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Officer Horton's Death
Suddenly Drops Dead While on Pacific Avenue
Was Walking Along His Beat When the Dread Summons Came

Officer S.I. Horton died suddenly at 10 o'clock Saturday evening on Pacific Av. in front of the Kunitz building. He complained to Officer Swan early in the evening that he was not feeling well. A few minutes before ten o'clock Swan again met him, and they joked together over some trifling matter. Officer Horton then went into Horsnyders drugstore, where he drank a glass of soda and walked down the street, when he was seen to drop on his knees, and it looked to passers by as if he wanted to say something, but could not. He fell to the sidewalk, and a crowd soon gathered. When assistance reached him it was found that he was beyond earthly relief.

The remains were taken to the home of the deceased on Locust St. Heart failure was the cause of death.

Officer Horton came to Santa Cruz about twelve years ago, engaging in the grocery business. Subsequently he purchased a farm, which he disposed of. About three years ago he was appointed on the police force. During the past few months he had complained of ill health, but bravely performed his duty. Several months ago he returned from a visit to relatives in the east.

The deceased was among the best officers this city ever had. He was a man of kindly nature. He never shirked his duty.

Deceased served during the Civil War. He was a member of San Lorenzo Lodge, I.O.O.F., and Wallace Reynolds Post, G.A.R., and the Maccabees. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters.

Santa Cruz Surf (July 10, 1899)

Septimus I Horton, of the police force dropped dead on Pacific Ave. Saturday evening. Mr. Horton was everybody's friend and a general favorite. He was born Dec. 1, 1846 in Fulton Co. Ill. As a young man he enlisted and served in the Civil War.

Fifteen years ago, with his family he came to California and, with the exception of three years spent in Tulare County, he has resided in Santa Cruz. He engaged in the grocery business, but for a number of years he has been an efficient member of the police force.

He leaves a wife and four children, William, Roy, Alice, and Lola, all of whom reside in this city. He also has two cousins Miss Martha Dunlap, and David Owens.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Maccabee and G.A.R.

The funeral will be held this afternoon from the family home on Locust Street under the auspices of the Odd Fellows. Rev M.D. Beck of the Methodist church was the officiating clergyman. The Pallbearers were selected from the orders of which he was a member and the police force. Interment was in the Odd Fellows cemetery.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (July 11, 1899)

The funeral services of Officer Septimus I. Horton on Monday afternoon were largely attended. Rev. Mr. Buck had charge, offering the prayer, and delivering the address at the house. A quartette composed of Mrs. F.D. McPherson, Miss Reba Howland, W. P. Netherton and John W. Sinkinson furnished the music. San Lorenzo Lodge I.O.O.F., Wallace-Reynolds Post, G.A.R. Rebekahs, Maccabees and the Mayor and City Council were in attendance. The Odd Fellows conducted the services at the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The floral pieces were numerous. The pallbearers were Chief Rawle, Officer Daugherty, W.H. Patton, W. R. Springer, E.W. Netherton and J.B. Harris.

Date of Birth: 1846-12-01

Date of Death: 1899-07-08

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz Memorial Park

Plot: J39

Mortuary: W&S

Cause of Death: Hrt/Related

Spouse: (Horton)_ Anna

Occupation: Law/Guard

Religion: Me

Local Address: Locust St 94

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: IL

Enlisted: 1864/09/08

Discharged: 11865/07/08

Military Unit: IL_ 146 Inf_ Co H

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: R-Macon IL

GAR#: WR32

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: W&R 1896 Roster