Benjamin H. Northcott

Kansan, Tuesday, November 21, 1922

The community was shocked yesterday afternoon to learn of the sudden death of B. H. Northcott, which occurred at his home 1615 Main, about noon, Monday, November 20. Mr. Northcott had been in bad health for several years, but just recently seemed to have improved materially, and his sudden death, occasioned by heart trouble, proved a great shock to his family and friends.

Mr. Northcott was engaged in Carpenter work on a small building at his place and was being assisted by Edward Voth. He went into the house shortly before noon to look over his morning mail, and went out to work again, eating an apple, apparently in the best of spirits. When lunch time came he was missed and Mr. Voth looked around for him, and found him inside the building, life extinct. Mrs. Northcott at the time was alone in the home, Miss Susie being in Walton, where she was teaching, the two boys being in school and the married son, B. H., Jt., being out on his run as Santa Fe conductor, was reached by a message at kinsley.

The funeral will be conducted at the Christian church, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, by Rev. F. U. Moyer, of Hesston, for many years a friend of Mr. Northcott.

Benjamin Hervey Northcott was born in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 29, 1859. As a lad he was not only thrown upon his own resources, but felt responsibility of supporting his family. As a small child he went to Vevay, Indiana, and later came west, spending a short time in Colorado. He came to Harvey county in 1885, locating first in



sedgwick township. In his young manhood he taught school about 20 years, a few of which was in Indiana. In 1886 he located at Hesston, when only the town there was a few frame buildings. He took up carpenter work, following that trade for some years and then engaged in land and cattle investments, which he continued more or less the remainder of his life. Still later he began bridge contracting, and for years built most of the bridges in this county and many in other localities. In this work he became acquainted with large numbers of people and was perhaps as well known as any man in the county. On account of ill health he practically retired from active business about seven years ago.

Mr. Northcott was married in June 1890 to Miss Susie Brubaker of Heston, who passed away in March, 1907. To them were born four children, two sons having joined their mother in the better world, Benjamin H. Jr., married and residing here, and Miss Susie, teacher in the Walton high school. On June 16, 1910, Mr. Northcott was married to Miss. Lena Smith, of Newton, and toe them were born two sons, Loyal, and George Robert, who live with their mother at home. He also leaves two sisters, Margaret Cox, Carrolton, Ky., and Janet Walden, Fresno, Calif. One brother, Robert Northcott who was well known in this county, but who returned to Indiana, where he died about 25 years ago. Two sisters also preceded him in death, Mrs. Fanny Scott, who died in Sims, Calif., and Sarah Bott in Fresno, Calif.

Mr. and Mrs. Northcott came to newton to reside four years ago, purchasing a home on Main street just north of the bridge. Always living an active life, Mr. Northcott continued his industrious habits after coming to Newton, and built no less than seven residence properties in Newton. As he lived, so he died,exemplifying industry, with his carpenters hammer in his hand. Thoroughly practical, absolutely honest and trustworthy, possessed of a big heart, he had the respect of all. He was the friend of every young man starting out in life, and he followed the scriptural admonition in that his right hand knew not what charity his left hand dispensed. His passing has removed a stalwart citizen whose presence among a wide circle of friends will be greatly missed, and whose demise is deeply deplored. He will be laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery