Richard R. "Dick" Elkins (1890-1918)

ELKINS, STUBBLEFIELD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/24/2017 at 20:31:22

From Nevada Evening Journal December 6, 1918 (front page)

NIGHT MAN DIED YESTERDAY

"Dick" Elkins Succumbed to Pneumonia Thursday

Richard Elkins for the past two years night operator and ticket agent of the Northwestern at this place, died at his home on Fourth avenue north, just west of Locust street Thursday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock. He will be buried this afternoon in the Nevada cemetery.

He was taken ill about a week ago with influenza and on Tuesday it developed into pneumonia from which he gradually sank until yesterday forenoon when death claimed him. Mrs. Elkins was taken ill about the same time and, while she rallied and was up and around some yesterday, she is worse today.

Richard Elkins was born at Ozark, Mo. twenty eight years ago January 12 next. He was united in marriage on February 15, 1911 to Miss Myrtle Cora Stubblefield, at Dougherty, Mo., where he was employed as an operator. He continued to work there for two years after which he accepted a position with the Northwestern, came up to Iowa and was night operator at Ankeny for four years and from there came to Nevada where he had since been employed.

He leaves his wife who is now ill, two little sons, Harold aged 7 and Frank aged 2 years. He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Mollie Mills of Sparta, his sister Mrs. Jessie Bray of McCraken Mo. and a half sister and a half brother, Effie Mills and Jesse Mills, the latter in the army. The relatives in Missouri are ill and have been unable to come and assist with the family during their illness and grief.

Elkins was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Telegraphers in which order he carried insurance. He was an efficient operator and a fine young man who had made many friends during his work in the city. Always prompt, courteous and obliging his place at the station had been well filled.