Marshall (MI) Evening Chronicle
Friday, March 7, 1930
Sheriff P.H. Bhymer Died Last Night
In Poor Health for Past Year. Colby Succeeds Him
---Peter H. Bhymer, sheriff of Calhoun county, passed away at the jail residence at 1:00 o'clock this morning. Sheriff Bhymer had been in failing health for over a year, but recently had been able to be about the jail until yesterday morning.
---The sheriff underwent an operation for appendicitis about a year ago. He apparently recovered but was again confined to his bed for several weeks last fall, suffering from artery trouble. Although he recovered sufficiently to enable him to continue his duties as sheriff, it was known that his health was not as it should be. Friends and relatives repeatedly urged him to take a vacation and get away from his work for a time, but Sheriff Bhymer was determined to remain at his post until the expiration of his term, next January 1st.
---Wednesday night the sheriff assisted Night Turnkey Ray Currier in locking up the prisoners for the night. It was his last official act. Yesterday morning it was apparent that he was suffering from a recurrence of the malady which sent him to bed last fall. Dr. G. B. Gesner of Marshall and Dr. Thomas Zelinski were called and were in attendance upon him throughout the day.
---Members of the sheriff's department who saw Sheriff Bhymer last evening realized that he was a very sick man, but they had seen him conquer so many illnesses that they were not prepared to receive word of his death early this morning.
---Peter H. Bhymer was born in Valparaiso, Ind., Sept. 10, 1868, and was past 61 years of age at the time of his death. He moved to Battle Creek in his early youth and became a fireman on the Grand Trunk railroad, following this line of activity until 1903, when he became identified with the Battle Creek police force. From 1903 to 1912 he walked a beat, one of his fellow patrolmen being Co. W. Colby. In 1910 Mr. Colby was put on duty as a plain clothes night officer. Two years later it was decided that he should have an assistant and he was given the right to choose any patrolman in the city for the position. Mr. Colby chose Peter Bhymer as his assistant.
---For several years the two lifelong friends served as the plain clothes night officers of the Battle Creek police force. A few years later a shake-up in the personnel of the department resulted from a change in the city administration. Officers Bhymer and Colby became identified with the Postum Cereal company. In 1922, however, they decided to get back to the work which had first brought the two together. Mr. Colby ran for sheriff with the understanding that if he were elected, he would appoint Mr. Bhymer undersheriff. Colby was elected and for four years he served as head of the Calhoun county sheriff's department, with Peter H. Bhymer as his chief assistant.
---In 1926, Mr. Colby's second term expired and Mr. Bhymer was elected to succeed him. Returning the compliment of four years before, Sheriff Bhymer appointed George Colby as undersheriff. Sheriff Bhymer was re-elected in 1928. He had served over 14 months of his second term at the time of his death.
---Undersheriff Colby again becomes sheriff of Calhoun county as the result of Mr. Bhymer's death. The state law automatically provides that in the case of a vacancy the undersheriff shall fill the remainder of the term. Sheriff Colby will move to the jail residence as soon as it is vacated by Mrs. Bhymer and her family.
---The deceased sheriff is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Letha Lechrome; also a grandson, Billy Lechrome. Both lived with Mr. and Mrs. Bhymer at the jail residence.
---Sheriff Bhymer had one trait that was especially valuable to him as an officer of the law. He had an uncanny ability to remember faces. If he once set eyes on a criminal he always remembered the man's appearance, and the ability to do so has resulted in the arrest of more than one man wanted by Calhoun county officers. He took a friendly interest in the "boys" who were his involuntary guests at the jail, and always called them by their first names. He never forgot any of those who were unfortunate enough to come into his custody, but would remember them and speak to them when he met them, even though it be years later. Mr. Bhymer was a man of the highest integrity and his passing is deeply regreted by all who knew him.
---The body of the late sheriff was removed to the Spaulding undertaking rooms in Battle Creek this morning. Arrangements have not been completed, but it is thought that the funeral will be held from the First Methodist church in Battle Creek Sunday afternoon, although the hour has not been set.
