with eight of the ten children born to them. Had she lived the couple would have celebrated the sixty-fifth anniversary of their wedding next month.
Survivors with the husband are the children, Mrs. Emma R. Woodhull and Mrs. Laura Mount, of Flat Rock; Mrs. Scott Vangorden, of Norristown; Mrs. Fred Swinford and Mrs. Ralph Swinford, of Washington township; Mrs. Joseph Isley, of Shelby township; Benjamin F. Ropp, of Columbus, and Walter R. Ropp, of Hope; twenty-five grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. S. M. Levering, of Wallace, Idaho.
Mrs. Ropp was a devoted member of the Flat Rock M.E. church and attended all services as long as her health permitted.
Funeral rites will be conducted Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the church with the Rev. F.M. Davis, of Greencastle, and the Rev. George Murphy, of Columbus, former pastors, and the Rev. E. S. Riley, present pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Flat Rock cemetery in charge of Charles M. Ewing.
Friends are asked to omit flowers, but may call at the late home at any time.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, March 24, 1937
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WOMAN DIES
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Funeral For Mrs. Margaret Rapp To Be Friday
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Mrs. Margaret Powell Rapp, 92, died at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning at the home of her niece, Mrs. Harry Goodwin, 303 West Washington street. She was born July 3, 1845, the daughter of Micager and Phoebe Powell and is the widow of the late Michael Rapp. One son has preceded her in death. Survivors are two brothers, Henry Powell, of this city, and Marion of Addison township; one sister, Mrs. Emma Haymond, of Waldron, and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Rapp was a member of the First Christian church of this city. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Goodwin home with the Rev. Paul Million, pastor of the Christian church, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery, in charge of Ralph J. Edwards, funeral director.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, April 20, 1936
Page 1, column 3
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MRS. M. RAPP DIES AT HOME
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Seven Survive Local Resident;
Funeral Will Be Held Wednesday
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Mrs. Margaret A. Rapp died unexpectedly at her home, 250 West Taylor street at 4:55 o'clock this morning. Death was caused by heart disease. Mrs. Rapp had been in failing health for the past year but her condition was not considered serious. The deceased was born in Aurora, Indiana, June 30, 1865, the daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth Heller, being at the time of her death 70 years old. On November 28,1880 she was united in marriage to Charles L. Rapp who preceded her in death on December 8, 1916. Nine children were born to this union. Seven survive. They are George M. Rapp and Mrs. Katie Holbrook of this city, John and Earl of Indianapolis, Mrs. Carrie Young of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Miss Sophie Rapp and Clifford Rapp, at home. Other survivors are eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mrs. Rapp was the last of a family of four children. She was a member of the Christian Union church at Rays Crossing. Funeral services will be held at the late home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. L. O. Richmond of Terre Haute, officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in charge of C.F. Fix and Son, funeral directors. Friends may call at the late home anytime after 12 o'clock noon Tuesday.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, May 12, 1930
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HARRY RAPP LOSES FIGHT WITH DEATH
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Former Owner Of Local Confectionery
Is Victim Of Appendicitis
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HAD UNDERGONE OPERATION
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After hovering between life and death for weeks, Harry L. Rapp, 35 years old, former Shelbyville confectioner, died at Major Hospital this morning at 2:30 o'clock. His condition had been critical ever since he underwent an appendicitis operation April 9. Twelve years ago Harry Rapp started in the confectionery business here, occupying a part of the Sayler book store room on the Public Square. A few years ago he moved to his own at the southwest corner of Harrison and Jackson streets. He was born in Shelby county December 16, 1894. On August 23, 1928 he was married to Mrs. Marie Crull. One daughter born to them, Billie Lou survives, with the widow and the mother, Mrs. Margaret Rapp, of this city. He also leaves three sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Frank Holbrook and Miss Sophia Rapp, both of this city; Mrs. Fred Young, of Michigan; George and Clifford Rapp of Shelbyville, and John and Earl Rapp, of Indianapolis. The body was taken to the home of one of the sisters, Mrs. Holbrook, 52 West Polk street, this afternoon. Funeral services will be held in the Holbrook home Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. L.O. Richmond officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill. Morris Sleeth is the funeral director in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, September 18, 1929
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GEORGE W. RAPP DIED YESTERDAY
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Well Known Resident Succumbed
At Home In East Jackson Street
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FUNERAL TO BE THURSDAY
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George W. Rapp, age 68 years, died Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at his home, 221 East Jackson street. He had spent most of his life in Shelbyville, having come here in the year 1880. He was well known here and had been a barber in the city for forty-five years. Mr. Rapp was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Rapp and was born February 22, 1861. His marriage to Miss Guilena Elliott occurred October 3, 1894, and one son Elliott Rapp, of Terre Haute, was born to them. Besides the son, two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Kuhn and Mrs. Lena Thrasher both of this city; and one brother, John C. Rapp, of Piqua, Ohio, survive. The deceased was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of this city, the Shelbyville order of Knights of Pythias, and the Royal Arcanum Lodge of Indianapolis. Funeral Services will be held at the home at 10:30 o'clock Thursday morning with Dr. L. O. Richmond, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church officiating, interment will be in the Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Charles M. Ewing.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday June 4, 1928
Page 1 column 2
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MRS. SARAH ROPP DIED SATURDAY
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Had Lived All Of Her
Eighty-Three Years
Within Borders of Shelby County
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FUENRAL SERVICE TUESDAY
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Mrs. Sarah J. Ropp, age eighty-three, widow of Michael Ropp, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. L. Spidell, 421 West Franklin Street, Saturday night at nine-five o’clock. Death was caused by senility. Mrs. Ropp had been confined to her bed for nine weeks.
