Newspaper Research

Small town newspaper hold a treasure trove of information about those in the community. Now with the indexing and digitizing of so many newspapers it is becoming easier and easier to find those hidden treasures. I found the following article in the Utah Digital Newspapers website. It is from the 'Free Lance Newspaper' out of Marysvale, Utah on Nov 20, 1903. His tombstone says he died in 1904.
"Claimed By Death; Wm Scroggings Died Last Monday; After lingering painfully between life and death and after firm hope had been entertained that he was on the high road to recovery, word was recieved Monday that Wm Scroggings a well known and respected citizen of this city had passed away in the hospital in Salt Lake. Mr. Scroggings went to Salt Lake about 3 weeks ago to undergo an operation for cancer of the stomach; the cause of his death. One operation about two weeks ago seemed successful and it was thought the cancer had entirely removed, but later another operation was deemed absolutely necesary, but owing to his weakened condition, the result was fatal and the end came about 1 o'clock Monday morning. Mrs. Scroggings and her brothers, Charles and Ab Peterson being with him in his last moments. The remains were brought to this city Tuesday evening, a large concourse of friends meeting the remains at the depot. The funeral services were held at his late residence onThursday morning at 10:30. Remarks were made by J.F. Gibb and S.L. Page, and music furnished by the choir. The pall bearers were the Messrs Harry Cuff, Harry King, Ed Longley, H Hanan, James Ber?elsen, Da?? Gibbs, Wm E White and Albert Hardy. There was an immense outpouring of freinds to pay their last respects to the late departed. Mr. Scroggings was born Feb 12, 1864 in Rockville, Washington County this state being 39 years old. He was married about 10 years ago in Junction to Miss Sadie Peterson of this city. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss. The remains were interred in the Thompson grave yard being followed to their last resting place by almost the entire community and friends from miles around."