McDermott, William F. 1882 - 1910

MCDERMOTT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/14/2020 at 07:45:56

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 22 Dec. 1910.

On Wednesday morning, Dec. 14th, 1910, at the home of his parents in Cox Creek township, occurred the death of William F. McDermott, beloved son of J. J. and Julia McDermott. He was born Sept. 28th, 1882, in Cox Creek township, being 28 years, 2 months and 16 days of age at the time of his death.

He received his education in the rural schools, Elkader High School, and Valder Business College, Decorah, Ia., from which he graduated Sept. 30th, 1903, engaging in the profession of school teaching in his home county, teaching successfully several terms of school until failing health compelled him to cease activities in that line, and seek a more congenial climate.

He went to Denver, Col., in January of 1907, returning home in May of the same year, again resuming teaching for one term, returning to Colorado again in November, where he remained two years working in a country store, and for the Prudential Life Insurance Co. at Colorado Springs.

Failing to see any change for the better in his condition he came home on Nov. 17th, 1909, remaining here until his death.

During the last year his suffering at times has been intense, being confined to his bed nearly all the time for the past six months, but all was bourne with patience, and, resigning to the will of his Maker, he patiently awaited the end. All that loving relatives and kind friends could do was done, his every wish gratified.

He was a beneficiary member of the M.W.A., joining at Osborne in June 1905.

His one great desire during his illness was to hear sacred hymns, and the song "Tell Mother I'll Be There", sung by his sister Katherine. He leaves to mourn his loss his father and mother, five brothers and three sisters: Thomas and Emmett, at Meridian, Idaho; Lawrence, at Colorado Springs, Col.; Edward, at Chicago, Ill.; Coletta, John, Alice and Katherine, at home.

Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart church Friday morning. Requiem High Mass being celebrated by his pastor, Father Hartigan, who was his faithful attendant during his illness and who paid glowing tribute to the deceased. It was one of the largest funerals ever held at that church, and shows the esteem in which he and the family are held. The pall bearers, who were selected by himself just previous to his death, were John O'Brien, Martin Henry, Michael Hurley, Harry Quinn, Thomas Reilly, and P.M. Connelly. May his soul rest in peace.