Mrs. Ropp was a native of Shelby county. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel D. Scott, and was born January 1, 1845, in Jackson township. She had lived in that township for many years. On May 22, 1861 she was married to Mr. Ropp. He died in 1924. Mrs. Ropp was a member of the Blue River Baptist church, south of Marietta. She had united with the church when a child.
She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. William Sandefur, of Johnson county; Mrs. A.L. Spidell and Mrs. Charles Parrish, both of Shelbyville; Mrs. Clark Stine, of Jackson township; three sons, George W. Ropp, of Washington township; Joseph Ropp, of Shelby township; Sardis Ropp, of Hendricks township; a brother, George W. Scott, of Jackson township, and three half sisters, Mrs. Josephine Stoughton and Mrs. Martha Maxwell, both of Shelbyville, and Mrs. Charles Reed, of Hendricks township. She also leaves eighteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Blue River Baptist church, near Marietta, Tuesday morning at eleven o’clock, the Rev. Mr. Brunner officiating. Burial will be made in the Conover cemetery, Morris H. Sleeth in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Karen Swanson

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, March 13, 1925
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DEATH CAUSED BY INFLUENZA
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George J. Rapp, Prominent Farmer Died
Suddenly At Home Thursday P.M.
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FUNERAL SERVICE SUNDAY
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          George J. Rapp, a prominent farmer of Ray's Crossing neighborhood, died very suddenly yesterday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock of influenza and pneumonia, with which he had been seriously ill for the past two weeks. His illness was followed by a severe hemorrhage, and death came as a shock to his many friends. He was the son of J. George and Henrietta Rapp and was born in Union township, this county, March 24, 1878, and died at the age of 46 years and 11 months on thefarm where he had lived all of his life. On January 12, 1910, Mr. Rapp was married to Irma Grace Laird and they had four children, three of whom, with the widow survive. They are Inez Fern, Kenneth Glenn and Doris Jean, all at home. Gladys Irene died six years ago. The deceased is also survived by two sisters, Miss Mary Louise Rapp and Miss Wilhelmina Rapp, and one brother, Edward F. Rapp. Mr. Rapp was prominent in this county and was a member of the Evangelical church of Union township since he was quite young. He was a prominent lodge worker, being a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Blue Ridge. The Camp and Rebekahs and the Modern Woodman lodge of Ray's Crossing. Short funeral services will be held at the late home Sunday morning at ten o'clock, with regular services at the Evangelical church in Union township at eleven o'clock. Rev. W. F. Kettlehut, pastor of the church will officiate and interment will be made in the German cemetery. The lodges of which the deceased was a member will take part in the services.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday September 1, 1924
Page 1 column 2
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JACKSON FARMER DIED YESTERDAY
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Pneumonia And Complications Prove Fatal
To Michael Ropp On Sunday
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HOLD FUNERAL WEDNESDAY
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Michael Ropp, well-known farmer of Jackson township, passed away his home Sunday morning at six thirty o’clock. Mr. Ropp had been in failing health for several months and was taken seriously ill three weeks ago of pneumonia.
          The deceased was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ropp and was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 30, 1842. He was eighty-two years, four months and one day of age. During the year of 1861 [May 23] , Mr. Ropp was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Scott. To this union nine children were born, seven of whom are living. They are George, of Washington township; Joseph, of Indianapolis; Sardis, of Hendricks township; Mrs. Jane Sandefur of Johnson county; Mrs. Nancy Spidell, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Mary Stine, of Jackson township, and Mrs. Hattie Parrish, of this city. Also nineteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, one brother, George, of Flat Rock, and one sister, Mrs. Lottie Fisher, of Missouri.
