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The Life of Jessie Pellett

Death of Mr.and Mrs. William Pellett

 Pioneer Olathe Couple's Death Only 24 Hours Apart - Buried In One Grave.

For the second time within a space of only 10 days, Olathe, and Johnson county people are called upon to mourn the death of one of her best loved pioneer couples, Mr. and Mrs. William Pellett, their deaths occurring on succeeding days, almost within 24 hours of each other.

Mr. Pellett had reached the ripe old age of 94, November 12, last. His death occurred Sunday, December 3. Mrs. Pellett, was In such' a condition that it was thought best not to tell her of her husband's death, so she remained in ignorance of that fact, although much of the time she .was unconscious. Her death occurred Tuesday, December 5, about supper time.

The funeral of Mr. Pellett had been set Sunday, for 10 o'clock Tuesday morning at the Masonic Temple. By reason of her death Monday evening, the funeral service was held together at 10, Wednesday, December 6, at the home on West Park street, conducted by Rev. W. H. Scrivner of the First Christian church.

Following his sermon the members of the G. A. R., only 16 of them left, gave their ritualistic service. At the grave the Masons of which he had been a member since 1857, gave their ritualistic service. The pall bearers for Mrs. Pellett were E. W. Miller, W. E. Hayes, Bert Gilbert, O. J. Scott, F. L. House and B. H. Rogers. For Mr. Pellett they were H. D. Lanter, A. G. Moll, W. H. Hyer, E. N. Garrett, F. M. Johnson, and H. O. Woodbury.

Jessie Sutton Pellett  was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, May 3d. 1848, later moved to Ottawa, Ills., and then to Kansas, where she married William Pellett, May 3d, 1869.They were married in the house on the Sutton farm, which extended then as far east as Pine street. This house later was known as the Mrs. L. C. H. Pilcher house. Later they built the house which was the family home ever since, sitting almost in the middle of the remaining ground, five acres.

Five children were born of this union, four girls and one son. The only living child is James S. Pellett, Olathe. Two of the girls were older than Jim, and two were younger. A sister, Mrs. Clara Julien, Kansas City, survives.

Mrs. Pellett's illness dates since last January, when she was ill with the flu. She never really regained her strength although she attended to the household duties and was still tolerably active in civic affairs. Six weeks ago she was taken seriously ill and a week ago became very critically ill. She was very active in club work and was Patriotic Instructor for the W. R. C. for a number of years. She was a charter member of the L. R. C. of the Ladies Walking Club, was a member of the Eastern Star, the W. R. C. and the Rebeccas. Her influence was for good always. She took a lively interest in all that went on in the community, and was distinctly a leader. Her's was a life crowded with activity. Life to her was a trust, a boon and blessing to those who would live well.

William (Billy) Pellett was born in Sussex county, England, November 12, 1828, and moved to Albany when less than one year old. He spent his young manhood in Cleveland, Ohio, and Peoria, and Pekin, Ills. coming to Kansas, in 1859.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Pellett organized Company H. 12th Kansas Infantry, was its 1st lieutenant, and served through the war. He was Olathe's first mayor, and it will be of interest to note that his only child, James, was mayor of Olathe for six years, from 1913 to 1919.  Early in the nineties Mr. Pellett was probate judge of Johnson county for two terms.

We know of but one man In Johnson county, older than he. Although small of stature he had an exceedingly strong constitution, with a heart that seemed never would give up. His eye sight was good, and he read without glasses. For the past eight years he had been partially deaf. Up to three weeks ago, and even less he was able to walk up town.

His body simply yielded to the exactions of time, it was the going out of a light that has lead the way to better things when "Billy" Pellett died. He was a man prompted by the highest moral purpose and ideals, a citizen, respected by his fellow man, a kind, considerate father, and generous to a fault. Throughout his many years of residence In Olathe, he lived well, though simply, prospered and made many friends who greatly valued his acquaintance and will sincerely regret to learn of his death.

Olathe Mirror
December 7, 1922
Page 1, cols 3,4

Filter Jessie Pellett's Timeline by the following Memory Categories

2018.08.23
Monument

Monument

Posted by Norman P on 08/23/2018

2019.01.22
obit

obit

Posted by Norman P on 01/22/2019