Business: Loyal Undertakers

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Taylor, Kadow, Nicholas, Ohlrogge, Rittger, Myre, Roycraft

----Source: Family Scrapbook

Just who was dedicated to do the honors of burying the dead was not definite. The first burial recorded was at the Pine Grove Cemetery. These hardy pioneers took it in stride to give a Christian burial.

C. M. Taylor was the undertaker in the early 1900's as was Frank Kadow. It was the usual custom to have a furniture store along with the undertaking business. It wasn't a mortuary as the deceased were taken to their homes where usually a wake and the funeral services were held.

With the customs of the times a wreath or flowers were put on the door so any stranger would know the state of the household. These were the days of mourning crepe, the letter edged in black and even ladies carried a black edged handkerchief. Usually a year of mourning was a must and one just didn't take part in anything joyous, including organ lessons in some households.

After telegrams were available, if you were unfortunate enough to receive one, the first thought was of death of some relative. It was a rare days to receive any other telegram. Today, you may get a singing birthday-gram, and not bat an eyelash!

Among others offering the services of funeral director were Walter Nicholas. Claude Ohlrogge, Joseph Rittger and Carl Myre. Richard Roycraft is the present funeral director.

Times have changed so that the funeral services are held either in the church of the family or in the funeral home.