          Mr. Ropp was a member of the Separate Baptist church, at Marietta, where funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at eleven o’clock. Interment in Conover Cemetery, Morris H. Sleeth in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Karen Swanson

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, May 16, 1924
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GEORGE J. RAPP ENDS HIS LIFE
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Had Shot Himself Early This Morning
Through Breast With Shot Gun
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WM. MAPLE HEARD SHOT
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Body Found Several Hours Later
Lying on Kitchen Floor of Apartment
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          George J. Rapp, age forty-seven, local businessman, committed suicide early this morning, at his room over his place of business, in West Broadway. His body was found about ten o'clock by persons who had made a search for him when he failed to appear at his store. Mr. Rapp had shot himself with a shot gun through the left breast and had turned on the gas in a gas range. His body was found lying on the floor of the kitchen of his apartment, in a pool of blood. The gun was lying nearthe body. The rooms were filled with gas from the stove and it was several minutes before persons were able to remain in the rooms. From the position of the body and the gun, it was the opinion of officers and others who investigated that Mr. Rapp had placed the butt of the single-barrel shot gun against the wall and had then leaned against the end of the barrel with his body, pushing the trigger with a stick, which was found on the floor. The charge from the gun had entered the body without tearing the flesh, forming a hole the exact size of the gun barrel. The shot had passed through the body, coming out the back. The body was dressed in underwear and a shirt, when found this morning. It is believed that Mr. Rapp fired the shot which ended his life, about five o'clock this morning, after first turning on the gas in the stove. William Maple, janitor at the Odd Fellows building, across the street from the rooms occupied by Mr. Rapp, stated that he heard a shot at about that time thismorning. Despondency over ill health is assigned as the cause of the act, by friends of Mr. Rapp. He had been under the care of a physician recently, and had been treated for nervousness. No note or explanation of the act was found in his rooms this morning when a search was made. Two note books were found, but there was no writing in them. Mr. Rapp had always been a resident of Shelbyville, and was well known in the city and through the county. For a number of years he was employed by his uncle Len Powell, when he operated a grocery store in the frame building which stood on the corner of Jackson and Harrison streets. Later he engaged in the business for himself, having a store at Harrison and Franklin streets. Still later he operated a motion picture house here, and when he retired from that business, devoted his time to a delicatessen and fish market in West Broadway. It was stated by Fleming Floyd, a youth employed by Mr. Rapp, that he had appeared nervous and excited Thursday night. Mr. Rapp closed his store Thursday night, after making arrangements for some work to be done about the place this morning. When he failed to appear at the store this morning, young Floyd went to his rooms above the store. He noticed a strong smell of gas and when he failed to get a response to knocking on the door, spread the alarm among other business men. A ladder was put up to one of the rear windows of Mr. Rapp's apartments and through the window the body was seen, lying in a pool of blood on the floor. Dr. George I. Inlow, of Blue Ridge, county coroner, was called and conducted an examination. Mr. Rapp leaves his mother, Mrs. Margaret Rapp, of West Jackson street and a number of other relatives. After the body had been examined by the coroner, it was moved to the Ralph J. Edwards funeral home, in West Broadway, where it was prepared for burial. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Ibid.
Saturday May 17, 1924
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RAPP FUNERAL WILL BE
HELD ON MONDAY
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          Funeral services for George J. Rapp, who committed suicide Thursday morning, will be held at the home of his mother, Mrs. Margaret Rapp in West Jackson street on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. L.C. Murr, pastor of the West street M. E. Church officiating. Burial will be made in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ralph J. Edwards in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, December 6, 1916
Page 1, column 4
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HAD BEEN ILL YEAR:
       DIED THIS MORNING
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Charles Rapp, Well Known Drayman,
Dead At Home On West Taylor Street
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Funeral Announced Later
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          Charles Lewis Rapp, aged 56 years, 11 months and 13 days, one of the well known residents of the city died at his home, 249 West Taylor Street, at 10 o'clock this morning, death being caused from a complication of diseases, from which he had been suffering for the past year. For a number of years Mr. Rapp operated a dray line here. The funeral arrangements have not been made, but will be announced later. Mr. Rapp was born in Union township, near Rays Crossing, on Christmas day, 1858, and was the son of John George and Henrietta (Zeisz) Rapp, both being dead. He remained on the farm for several years and November 28, 1872, he was married to Miss Anna Margaret Heller, in Clark county. They returned to this county and 12 years ago moved to this city where they have since resided. Nine children were born to the union, one dying in infancy. The remaining are four sons, John, of Indianapolis: Harry, Earl and Clifford, all at home. and three daughters, Mrs. Katie Holbrook, of South Tompkins street; Mrs. Carrie Young, of this city, and Miss Sophia, at home. He also leaves six grandchildren, two brothers, George J. Rapp, Edward C. Rapp, two sisters, M. Louise Rapp and Wilhelmina P. Rapp, all of Rays Crossing. He was a member of the Union township German Church.

