Frank Watson
The Alexandria, Argus
Was born near Peoria, Illinos, Nov. 10, 1874 and died died at Blackfoot, Idaho, Nov. 19th, 1918.
In early childhood he came with his parents to Nebraska and the greatest part of his life was spent in this vicinity. In 1904 he joined the M.E. church at this place of which he was a faithful member. In the fall of 1912 he went to Idaho and remained there until his death. He leaves to mourn three brothers, and four sisters, besides a host of friends.
The funeral services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Henry Fritchie 2:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. J.B. Butter, who, delivered a very impressive sermon. The burial took place in Alexandria cemetery.
Contributed by Patsy Scheer
Mary Deal Watson
Mary Deal Watson was born June 17th, 1846, in Jackson County Ohio, while residing at this place, married Samuel F. Watson Dec. 24th, 1862. From this place they moved to Peoria, Illinois in 1868, and in 1879, moved to this state where they have since resided. On the 20th day of Sept., 1900, she passed over the border line to meet her Master. Age 54 years, 3 months and 3 days.
She leaves a husband, four sons and four daughters to mourn her loss.
The funeral was held at the home of the deceased at 11 o'clock Sunday morning, conducted by Rev. T.H. Lillie, pastor of the M.E. church of Alexandria and the remains were laid at rest in the cemetery west of town.
Contributed by Patsy Scheer
Samuel Watson
From the Alexandria Argus July 6, 1911
Samuel Watson was born at Jacksonville Ohio, June 20, 1839. There he grew to manhood and later moved to Nebraska and on into Kansas. In 1891 he returned to Nebraska settling at Alexandria, where he passed away after an illness of three years duration, July 4, 1911, at the age of seventy-two years and fifteen days.
December 24, 1862, the deceased was married to Miss Mary Deal. To this union were born twelve children; eight of whom are now living, as follows: William Clinton Watson, Geneva, Nebraska; Sam'l Watson, Lincoln, Nebraska; Frank Watson, Hiawatha, Kansas; Alonzo Watson, Alexandria, Nebraska; Mrs. Rosa Eden, Lavetta, Colorado; Mrs. Grace Scriven, Cumberland, Wyoming; Mrs. Viola Fritchie, Alexandria, Nebraska; Mrs. Pearl Frankforter, Ohiowa, Nebraska. Mrs. Watson, the mother of this large family of children, died September 20, 1900 and Mr. Watson was again married to Anna Martin Kershaw (Watson) who still survives him.
Previous to his coming to Alexandria, the deceased followed farming as an occupation as a means of livelihood and up to the time when he was stricken with the disease which finally terminated his life, led a very active life.
About twenty years ago, through the influence of his Godly wife he was led to Christ and joined the United Brethren church. And though this church later became inoperative here, he still retained his faith in the Gospel. Frequently during the last months of his life he gave humble testimony to the mercy of God in his behalf and often told those about him that he was ready to die. Although bedridden for three years, he was a patient sufferer. No word of complaint was heard to escape his lips. His prayer as concerned his body was that he might be spared pain at the last and singularly enough the end was as he desired it and at the finality he lasped into sleep- the final sleep- from which he shall awaken in a bright and better world, than this in the morning of the Resurrection, "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Rev. W.B. Shoaf preached the funeral sermon in the M.E. church at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Internment took place in the Alexandria cemetery.
Contributed by Patsy Scheer
John Whitaker
Source: The Fairbury Gazette, Saturday February 4, 1899
Died, at the Wesleyan University at Lincoln, Sunday morning, John Whitaker of Belvidere, Neb. Mr. Whitaker was a graduate of the Belvidere schools and had studied at the Lincoln Normal. This year he entered the Wesleyan. He was a young man of most exemplary character with a promising future. Services were held at the Uiversity chapel conducted by Chancellor Huntington in the presence of several hundred people. The funeral occurred at Belvidere Tuesday and the esteem in which Mr. Whitaker was held could be judged by the large number of people present. Deceased was a nephew of H.F. Hole of this place and J.S. Hole of Harbine.
John Whitaker
JOHN WHITAKER: Born in Havanah, Ill., April 28th, 1878; his mother died in 1890 and his father in 1893, leaving three orphan children: Nellie, John and Daisy. On the death of their father the children made their homes with relatives. Nellie moved to Logansport, Ind., Daisy to Vincennes, Ind., and John made his home with his uncle, S. L. Hole near Belvidere.