Friday, March 7, 1930
Sheriff P.H. Bhymer Died Last Night
In Poor Health for Past Year. Colby Succeeds Him
---Peter H. Bhymer, sheriff of Calhoun county, passed away at the jail residence at 1:00 o'clock this morning. Sheriff Bhymer had been in failing health for over a year, but recently had been able to be about the jail until yesterday morning.
---The sheriff underwent an operation for appendicitis about a year ago. He apparently recovered but was again confined to his bed for several weeks last fall, suffering from artery trouble. Although he recovered sufficiently to enable him to continue his duties as sheriff, it was known that his health was not as it should be. Friends and relatives repeatedly urged him to take a vacation and get away from his work for a time, but Sheriff Bhymer was determined to remain at his post until the expiration of his term, next January 1st.
---Wednesday night the sheriff assisted Night Turnkey Ray Currier in locking up the prisoners for the night. It was his last official act. Yesterday morning it was apparent that he was suffering from a recurrence of the malady which sent him to bed last fall. Dr. G. B. Gesner of Marshall and Dr. Thomas Zelinski were called and were in attendance upon him throughout the day.
---Members of the sheriff's department who saw Sheriff Bhymer last evening realized that he was a very sick man, but they had seen him conquer so many illnesses that they were not prepared to receive word of his death early this morning.
---Peter H. Bhymer was born in Valparaiso, Ind., Sept. 10, 1868, and was past 61 years of age at the time of his death. He moved to Battle Creek in his early youth and became a fireman on the Grand Trunk railroad, following this line of activity until 1903, when he became identified with the Battle Creek police force. From 1903 to 1912 he walked a beat, one of his fellow patrolmen being Co. W. Colby. In 1910 Mr. Colby was put on duty as a plain clothes night officer. Two years later it was decided that he should have an assistant and he was given the right to choose any patrolman in the city for the position. Mr. Colby chose Peter Bhymer as his assistant.
---For several years the two lifelong friends served as the plain clothes night officers of the Battle Creek police force. A few years later a shake-up in the personnel of the department resulted from a change in the city administration. Officers Bhymer and Colby became identified with the Postum Cereal company. In 1922, however, they decided to get back to the work which had first brought the two together. Mr. Colby ran for sheriff with the understanding that if he were elected, he would appoint Mr. Bhymer undersheriff. Colby was elected and for four years he served as head of the Calhoun county sheriff's department, with Peter H. Bhymer as his chief assistant.
---In 1926, Mr. Colby's second term expired and Mr. Bhymer was elected to succeed him. Returning the compliment of four years before, Sheriff Bhymer appointed George Colby as undersheriff. Sheriff Bhymer was re-elected in 1928. He had served over 14 months of his second term at the time of his death.
---Undersheriff Colby again becomes sheriff of Calhoun county as the result of Mr. Bhymer's death. The state law automatically provides that in the case of a vacancy the undersheriff shall fill the remainder of the term. Sheriff Colby will move to the jail residence as soon as it is vacated by Mrs. Bhymer and her family.
---The deceased sheriff is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Letha Lechrome; also a grandson, Billy Lechrome. Both lived with Mr. and Mrs. Bhymer at the jail residence.
---Sheriff Bhymer had one trait that was especially valuable to him as an officer of the law. He had an uncanny ability to remember faces. If he once set eyes on a criminal he always remembered the man's appearance, and the ability to do so has resulted in the arrest of more than one man wanted by Calhoun county officers. He took a friendly interest in the "boys" who were his involuntary guests at the jail, and always called them by their first names. He never forgot any of those who were unfortunate enough to come into his custody, but would remember them and speak to them when he met them, even though it be years later. Mr. Bhymer was a man of the highest integrity and his passing is deeply regreted by all who knew him.
---The body of the late sheriff was removed to the Spaulding undertaking rooms in Battle Creek this morning. Arrangements have not been completed, but it is thought that the funeral will be held from the First Methodist church in Battle Creek Sunday afternoon, although the hour has not been set.