Ibid.
Saturday, December 9, 1916
Page 3, column 6
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RAPP FUNERAL SERVICES
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          Through a mistake in giving the names of the children of Mr. Charles Rapp, who died here yesterday morning, the name of George M. Rapp, oldest son, was left out. Friends may call at the late home, 249 West Taylor street from two o'clock until nine Saturday afternoon and evening and from nine Saturday morning until 1:30 Sunday afternoon. The funeral services will be held at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home, the Rev. Samuel Caldemeyer, officiating. Burial will be made in the Forest Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, May 3, 1916
Page 1, column 4
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MRS. HENRIETTA RAPP
ANSWERS SUDDEN CALL
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Was Found Dead In Bed
At Seven O'Clock This Morning At
Home Near Rays Crossing--Apoplexy Cause
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          Mrs. Henrietta Rapp, widow of George John Rapp, was found dead in her bed at about seven o'clock this morning, at her home a quarter of a mile south of Rays Crossing. It is thought that death came to the aged woman between the hours of five and seven o'clock this morning, her room being visited by relatives at the former hour. Following an examination by County Coroner George I. Inlow, of Blue Ridge, death was reported as resulting from appoplexy. She had been in ailing health for a number of years, her chief ailment being rheumatism. For the past several days she had informed several of her relatives that she felt better than she had in years. At five o'clock this morning Mrs. Rapp's daughters, Misses Minnie and Louise, who made their home with the mother, visited her room on their way to do the milking. When the morning's chores were done they returned to her room between six-thirty and seven o'clock and found her dead body. Deceased was born in Rays Crossing, May 17, 1827, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. John George Diese, who were born in Germany. Had she lived until the seventeenth of this month, Mrs. Rapp would have been seventy-eight years of age. Her husband was the late George John Rapp, who died at their home eleven years ago. They were the parents of five children, all surviving. They are Charles Rapp, of this city; George J. Rapp, of Rays Crossing: Edward, Minnie and Louise Rapp, making their home with the mother. Besides these she leaves several other relatives, her brothers and sisters all being dead, she being the last of the family. She was a devout member of the German Evangelical Protestant Church in Union township. The funeral services will be conducted from the Union township German Church at ten o'clock Friday morning. The Rev. Samuel Caldemeyer, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be made in the German cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, June 23, 1911
Page 3, column 3
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The death of Harry Rapp, formerly of this city, but lately of Kenosha, Wisconsin, occurred Thursday morning at 7 o'clock. The deceased was about twenty-seven years old. His death was due to an attack of typhoid fever from which he had suffered for more than twelve weeks. For the last week his relatives in this city had been receiving word that his condition was improving. Thursday morning his uncle George Rapp, of this city, received a letter to the effect that he had passed through a crisis and that he had shown signs of improvement, but ten or fifteen minutes after receiving the letter he received a telegram annoucing his death. It was learned later that his nurse had fed him something that did not work well with his system and he expired in a few minutes afterwards. Mr. Rapp lived in this city until about five years ago when he went to Kenosha and accepted a position in the spring works of that city, at which he had been regularly employed every since. He was recently appointed foreman of the works. Among his relatives in this city are Mr. George Rapp, Mrs. Sarah Kuhn and Mrs. Lena Thrasher, who left Thursday to attend the funeral.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, September 28, 1908
Page 2, column 3
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DEATHS AND FUNERALS
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John C. Rapp, Sr., died at the residence of his son George Rapp, No. 127 East Jackson street, Saturday afternoon at three thirty, of old age, being at the time of his death ninety years, two months and sixteen days old. The greater part of his life was spent in Shelbyville. He was born in Long Connell, Germany and came to this country along with his father and thirteen other brothers and sisters in the year 1836, all of whom have passed to the great beyond except one sister, Mrs. Catherine Frank, eighty-four years of age, who also makes her home with George W. Rapp. Besides the sister, he leaves to mourn his death, two sons and three daughters, John C. and George W. Rapp, Mrs. Sarah Kuhn, Mrs. Lena Thrasher and Mrs. William Goodrich. His wife and seven children preceded him to the grave. There are also sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren living. His remains were taken to the City Cemetery under the escort of eight grandsons, where they were laid to rest in the family burying lot this afternoon. Services were held at the residence, conducted by the Rev. L.O. Richmond, of the First Presbyterian Church.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
