Shelby County Indiana History and Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Means

The Shelbyville News
Monday, June 17, 2002
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SAMUEL 'TOM' MEANS
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Samuel "Tom" Means 90. of Greenfield, died Saturday, June 15, 2002 in Greenfield. Born December 28, 1911 in Shelby County, he was the son of Ollis and Flora (Burke) Means. He married Ruby (Jones) Means and Raymond Means and sisters Ann Duncan and Adda Gardner. He is survived by sister Mary Owen of Greensburg and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Means was retired as a custodian at Warren Township Schools and formerly worked as a farmer and at Aldridge Equipment of Greenfield.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday as Pasco Memorial Mortuary, 1780 W. Main Street in Greenfield. Burial will be in Washington Park East in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
6 or 7 Mar 1984
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Rose B. Means, 80, 129 Hendricks St., died at 1:20 p.m. Monday at W.S. Major Hospital. Mrs. Means, a housewife, had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. A daughter of John and Estelle (Benefiel) Phares, she was born Aug. 16, 1903, in Shelby County. She was married to Frank Means who survives.
Also surviving are sons, Donald E. Collins, Connersville, Bobby Price, Jacksonville, Fla. and James Means, Fairmount City, Pa.; a daughter, Mrs. Louis (Edna Ruth) Brunsman, Connersville; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brothers, Lloyd Phares and Kenneth Phares, both from Shelbyville; and a sister, Mrs. Ed (Florence) Van Cleve, Fort Myers, Fla. Two sisters and one brother preceded in death.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Murphy Mortuary with the Rev. James Horner officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-9 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.
Contributed by Phyllis Fleming and Betty Kitchen

Unknown Shelby County newspaper
January 23, 1967
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Ed Means Dies At 85
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Ed Means, 85, Fairland, died today at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Chalmer Mohr of the same address. Had lived with his cousin during his illness; lived in the Fairland area for the past 30 years.
Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Rev. Glen Beck officiating. Burial London Cemetery.
Retired farmer, born in Shelby County on May 20, 1881, s/o Harry and Anna Means. Only survivors include several cousins in local area. Member of the Sugar Creek Methodist Church.
Funeral card
Submitted by Jim Cottrell
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

A Shelbyville Newspaper
1961
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H. RAYMOND MEANS
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H. Raymond Means, 70, 742 North Denny, retired business executive, will be buried at London, Ind, after services at 10:30 AM tomorrow in Shirley Brothers Drexel Chapel. He died Saturday while on a fishing trip to Shelby County. Mr. Means was retired vice - president and treasurer of the Indianapolis Typesetting Company. Born at London, he lived in Indianapolis 50 years. He was a member of Irvington Masonic Lodge and Grace Methodist Church.
Contributed by Marlena Linne

The Shelbyville Republican
Satruday, April 4, 1942
Page 1
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MRS. MEANS SUCCUMBS HERE
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Mrs. Alice Williams Means, age 74, widow of Frank Means, passed away at 5:30 Thursday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. J. J. Riser, of west Franklin street.
She had been in failing health for the past several years, but her condition became serious four weeks ago. She was born in Shelby county on March 18, 1868, the daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Stewart) Williams. She was married to Frank Means in 1888, and he died several months ago. To this union two children were born, one of whom, Mrs. Nathan Hardy, survives. She also leaves one granddaughter, Mrs. Robert Ewing, of this city, and the sister, Mrs. Riser, at whose home she died.
Mrs. Means lived in Moral township until she came to Shelbyville six months ago. She was a member of the East Union Baptist church.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Charles M. Ewing mortuary with Dr. J. W. McFall officiating. Burial will be in the London cemetery. Friends may call at the Ewing mortuary after noon Saturday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Deborah

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday March 22, 1936
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ACTON WOMAN, AGE 83, DIES
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Funeral Will Be Held Sunday
For Mrs. Carrie Means
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Mrs. Carrie Means, 83 years old, widow of William A. Means, died at her home, one and a half miles south of Acton, at 4 o’clock Friday morning.
Her husband died March 14, 1935. Mrs. Means was a member of the Acton Baptist church and the Eastern Star at Acton.
Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Mary Fields, of Shelbyville; and two brothers, Jacob and Mathias Schloesser, both of Shelby county.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the Acton Baptist church with burial at the mausoleum north of Shelbyville, J. C. Wilson is the funeral director. Friends may call at the home until the hour of the funeral.
Shelby County Marriages
William A. Means & Carrie Schloesser
March 5, 1878 Book 11 page 137
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sarah Disher