Marshall (MI) Evening Chronicle
Friday, March 7, 1930
Sheriff P.H. Bhymer Died Last Night
In Poor Health for Past Year. Colby Succeeds Him
---Peter H. Bhymer, sheriff of Calhoun county, passed away at the jail residence at 1:00 o'clock this morning. Sheriff Bhymer had been in failing health for over a year, but recently had been able to be about the jail until yesterday morning.
---The sheriff underwent an operation for appendicitis about a year ago. He apparently recovered but was again confined to his bed for several weeks last fall, suffering from artery trouble. Although he recovered sufficiently to enable him to continue his duties as sheriff, it was known that his health was not as it should be. Friends and relatives repeatedly urged him to take a vacation and get away from his work for a time, but Sheriff Bhymer was determined to remain at his post until the expiration of his term, next January 1st.
---Wednesday night the sheriff assisted Night Turnkey Ray Currier in locking up the prisoners for the night. It was his last official act. Yesterday morning it was apparent that he was suffering from a recurrence of the malady which sent him to bed last fall. Dr. G. B. Gesner of Marshall and Dr. Thomas Zelinski were called and were in attendance upon him throughout the day.
---Members of the sheriff's department who saw Sheriff Bhymer last evening realized that he was a very sick man, but they had seen him conquer so many illnesses that they were not prepared to receive word of his death early this morning.
---Peter H. Bhymer was born in Valparaiso, Ind., Sept. 10, 1868, and was past 61 years of age at the time of his death. He moved to Battle Creek in his early youth and became a fireman on the Grand Trunk railroad, following this line of activity until 1903, when he became identified with the Battle Creek police force. From 1903 to 1912 he walked a beat, one of his fellow patrolmen being Co. W. Colby. In 1910 Mr. Colby was put on duty as a plain clothes night officer. Two years later it was decided that he should have an assistant and he was given the right to choose any patrolman in the city for the position. Mr. Colby chose Peter Bhymer as his assistant.
---For several years the two lifelong friends served as the plain clothes night officers of the Battle Creek police force. A few years later a shake-up in the personnel of the department resulted from a change in the city administration. Officers Bhymer and Colby became identified with the Postum Cereal company. In 1922, however, they decided to get back to the work which had first brought the two together. Mr. Colby ran for sheriff with the understanding that if he were elected, he would appoint Mr. Bhymer undersheriff. Colby was elected and for four years he served as head of the Calhoun county sheriff's department, with Peter H. Bhymer as his chief assistant.
---In 1926, Mr. Colby's second term expired and Mr. Bhymer was elected to succeed him. Returning the compliment of four years before, Sheriff Bhymer appointed George Colby as undersheriff. Sheriff Bhymer was re-elected in 1928. He had served over 14 months of his second term at the time of his death.
---Undersheriff Colby again becomes sheriff of Calhoun county as the result of Mr. Bhymer's death. The state law automatically provides that in the case of a vacancy the undersheriff shall fill the remainder of the term. Sheriff Colby will move to the jail residence as soon as it is vacated by Mrs. Bhymer and her family.
---The deceased sheriff is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Letha Lechrome; also a grandson, Billy Lechrome. Both lived with Mr. and Mrs. Bhymer at the jail residence.
---Sheriff Bhymer had one trait that was especially valuable to him as an officer of the law. He had an uncanny ability to remember faces. If he once set eyes on a criminal he always remembered the man's appearance, and the ability to do so has resulted in the arrest of more than one man wanted by Calhoun county officers. He took a friendly interest in the "boys" who were his involuntary guests at the jail, and always called them by their first names. He never forgot any of those who were unfortunate enough to come into his custody, but would remember them and speak to them when he met them, even though it be years later. Mr. Bhymer was a man of the highest integrity and his passing is deeply regreted by all who knew him.
---The body of the late sheriff was removed to the Spaulding undertaking rooms in Battle Creek this morning. Arrangements have not been completed, but it is thought that the funeral will be held from the First Methodist church in Battle Creek Sunday afternoon, although the hour has not been set.