June 3, 1907
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Olga I. Ropp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ropp, of Hendricks township, died of pneumonia, at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 2, aged twelve years, two months and eight days. Funeral services will be held at the Bengal M.P. church at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, the Rev. Mr. Randolph officiating. Interment in the Second Mt. Pleasant cemetery in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, January 19, 1905
Page 7, column 3
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John G. Rapp died at his residence south of Ray's Crossing in Union township, at 8 a.m. Thursday of lung fever, aged seventy-five years, eight months and ten days. He will be buried Saturday in the German church cemetery. Services will be conducted at the church at 1:30 p.m. by the Rev. Dr. G. G. Winters. The funeral cortege will leave the house at 10 a.m. The deceased leaves a wife, two daughters and three sons. D. B. Wilson & Son have charge of the remains.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Semi-Weekly Republican
probably Lehigh County, PA
circa 1897
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DECLARED DEAD
AFTER ABSENCE OF 17 YEARS
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Thomas J. Rapp, of Allentown, was declared dead by the Lehigh county courts this week, after an absence of 17 years. He left his mother's home at Ruppsville, Lehigh county in 1880 for the West, and he was frequently heard from for six years, but after that all trace of him vanished. It is presumed he was lost in the Sierra Nevada mountains and there died. The law is well established in numerous cases that where a person leaves his usual home and place of residence for temporary purposes and has not been heard of or known to be living for the term of seven years thereafter, the presumption is that he is not alive.
Contributed by Melinda Moore Weaver

The Semi-Weekly Republican
Tuesday, March 17, 1896
Page 4, column 2
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Callie, wife of William Rapp, died at their residence on Walnut street at 7 a.m. Friday, March 13th, aged twenty-one years. The remains were buried Saturday, March 14. Interment in the Murphy graveyard at 2 p.m. D.B. Wilson & Son, funeral directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, March 24, 1892
Page 3, column 2
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Catharine Rapp, wife of John Rapp, Sr. died at her home No. 127 East Jackson street at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, March 19, age 71 years. Funeral services were held at the house at 2 p.m. Monday, Rev. T. T. Hughes officiating. Interment in City Cemetery, Cummins & Edwards funeral, directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Daily Republican
Tuesday, May 15, 1888
Page 4, column 3
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The funeral services of Jacob Rapp will be held at the Presbyterian church on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock the Rev. T. T. Hughes officiating. The friends of the family are invited to attend.
The following young men will act as pall-bearers at the funeral of Jacob Rapp tomorrow: Harry Shelk, Will Bryan, John W. Friday, John Posz, Thomas Farrer and Ed Shelk.
----------------

Ibid.
Wednesday, May 16, 1888
Page 2, column 2
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The funeral services of Jacob Rapp, deceased, were held yesterday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, the Rev. T. L. Hughes delivering a very appropriate sermon. Many friends followed the remains to the last resting place at the City cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Daily Republican
Tuesday, February 15, 1887
Page 1, column 3
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Mr. Mike Rapp, who has been sick for about a year, died last night at 9 o'clock at his residence on Washington street above Adam Kuhn's saloon, leaving a wife and one child to mourn his death. The deceased was born in Harrison, Ohio, and if he had lived until May 6, would have been thirty-three years old. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday.

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The funeral services of the late Michael Rapp will take place tomorrow afternoon at the residence of Adam Kuhn, the Rev. T. L. Hughes officiating. Cliff Williamson, Ol Irwin, Mike Hoyt, William Moore, Dol Ferguson and Frank Carithers will serve as pall bearers.

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Page 1, column 4
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Dr. Maddox, Dr. Parrish, Dr. Charles Tindall and Dr. F. E. Coleman, will hold a postmortem examination on the body of Michael Rapp this evening.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Jann Rapp DeMeire

The Shelby Republican
March 4, 1876
Shelbyville, Ind.
======================
WASHINGTON TP. ITEMS.
NORRISTOWN.
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Still a good deal of sickness. Jacob Rapp was buried here on Wednesday and George Query on Sunday, both old men and both died with Typhoid Pneumonia.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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