Handwritten Obituary
Carrie Means
Death date: March 20, 1936
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During the days of family tribulations, when extra care comes to the home, when sorrow crosses the threshold, when genuine sympathy and advice are needed "Mother" comes to the front and offers her service not in a sense of duty but by a "Divine Spirit" guided by her maker The Lord.
Carrie Means daughter of Henry and Margaret Schloesser was born Nov. 3 1853 and departed this life March 20, 1936 age 83 yrs 4 months 17 days.
She was a member of a family of 5 children.
She was born in Hamilton Ohio moving to Indiana Apr 1 1871 and spent the rest of her life in this state.
In March 5 1878 she was united in marriage with William A. Means. To this union was born 2 children Lula and Alva. Both have passed on before.
Her Husband passed away 1 year ago.
She and her husband started to farming soon after their marriage and continued this occupation during their married life.
When young in life she became a member of East Union Church later moving her membership to the Acton Baptist Church and lived a true Christian life.
She was always willing to lend a helping hand to any one in need. But she has answered the call of her "Lord".
Should we only pause we too will answer a similar call and may we be prepared as this one was.
Carrie's health failed her a few months past and she continued to grow weaker until the last. She was a loving wife a true and faithful Mother and a kind neighbor.
She leaves to mourn her loss a grand daughter Mrs. Catherine Nelson, 2 brothers Jacob Schloesser, Mont(?) Schloesser 1 sister Mary Fields. One sister passed on before her and a host of other relatives and friends.
So be brave and meet the test
For the Master knoweth best
He hath promised a reunion after while
And how happy you will be
When your loved one you shall see
Awaiting up in Heaven with a smile.
Submitted by Jim Cottrell

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday March 15, 1935
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WM. A. MEANS DIES IN ACTON
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Funeral Services Will Be Held
At 10 O’Clock Sunday
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William A. Means, eighty-three years old, passed away at 5 a.m. Thursday in his home one and one-half miles south of Acton in Johnson county. Mr. Means had been in failing health for the past two years.
He was born in Shelby county and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Means.
Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Carrie Means, and one granddaughter, Mrs. Catherine Nelson of Ohio.
Funeral services will be conducted from the late home at 10 a.m. Sunday. Interment will be made in the Shelbyville mausoleum in charge of J. C. Wilson, Indianapolis funeral director.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sarah Disher

Handwritten Obituary
March 14, 1935
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William Alfred Means
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William Alfred Means, 82 years old, passed away at his home near Acton in Johnson Co. Thursday morning March 14th, 1935.
He was born in Shelby Co., Dec. 10th 1852, the son of Alfred and Susan Means, and the last of a family of six children to answer death's call.
He was united in marriage to Carrie Schloesser March 5th 1878.
To this union two children were born, Lula and Alvie, both having preceded him to the "Great Beyond".
He had been in failing health for the past two years but always looking forward to the time when he would be able to be about his work again.
He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Acton.
Survivors include the aged widow and a grand daughter Mrs. Catherine Nelson of Ohio.
Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh,
Shadows of the evening,
Steal across the sky.
Jesus, give the weary,
Calm and sweet repose.
With thy tenderest blessings
May our eyelids close.
Submitted by Jim Cottrell

Handwritten Obituary
Alva G. Means
Death date: June 9, 1932
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Alva G. Means was born near London, Ind Aug 1st 1880 and passed away June 9th 1932 near Acton (IN).
He was the only living child of William and Carrie Means, a sister having preceded him in death 21 years ago.
He had been a patient sufferer for more than seven years not even mentioning his aches and pains to anyone and throughout his late illness, would not give up, but wanted to help himself as long as he could.
He was a devoted son to his mother, always looking after and caring for her every need and at the last hours of his sickness was afraid she would get down.
He told his mother that he had made himself right with God and that he was not afraid to die and wished the good Lord would come and take him and relieve him of his suffering.
He was always patient and thoughtful of Audry who waited on him through his sickness, never wanting her to wait on him any more than she had to.
He leaves his mother, father, a niece, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me
May there be no mourning at the Bar
When I put out to sea.
Submitted by Jim Cottrell

