Death Claims One Of Oldest Business Men
Carl Sasse Succumbs to Pneumonia

The McKean Democrat
December 5, 1912
One of Smethport’s pioneer merchants died at his home on the corner of Mechanic and Cemetery streets, in this borough, at about 8:00 o’clock Tuesday evening, after a short illness of pneumonia, Carl Sasse, in the in the 75th year of his age. It is with a heavy heart that the writer announces the death of this aged and highly respected citizen and businessman who has been so suddenly taken from us. Very few in this borough were aware that Mr. Sasse had been ailing, and when word was given out Tuesday evening of his death the announcement came as a distinct shock to his friends, and they embraced all who knew the man in life. It is doubtful if any citizen of Smethport had more friends and fewer enemies than the one who has just gone to his reward. As near as we can ascertain Mr. Sasse was take ill while at his business place last Friday. E. W. Jones on the afternoon of that day went into the store and found Mr. Sasse seemingly suffering greatly. He told Mr. Jones that he had been waiting for his son, Herman, to come and take him home. Mr. Jones seeing the condition of the stricken man at once telephoned to his bar to have a rig sent at once to the store for the purpose of taking Mr. Sasse to his home, which was done and a physician summoned. From the first pneumonia was feared, and every effort was made to avert that danger but without avail, and the end came quickly at the time above stated. Carl Sasse was born in Duderstadt, Hanover, Prussia, September 7, 1838, and came to America in 1863. He came direct to Smethport and engaged in the cabinet making business, until he centered the furniture business with his half brother, William Specht, under the firm name of Specht & Sasse, which is the oldest business house in this borough. In 1867 in this place, Mr. Sasse was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Koenig, who died about four years ago. The fruits of this union were five children, four of whom survive, Miss Amanda, who resides at home: Herman, the well known undertaker, and Rudolph C., all of this borough, and Waldo, a well know business man of Kane. Carl Sasse was a man who was universally well liked by all within the circle of his acquaintance. Of a hearty, whole souled nature of a most generous and funny disposition, he could not help making and retaining friends. During his long and honorable business career in Smethport, he made a record for probably which he hands down to his children that they certainly have a right to prize highly, and be proud of the heritage bequeathed them, by an honored father who performed his part well during his busy life. Mr. Sasse for a man of his advanced years was wonderfully well preserved, and would gave been take to be many years younger that he really was. He always appeared to be the perfect picture of health and physical strength, and many more years of usefulness seemed to be promised him, but when he was stricken with that disease-pneumonia-his age counted against him in the unequal battle, and the end soon came. The writer of this can truthfully say that he never had a more loyal and steadfast friend that was Carl Sasse, and when we learned of his demise we realized that we had suffered a personal loss. Many were the words of commendation we received from him during the years that we have been connected with the DEMOCRAT. He was one of those rare characters who did not believe in waiting for a man to die before saying any good of him, providing that he saw any good in his fellow man. Never as long as memory remains green will we forget the many words of sympathy we received from Mr. Sasse during the past summer when sympathy meant more than words can express. Remember the innumerable courtesies son us during the many years that we knew Mr. Sasse we feel that in his death ties of the interest nature have been sundered. May our dear friend rest in peace. The Funeral will be held at the house Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Rev. W. E. VanDyke, rector of St. Luke’s church, will officiate. The interment will e made in rose Hill cemetery. The DEMOCRAT extends its sympathy to the stricken family. A most kind and indulgent father has been taken from them.

Death of William Specht

The McKean Democrat
February 12, 1914
One of Smethport’s oldest businessmen passed away Sunday. Died at his home on South Mechanic Street, last Sunday afternoon, William Specht, aged 88 years and nearly five months. For many months previous to hiss death Mr. Specht had been gradually declining from the infirmities attendant upon old age. While his mental faculties remained unimpaired until the last day, his physical powers gradually wore out, and when the end came he peacefully passed away with a smile on his face, as became his pure and upon right life during almost four score and ten years of busy activity in the business world. William Specht was born in Deuderstadt, Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia, Germany, September 12, 1825. He received an excellent education in his native country. At the age 26, in 1851, he came to America, and at once made his way to McKean county. He came to Olean by rail, and from that place he continued his journey on foot to Colegrove, the abode of the Heinemanus, old friends in the fatherland. Subsequently Mr. Specht settled in Smethport, where he conducted a Undertaking shop for some time. Eventually y he, with his half-brother, Carl Sasse, entered the furniture business in this borough, which they successfully conducted up until Mr. Sasses death about a year ago. Shortly after his partners death Mr. Specht retired from native business pursuits, and settled down to enjoy the fruits of a well-spent lie at the home of his son, William F. Specht, and his estimable family, who idolized grandpa Specht. Nothing was neglected by this family in making the last days of this patriarch comfortable and pleasant.