J. J. Warfield
Meets Death While Working on Potter Lease, 4 Miles Southeast of Andover, Wednesday.
b. 6-3-1856 d.7-17-1912
While returning from an oil well upon which he had been working, Josiah J. Warfield was instantly killed by a bolt of lightning, Wednesday
evening at about 5:30 on the Potter farm about four miles southeast of this village.
Wednesday Mr. Warfield and Fred Stebbins went to work on the Potter Lease, owned by the Empire Gas and Fuel Co. Having finished their work at
about 5 o'clock they started for home. After driving a few rods Mr. Warfield remembered that he had left some of his tools where he had been working, tied his
horse to a fence and went back after them on foot. A heavy electric storm was threatening, so Mr. Stebbins drove to F. S. Potter's barn to wait until it had passed. Mr.
Warfield got this tools, consisting of a pair of combination pipe tongs, two combination wrenches, a double pitted axe and some other small tools, and was on his way back,
walking in an oil road through a piece of wood, when a bolt of lightning struck a large soft maple tree but a foot or two from him instantly killing him. The body was not much
burned, indicating that death was caused more from the shock than from injuries received direct from the bolt, although a straw hat he was wearing was completely demolished.
F. S. Potter and man were drawing hay from a field the other side of Mr. Warfield to his barns. Hearing the terrible report from the lighting
bolt, they started immediately for the barn, and had gone but a short distance when they found Mr. Warfield's body lying prostrate in the roadway. They rushed to his aid, but
death had preceded them. They immediately summoned help. Dr. W. H. Loughead of Andover, was called, and by the use of his automobile was at the side of the body
in 30 minutes after receiving the message. Coroner Ayers was summoned from Alfred and came immediately.
Mr. Warfield was 54 years of age, and leaves besides his wife, a son Herbert Warfield and a daughter, Mrs. Clara Childs to mourn the loss of a
loving father. He was a man beloved by all in this community. A member of the Andover Methodist Church, of Andover Odd Fellows and Rebecca Lodges, Andover Grange the Andover
Macabee Tent, and the Lucy Stone Club and was an active and faithful worker in them all. He will be greatly missed by every one.
Mr. Warfield had been employed in the Andover Oil and Gas field since its development, having worked some twenty years for the Empire Fuel and
Gas Co., formerly the Mutual Gas Co.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist Church.
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Mrs. Mary
Warfield Was Foremost in All Good Work.
Mary A. Warfield was born April 27, 1859 at Almond, NY daughter of the late Russel and
Clarissy Robinson Wright. Coming to Andover as a child, she had been a resident of this township for sixty three years.
September 10, 1876 she was united in marriage with Josiah Warfield whose death occurred some years ago. In the early years of
their married life they resided on their farm east of this village later purchasing a home on Greenwood street where Mrs. Warfield passed from life, Wednesday, March 26, 1924.
Deceased had not been in usual health for several weeks but her condition was not considered serious until a short time before her death, which occurred at seven o'clock am
when, with the awakening life of a new day, she went to sleep, like a tired child, with no weary waiting on the border land.
In the years of her life passed in Andover, she has been actively identified with the affairs of this village. A member of the
Methodist church she has been loyal to its every interests, and active in all the branches of work. For several years she has been a member of the board of Education of
Andover High School, serving as its secretary. She was a Past Noble Grand of Andover Rebekah Lodge No 303 and at the time of her death the District Deputy President of
Allegany County Rebekah Dist. No. 1. A member of Andover Woman's Christian Temperance Union and its Recording Secretary, also an active member and treasurer of the Andover
Grange.
A busy and useful life, honored and loved she reared her own monument while she lived, by deeds of kindness and cheer to those with whom she was
associated. Her death will be a sad loss to Andover.
Of her immediate family there survive a son, Herbert Warfield of Bradford PA, and a daughter, Mrs. Clara Childs of Andover, four grandchildren
and one sister Mrs. Hattie Burger of Greenwood, to whom the tender sympathy of many friends are extended in their bereavement.
Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church, Friday afternoon March 29th, the pastor, Rev. C. H. Whelan officiating.
The mass of beautiful flora tributes being a silent testimony to the love and esteem in which she was held.
Interment was made in the family plot in Hillside Cemetery.
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