A Shelbyville Newspaper
Thursday, December 22, 1921
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WILLIAM H. MEANS
DIED EARLY TODAY
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(From Friday's Daily)
William H. Means, 71 years old, widely known in Shelby county and the surrounding community, died at his home near London, at 3 o'clock this morning as the result of an illness from a complication of diseases. The funeral will be held at the London M.E. church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and burial will be made in the cemetery there.
The death of Mr. Means causes great sorrow among his many friends thruout this vicinity. He was born in Shelby county, Nov. 22, 1850, the son of the late James and Elizabeth Means. All his life was spent in this county where he was one of the most successful farmers and an authority in agricultural affairs. Mr. Means was quite a leader in his community affairs and was always reliable in advancing the ideas for the betterment of the neighborhood and his fellow citizens. He was a true friend and assisted with his advice and finances in all worthy movements.
He was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Phillips, May 25, 1875, and six children were born in their pleasant married life. Surviving are the widow, two sons, Frank Means, of Acton, Ind., and Raymond Means, of Indianapolis; two daughters, Mrs. Ida Wharton, of Elizabethtown, and Mrs. Meda Powers, of Needham.
Mr. Means was a member of the Acton Masonic lodge and the London Odd Fellows. He was also an active member of the London M.E. church where his death will be keenly felt. The funeral and buial will be in charge of J. C. Wilson, undertaker, of Acton, Ind.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, October 23, 1920
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MRS. ROLLA MEANS, OF NEAR
LONDON, DIED IN HOSPITAL
AT INDIANAPOLIS
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FUNERAL SERVICE MONDAY
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Mrs. Rolla [Mary M.] Means, age forty years, died Friday evening at five-thirty o'clock at the Methodist Hospital, in Indianapolis. Mrs. Means was taken to the hospital last Wednesday from her home, one mile east of London, in Moral township, Shelby county. She was operated on Thursday evening, and failed to rally.
Mrs. Means had lived all her life in Moral township, where she was well and most favorably known. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Volney Larrison. Mrs. Means was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at London, and a member of the Pythian Sisters lodge at Acton.
She leaves her husband, her mother, one son, Glen Means, at home; four sisters, Mrs. Bert Totten, of Fairland; Mrs. Hattie S. Thayer and Mrs. Jane Wilson, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Edith Miller, of Martinsville; and two brothers, Homer and Elmer Larrison, of Indianapolis.
The body was brought to the home today. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at one-thirty at the London M. E. church, and burial will be made in the London cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Monday January 6, 1919
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AGED FARMER DIED OF FLU;
BURIED TODAY
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Robert Means Died Saturday at His Home
Near New Palestine, in Moral Township
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Following an illness of several weeks duration with Spanish influenza, Robert Means succumbed to the dreaded disease at his home near New Palestine in Moral township, Saturday. Burial was made today in Clark’s Hill cemetery in charge of Max Herrlick, funeral director, of New Palestine. Funeral services were held at the Sugar Creek church with Rev. Mr. Ross officiating.
He was aged eighty years, nine months and two days and had been engaged as a farmer all his life. Surviving besides his widow are three sons and five daughters, namely, Benjamin Means, of Needham; John Means of Hammond, and Ora Means, near New Palestine; Mrs. Herman Mohr, near Fountaintown; Mrs. Fred Bishop, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Wayne Bond, of Anderson, and Mrs. George Fritts and Mrs. Ed Andrews, of this county.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Democrat
November 2, 1914
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MRS. JOHN MEANS DIED SUDDENLY
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PROMINENT LADY DIED
OF HEART TROUBLE
AT 11:30 O'CLOCK MONDAY
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FOR MANY YEARS A MEMBER
OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH
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Elizabeth Means, wife of John L. Means, died at her home on West Mechanic street, Shelbyville, at 11:30 a.m., November 2nd, 1914, of heart failure. She was born in Moral township, Shelby county, Indiana, on January 25, 1849, making her age at the time of death sixty-five years, nine months and eighteen days. On May 6, 1872, she was united in marriage to John L. Means, and they lived a devoted and happy life together. She had been an invalid for years but she bore her suffering patiently and without complaint. She was always kind and affectionate and to know her was to lover her.
For years she had been a member of the Baptist church at Pleasant View and she has always lived a Christian life. She is a daughter of the late Tinsley Smith, of Moral township.
She is survived by her husband, John L. Means, her two daughters, Mrs. U. E. Tindall, Mrs. Jesse Adams, and one son, Charles W. Means, and one sister, Mrs. Jane Hack.
Notice of the fneral will be given later by Ralph J. Edwards, who is in charge.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday January 3, 1913
Page 4 column 2

