Groom, William Enoch 1838-1898

GROOM, GURNEY, PETTIT

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/26/2016 at 09:23:43

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - March 4, 1898 - W.E. Groom died at his home in Storm Lake last Friday February 25, 1898, aged 59 years, 10 months, and 21 days. Deceased had been ill for about two weeks with congestion the stomach and liver, the immediate cause of his death being heart failure.

William Enoch Groom was born near Cassville, Wisconsin April 4, 1838 became a member of the M.E. church in 1857 and on September 18, 1861 was married to Priscilla H Gurney. In the spring of 1876 he moved with his family to Maple Valley township, this county. He had always been a farmer, but from childhood but had made a study of fruits and flowers, and about twelve years ago, started a nursery on his farm.

In September 1894 he moved to Storm Lake having purchased a tract of seven acres adjoining this city and since coming here has devoted his entire attention to the nursery business.

He was an earnest, conscientious Christian man took a deep interest in the affairs of his church, and during the greater part of the time he resided in Maple Valley township was superintendent of the Centennial M.E. Sunday school.

He was the father of four children the eldest George W. died in infancy the others Mrs. Henry Pettit, Wesley G. and Archie with their mother have the sympathy of the community in their loss of a loving husband and father.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the M.E. church. Rev. G.W. Pratt preaching an eloquent sermon and Dr. Lewis, of Morningside assisting in the services. The pall-bearers were Mr. Munson, Dr J.H. Sherman, H.B. Delbridge, J.W. Bethards, D.S. Spragg, and W.W. Wedgwood. The attendance was unusually large, many being unable to gain admittance, showing the esteem in which the deceased was held and the sympathy felt for the bereaved family.