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Obituary- Tatman, Melville 2

Obituary

M.F. Tatman was whole-souled, kind hearted and unselfish. He had been associated with the social and business interests of Rossville for thirty years and so far as known there are none but bow the head in mute sympathy and pain in the keener sorrow of the bereaved wife at his going away. Scarcely is it given to man in his walk of life to enjoy a free or fuller confidence, a more substantial friendship of the people of his home than that bestowed upon M.F. Tatman. He lived a simple, unostentatious life, full of good deeds and of charity for his fellow man.

One of the characteristics of Mr. Tatman was his readiness to respond to an appeal for the unfortunate or those in distress. He was sympathetic in his nature and in a quiet modest way he was always helping the needy. In talking with a close friend the writer was told of a circumstance that illustrates this trait of character. Not many months ago Mr. Tatman met an acquaintance who had been sick for some time, and whose resources were limited. After enquiring after his health he reached over as though to brush something from the vest of the man and then assuring him he would be glad to help him in any way possible, left. Presently the man had occasion to feel in the pocket of his vest and was surprised to find a $5 bill. Thus Mr. Tatman always tried to hide his benevolence but in the minds of those who knew his tenderness of heart and who have personal knowledge of his wholly unselfish disposition, his memory will remain with them unvarnished while life lasts.

In his home life he was all cheerfulness, love and tenderness, always patient, gentle, and devoted. He was not given to sham and cared only for the really good and true.

M.F. Tatman was born in Ohio, in the year 1842. When a boy of 12 years he came west to Platte county, Mo. In 1872 he came to Kansas and for a time clerked in a potion store at Leavenworth. Later he drifted farther west stopping a short time at Perryville, where he clerked for a Dr. Phillips. From there he came to Rossville and began clerking in the store of Higginbotham & Kerr.

In 1876 he went in partnership with Mr. D. Hartzell in what was then known as the Kansas Valley drug store and this relationship existed up to the time of his death, Oct. 3, 1906.

Mr. Tatman was naturally of frail constitution and for several years past had not enjoyed good health. His last sickness was of but short-duration however and he was confined to his bed but four days when death called him into the mysteries of an unseen world.

Mr. Tatman was a believer in Christianity and had been a member of the Baptist Church since 1872.

He was married to Alice M. Estes in this city in the spring of 1880, Rev. J.G. Maver being the officiating minister.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church, Saturday afternoon conducted by his old-time pastor, Eld. J.G. Maver, now of Topeka. Eld. Maver was assisted in the service by Rev. H.L. Nelson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. The church was filled to its utmost capacity, many being compelled to remain outside on the lawn during the ceremony. The floral offerings were elaborate and profuse and came from many sources. During the service at the church every business house in town was closed as a tribute of respect to so worthy a citizen—neighbor—friend and companion. The burial took place in the city cemetery.

The relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Teter, and Mrs. Lauren Teter of Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. Wilcox and Mrs. Stevenson of Topeka and Mr. Fred Stevenson of Atchison.

During his long residence here Mr. Tatman gradually acquired a competence and at the time of his death owned two farms just west of town and a 40-acre tract adjoining town on the north. Only last year he completed a $5,000 residence on his property on north Main street.

The familiar figure of M.F. Tatman on the streets of Rossville will be greatly missed; the vacancy of the home will be a reminder of a devoted husband. His race is run—his lifework ended, but memories of his kindliness and his genial comradeship will remain to enrich the lives of all who knew him. He has journeyed on thru the vale of mystery that separates us from that bright and purer world to the rich reward prepared for those who have anchored their faith in God.

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