Submitted by
Vicki Ebert

ANOTHER OLD TIMER ANSWERS THE SUMMONS

One of our oldest citizens, in point of residence, was lost to us when D. S. Viers answered the summons of the Master last week. He has not been rugged for some time past, but only the family and a few intimate friends knew of his passing. He was our pioneer harness maker and one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the state.
Mr. Viers was born near Delta, Fulton county, Ohio, May 8, 1837, and died in the city on June 21, 1918. He was united in marriage with Melinda McCormick, Feb. 12, 1867, at Liberty Center, O. To this union were born four sons and one daughter. The daughter and one son having passed on before, leaving his wife and three sons and a host of friends to mourn his loss. He settled in business in Liberty Center, O., in 1867, moved to Cedarvale, Kan., May 14, 1872, and remained at that place for a number of years. Mr. Viers came to Blackwell, Dec. 7, 1893, and established the first harness shop in the city on West Blackwell avenue and continued to operate the business until Jan. 1, 1907, when he retired from active business. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for sixty years and of the encampment branch since its organization, holding his membership at Ponca City. He was a member of the G. A. R., having served three years in Co. K, 25th Ohio volunteers, during the civil war. At one time he was an active member of the Church of Christ. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Orville Hodge, pastor of the Christian church, followed by burial at Odd Fellows cemetery.