1928 RHS Graduates    Back: Sarah Hodgin, Margaret Chubbuck, Esther Melton. Middle: William Cullen, Perle Cosgrove, Everett Parkening, Francis Woster; Front: Arleen Eymer and Leta Farrell.  For larger view of photo, see Yearbooks

L. Perle Cosgrove  1910-1930

                                          Sudden Death of Reliance Young Man

The entire community was shocked and grieved last Thursday when it became known that Perle Cosgrove, eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Jay Cosgrove of Reliance, had passed away at the Sanitarium here.  Death was due to spinal meningitis, from which he suffered but four days.

On Monday previous, he was taken ill with a violent headache while working on the Schooler farm near Reliance. In a short time he lost consciousness and those attending him, rushed him to the sanitarium in the hope of getting relief.  As soon as the physicians made an examination, the seriousness of his condition was revealed and little hope for his recovery was advanced.  He remained in an unconscious condition until Thursday morning when he passed away.

The passing of Perle is a community grief, for he was a young man just entering manhood and by his many traits of character, endeared himself in the hearts of all. He had high ideals, was clean and upright in his life and was endowed with a disposition that radiated happiness and sunshine to a degree that made him a favorite among his classmates and his friends.  Why he should be cut off in the springtime of youth is a mystery none can fathom.

Perle graduated with the class of 1928 from the Reliance High School.  The winter following, with two other classmates, went to Chillicothe Business College where he took up the study of telegraphy.  Coming home for the summer months, he expected to return to his studies this winter to complete the course for which he seemed so well adapted.

L. Perle Cosgrove was born on the farm near Reliance, March 22, 1910, and passed away November 20, 1930, aged 20 years, 7 months and 29 days.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Cosgrove, and one brother Royal.  A sister Marlys Inez, died in infancy in 1908.

Private funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the home of his aunt, Mrs. A.J. Murphy, in Reliance.  Reverend E. E. Hatfield, pastor of the Methodist Church, had charge of the service.  His remains were laid to rest in the Reliance Cemetery.  The pall bearers were his father, brother Royal, uncle, B. P. Humphreys, cousin, C.E. Hemphill, his former high school professor, V.E. Nelson, Dan Bailey, Frank Ferdig, and Albert Murphy.

A choir composed of Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Leggitt, Mr. & Mrs. August Schoessler, Mrs. Otto Schoessler, Albert Murphy and William Hessler sang 'Rock of Ages', 'Some Glad Day', and 'Safe in the Arms of Jesus'.  His two aunts, Mrs. A.J. Murphy of Reliance, and Mrs. Edward Seen of Sheridan, Wyoming sang 'Does Jesus Care'

The house was crowded with relatives and friends who had come to pay their last tribute of respect.  The beautiful floral offering fully demonstrated the love and respect in which the deceased was held.  The sincerest sympathy of all is extended to the heart broken family in this hour of deepest sorrow.

Those from a distance who came to attend the funeral were Mr. & Mrs. Edward Seen of Sheridan, Wyoming; L.Z/ & Connie Hart, Mrs. Clay Hart and daughter Floy, Mrs. Henry Delger, all of Spencer, SD; Mr. & Mrs. J.P. Kadinger and Miss Elva Wolcott of Aberdeen, SD;  Mrs. H. Hildebrand, Misses Eileen Henegar and Eleanor Kathan.