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
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Mrs. Elizabeth Means died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ora Bowen of North Manchester, Indiana, Thursday. The body will be brought to this city Saturday afternoon at 3:30. Funeral services will be held in the Forest Hill chapel, Rev. S. J. Cross officiating. Interment will be made in Forest Hill in charge of Marshall G. Tindall.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Bob McKenzie

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Saturday August 10, 1907
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ELEVEN YEARS TODAY
SINCE HUSBAND DIED
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Mrs. Mary F. Means, of Pleasant View,
Mother of O. L. Means, of Shelbyville
Passed Away this Morning
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Eleven Years ago today Harry Means died. This morning at 3:30 at her home at Pleasant View, his widow, Mrs. Mary F. Means, passed away. Her death was due to cancer of the stomach.
She was one of the highly respected pioneer women of Shelby county. Her maiden name was Mary Joyce. She was born and reared in this county. At the time of death she lacked but twelve days of being sixty-nine years of age. Two children, O. L. Means, the well known merchant of Shelbyville, and John T. Means, of Acton, survive, as do also a number of grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. George Fansler, of London, is also alive.
Mrs. Means was an active worker in church enterprises, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends. The funeral services will be held Monday morning at ten o’clock at the home at Pleasant View. Interment will take place in the Pleasant View cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Willis Mills

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday, September 25, 1905
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The funeral of Jesse Means, who was killed by a falling tree last Wednesday, was held at London yesterday afternoon. It was the largest funeral that has ever been held in that section of the county. All the roads leading into London were filled with vehicles and the traction cars unloaded many people. Over two thousand people attended the funeral services.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Friday, September 22, 1905
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The funeral of Jesse Means, who was killed by a falling tree last Wednesday, has been postponed until Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, owing to the fact that a brother who lives at a distance is unable to reach here before that time.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday, September 20, 1905
Page 1
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KILLED BY FALLING TREE
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Jesse Means, of London, Loses His Life
While Engaged in Cutting Timber.
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JOHN FOGARTY ALSO SUFFERS INJURIES
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The Accident Occurred This Morning
About Seven Miles East of London.
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MARRIED BUT TWO MONTHS.
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VanBuren township was the scene of a terrible accident this morning at about 10 o'clock. As a result, Jesse Means, twenty-one years of age, lies dead at his home in London and John Fogarty, aged about fifty, is at the home of Marion Noe, seriously injured.
The two men who were the victims of the accident, together with Ralph House had gone to the woods owned by Fansler and Fogarty, the woods being located on what is known as the Enos Copple farm, about seven miles east of London.
The men were cutting timber for the Fansler and Fogarty saw-mill of Brookfield. There were felling a tree, and as it came to the ground it struck another tree and rebounded in their direction.
Means was struck on the head, his skull being crushed like an egg shell. Death, of course, was instant. Fogarty has a broken rib and is badly bruised.
While Fogarty was being taken to his home, he was overcome by faintness and it was necessary to take him into the residence of Marion Noe, where he still is this afternnon.
Mr. Means is a son of William Means and is a cousin of some degree or other to most of those of that name in this city. He was married but two months ago to Miss Mayme Brant, and much sympathy is felt by every one for the girl-widow.
Mr. Fogarty is not the member of the firm of Fansler and Fogarty, but is connected with the establishment. He is the step-father of Mr. Clarnece Plunkett, of Shelbyville.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, May 11, 1905
Page 6, column 3
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JOHN F. MEANS DEAD
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Prominent Resident of Moral Township
Passed Away Thursday
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John Fountain Means died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Curry four miles north of London Thursday morning at 10 o'clock aged sixty-five years. Mr. Means had been a sufferer for several months from Bright's disease.
Deceased was a veteran of the Civil war and a queer coincidence of his death is that it occurred on pension day, his voucher for the monthly pension had been received before his death.
He leaves five daughters, Mrs. George Mohr, Mrs. John Mohr, Mrs. George Curry, Mrs. Jesse Leonard, and Mrs. John W. Valentine; three sons, Eli Means, John C. Means and George Means, the last named of whom lives in this city. Besides these children he leaves Matthew Means, living at New Palestine and Will Means residing in Nebraska, and Robert and Mire Means residing in Moral township.
Funeral services were held Saturday, at the M. E. Church at London, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, at one o'clock. Interment was made in the London cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Dena White