Friday, March 7, 1930
Sheriff P.H. Bhymer Died Last Night
In Poor Health for Past Year. Colby Succeeds Him
---Peter H. Bhymer, sheriff of Calhoun county, passed away at the jail residence at 1:00 o'clock this morning. Sheriff Bhymer had been in failing health for over a year, but recently had been able to be about the jail until yesterday morning.
---The sheriff underwent an operation for appendicitis about a year ago. He apparently recovered but was again confined to his bed for several weeks last fall, suffering from artery trouble. Although he recovered sufficiently to enable him to continue his duties as sheriff, it was known that his health was not as it should be. Friends and relatives repeatedly urged him to take a vacation and get away from his work for a time, but Sheriff Bhymer was determined to remain at his post until the expiration of his term, next January 1st.
---Wednesday night the sheriff assisted Night Turnkey Ray Currier in locking up the prisoners for the night. It was his last official act. Yesterday morning it was apparent that he was suffering from a recurrence of the malady which sent him to bed last fall. Dr. G. B. Gesner of Marshall and Dr. Thomas Zelinski were called and were in attendance upon him throughout the day.
---Members of the sheriff's department who saw Sheriff Bhymer last evening realized that he was a very sick man, but they had seen him conquer so many illnesses that they were not prepared to receive word of his death early this morning.
---Peter H. Bhymer was born in Valparaiso, Ind., Sept. 10, 1868, and was past 61 years of age at the time of his death. He moved to Battle Creek in his early youth and became a fireman on the Grand Trunk railroad, following this line of activity until 1903, when he became identified with the Battle Creek police force. From 1903 to 1912 he walked a beat, one of his fellow patrolmen being Co. W. Colby. In 1910 Mr. Colby was put on duty as a plain clothes night officer. Two years later it was decided that he should have an assistant and he was given the right to choose any patrolman in the city for the position. Mr. Colby chose Peter Bhymer as his assistant.
---For several years the two lifelong friends served as the plain clothes night officers of the Battle Creek police force. A few years later a shake-up in the personnel of the department resulted from a change in the city administration. Officers Bhymer and Colby became identified with the Postum Cereal company. In 1922, however, they decided to get back to the work which had first brought the two together. Mr. Colby ran for sheriff with the understanding that if he were elected, he would appoint Mr. Bhymer undersheriff. Colby was elected and for four years he served as head of the Calhoun county sheriff's department, with Peter H. Bhymer as his chief assistant.
---In 1926, Mr. Colby's second term expired and Mr. Bhymer was elected to succeed him. Returning the compliment of four years before, Sheriff Bhymer appointed George Colby as undersheriff. Sheriff Bhymer was re-elected in 1928. He had served over 14 months of his second term at the time of his death.
---Undersheriff Colby again becomes sheriff of Calhoun county as the result of Mr. Bhymer's death. The state law automatically provides that in the case of a vacancy the undersheriff shall fill the remainder of the term. Sheriff Colby will move to the jail residence as soon as it is vacated by Mrs. Bhymer and her family.
---The deceased sheriff is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Letha Lechrome; also a grandson, Billy Lechrome. Both lived with Mr. and Mrs. Bhymer at the jail residence.
---Sheriff Bhymer had one trait that was especially valuable to him as an officer of the law. He had an uncanny ability to remember faces. If he once set eyes on a criminal he always remembered the man's appearance, and the ability to do so has resulted in the arrest of more than one man wanted by Calhoun county officers. He took a friendly interest in the "boys" who were his involuntary guests at the jail, and always called them by their first names. He never forgot any of those who were unfortunate enough to come into his custody, but would remember them and speak to them when he met them, even though it be years later. Mr. Bhymer was a man of the highest integrity and his passing is deeply regreted by all who knew him.
---The body of the late sheriff was removed to the Spaulding undertaking rooms in Battle Creek this morning. Arrangements have not been completed, but it is thought that the funeral will be held from the First Methodist church in Battle Creek Sunday afternoon, although the hour has not been set.