John graduated from Belvidere High School June 8, 1894; he then attended Lincoln Normal from September to March when he stopped school because of ill health. In September 1898 John started at Wesleyan University with the intention of becoming a lawyer. While there he developed measles which developed into pneumonia. He died Jan 29th,1899 at 1:52 a.m. at Universitiy Place, Lincoln, Nebr. at the age of 20 years, 9 months and 1 day. With him at the time of his death were his uncle, Stephen Hole of Belvidere; his sister, Miss Nellie Whitaker of Logansport, Ind.; his betrothed, Miss Nellie Town of Peru, and his roommate, Mr. Wright.
Funeral services were conducted at the university chapel under the auspices of the Everett society and the Y.M.C.A., conducted by Chancellor Huntington. The remains were then sent to Belvidere, where services were held the next day in the M. E. Church, of which the deceased was a member. Rev. Winters preached the sermon. After Daisy's arrival on the afternoon train, John was tenderly laid to rest in the Belvidere Cemetery.
Contributed by Marilyn Widler
Dorotha Willey
Source: The Hebron Journal, Thursday June 3, 1875
Died May 24, 1875, Mrs. Dorotha Willey, aged 33 years. Wife of John Willey, our worthy village blacksmith. She was a quiet, industrious and worthy wife and mother and the bereaved family have the sympathy of the public. (Carleton Item)
Hazel Mary Wiswell - Go to G, see Hazel Mary Garber
Christine W. Witt - Go to B, see Christine W. Busing
August Wolf, Senior
Source: The Deshler Rustler
August Wolf, Senior, commonly called grandpa Wolf, died at his home south of town Sunday evening. He suffered from a complication of diseases; first taking sick in January of 1908, and has been under medical care most of the time ever since. He was quite low last spring, but got better,and was up and around until September 22nd, when he begin to fail rapidly and died at the age of 70 years, three months and six days. The deceased was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, June 27, 1839. Lived there until the family came to America; landing December 24 1856. Lived with his parents on a farm near Berrington, Ill until December 1863 when he enlisted in the army; was honorably discharged as Corporal in August 1865, returned to the farm and remained thereuntil September 1878. me married Caroline Petschow December 16, 1866 at Lake Zurich, Illinois. To this union were born seven children---six sons and a daughter, all of which, with their mother, survive him, and were at his bedside when he died. Having lived in Thayer County, Nebraska, 31 years,he had a large acquaintance who knew him to have been an honored citizen, a belovedhusband and an affectionate father. The Rustler joins the entire communtity in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.
Cards of Thanks
We desire to publicly thank the kind and liberal friends and neighbors, who through kindness, did so much during the long sickness and burial of our loving husband and kind father.
Mrs. August Wolf and Children
Sophronia Bailey Stockwell West
A NOBLE WOMAN GONE.
Sophronia Bailey Stockwell West.
SOPHRONIA JENNIE BAILEY was born in Rochester, Vermont, Jan. 17, 1820 and died near Alexandria, Neb., Feb. 25, 1901. Aged 81 years 1 month and 8 days.
She was married to HENRY C. STOCKWELL Dec. 4, 1845 with whom she moved to Tremont, Ill., in 1853. To this union was born one son George B. who died in Nov. 18, 1873.
She was left a widow in 1855. She afterwards moved to Groveland, Ill., where she was married to J. V. R. WEST in 1860. To this union was born one daughter Jennie who died at the age of two years. The family moved to Nebraska in 1878. The family consisted of Jasper E. West, Eva M. West, Ida J. West, Celia E. West having died in 1875.
Jasper E. West was married to Miss E. L Hiett a short time before their departure from Ill. and settled near his father's farm. To them were born three children: Ada E. now Mrs. Wm. Easley, Roma M. and Mable A.
Eva M. West was married to Rev. P. Van Fleet in 1883 and Ida June West to H. F. D. Chase in 1888; to them was born one son James Warren Chase. All these live to testify to her devotion and love; for her coming into the family while the children were young in years the relation existing between mother and children were perfect and harmonious.
Her brother, Rev. Geo. I. Bailey, for many years has been a Methodist minister residing at Onaiga, Ill. His poor health prevents his presence with us on this sad occasion. Her only living sister Mrs. Diantha Gove with her family, now mourns the loss of a livng sister and an affectionate aunt. Nestled among the hills of New England are many relatives and friends who if it were no for the great distance that lies between would be with us.
The deceased was converted in childhood and has been a member of the M. E. church for over sixty-five years. She lived a happy useful life and her end was peace. Her father mother, two sisters, four brothers, children and a host of dear relatives and friends have preceded her to that beautiful Spiritual realm.
Her life has been a great benediction to all that knew her. Her home was her palace. If she ruled at all, it was with love. Her husband was very happy with her and he was her delight. Her mother heart went out to the children in tender emotion. Such love between husband and wife, mother and children, no doubt must continue forever.
Contributed by Marilyn Widler