Handwritten Obituary
Susan Means
Death date: December 31, 1903
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On December 31st, 1903 at 5 o'clock a. m., of general disability, aged seventy-one years, six months and twenty-five days, Susan Means departed life at her home in London amidst her immediate family and friends.
Deceased was born May 5th, 1832 in Shelby county, within two miles of the place where she surrendered the burden of life for that coveted repose where worn out nature obtains eternal rest.
The subject of this notice was of pioneer birth. When she came upon the shore of time nearly seventy-two years ago, the beautiful country we now behold - with its prosperous homesteads of palatial architecture, broad fertile fields, thrifty villages, populous cities, good roads, steam and electric car lines, school houses, churches, telephones, rural mail routes, and many other conveniences born of civilization and progress, was but a deep, dark wilderness, a pathless woods - she grew to womanhood amid primeval life in Shelby county. She was married to Alfred Means, who survives her, on March 14th, 1850. To this union were born six children, three sons and three daughters - four of whom are still living.
The conflicting forces of nature bore heavily on her constitution and made her an invalid for many years before her release. In 1890 she joined the East Union Baptist church and became a member of that denomination and remained such until her death.
Could her shade know it now, it would realize that the period of her life - the allotted span of three score years and ten - had been cast upon the time that witnessed the most wonderful progress of human achievement toe world has ever saw.
Those who feel the deepest sadness over her departure from their midst are Alfred Means, her husband, William A., Charles H., and John R. Means, sons, Samantha Slusser, daughter, the grand children, Mary Swails and Amanda Smith, sisters, and John Hoop and Marcus Hoop, brothers.
Her remains were laid to rest in the London cemetery on Sunday, January 3, 1904 and left to repose in everlasting slumber.
Contributed by Jim Cottrell

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, April 18, 1901
Page 2, column 1
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The death of Henry Means occurred Saturday night at his home in Moral township. His age was seventy-two years and he leaves a widow and five children, among whom is Charles Means, well-known in this city. Mr. Means was a pioneer resident of Moral township and a good citizen. The funeral occurred at the late home today, interment following at Pleasant View.
Submitted by Barb Huff

The Franklin Democrat
Johnson County, Indiana
Friday, July 20, 1900
Volume XLI, Number 3
Page 6, column 6
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ROCKLANE
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J. B. Means departed from this life on last Friday evening. Funeral services were held at Brookfield by Pleasant Lodge No. 134 F. & A. M. Interment at Pleasant View.
__________
Note: Date of birth, about 1838 - Johnson County, Indiana. Date of death, 13 Jul 1900 – Pleasant View, Shelby County Indiana. _Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899–2011, Brookfield, Moral Township, Shelby County, Certificate and Record of Death_, page 198 records that John B. Means died at about 2 o’clock a. m. on 13 Jul 1900 in Brookfield from mitral disease of heart of two years’ duration, contributory cause asthma of four months’ duration, aged sixty-two years. He was male, white, married and "worked by day", born in Johnson County, Indiana. His father’s name was William Means, born in Carolina [sic], and his mother’s maiden name Cathran Meaffe [sic], born in Kentucky. Mr. Means was the informant. John was buried in Pleasant View on 15 Jul 1900, Wilson & Son, undertaker.
Contributed by Mark McCrady, Cathea Curry and Lois Johnson

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday, July 17, 1900
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The funeral of the late John B. Means, Sunday, at Brookfield, was very largely attended. Mr. Means was one of the old residents of that part of the county and was held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Semi-Weekly Republican
Friday, December 27, 1895
Page 4 column 2
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The funeral of the late Wesley Means will be held at 2 p.m. Friday from his late residence, 93 West South street by Rev. M. A. Farr. The deceased leaves a wife [Elizabeth] and five children, namely, William, Charles, Frank, Stella and Cora, with other friends and relatives to mourn. Interment in charge of Hageman & Pile.
[Buried Forest Hill]
Contributed by Barb Huff for Bob McKenzie

The Shelby National Volunteer
Thursday June 22, 1871
Page 3 column 3
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DIED-- Amanda F., eldest daughter of Alfred and Susan Means, of Moral Township, Shelby county, Indiana, Monday, June 19th, at 8 o'clock a.m. after a protracted illness of five months and fifteen days.
Submitted by Barb Huff

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