The following death notice appeared in the Galveston Daily News on December 25, 1895 on page 3, column 1:
"DEATH OF I. JAPHET
The death of Mr. I. Japhet, an old and esteemed citizen of Houston, occurred today at 3:05 in the afternoon at the family home below the city limits on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. Several days ago he was prostrated by a stroke of paralysis from the effects of which he was never able to recover, and after having been three or four days in a comatose state he died today. He was 53 years of age, and came to this country about the close of the late war. Germany was his native place and only two years ago he made a trip there. He was a member of the Turn verein and had been for 25 years. That body will meet at their hall tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock to attend the funeral. He leaves a widow and several children to mourn his death."