Bywater, William 1841 - 1917

BYWATER, OLMSTED, SMITH, MINER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/29/2021 at 18:26:44

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 31 May 1917. Monona column.

William Bywater was born near Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Jan. 21, 1841. When a lad of twelve years of age he came with his parents to America and located at Troy, N.Y. Three years later his parents died, leaving him as the main support of the remaining members of the household. He later, with his sisters and brothers, came to Wisconsin, locating near, Mazomanie. At the age of twenty he became an engineer on steamboats plying between Minneapolis and New Orleans, on the Mississippi river, which occupation he followed for a period of about thirty-five years.

In November, 1882, he was united in marriage with Mary L. Smith, at Monona, Iowa, at which place they resided until the time of her death, which occurred July 13, 1914. Since that date he has made his home with his nephew, Dr. F. D. Miner, at Hazelton, Iowa.

"Uncle Billy", as he was familiarly known, was an industrious, hard working man; honest in business, patriotic in spirit and a typical American citizen. He was interested in municipal and community affairs, a supporter of churches, and a friend to education. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. and believed in the fundamental principals of friendship, love and truth, most generously giving of his substance to those in need.

His late sickness was of short duration extending over a period of about six weeks. During four weeks of this time he was confined to his bed. Notwithstanding the best medical care and loving nursing , he restfully passed away into realms of the unseen on Monday morning, May 28th, 1917, at the age of 76 years.

Besides a large host of friends and distant relatives, he leaves to mourn his departure one brother, Geo. Bywater, of this city, and one sister, Mrs. H. B. Miner, of Waukon, Iowa, two brothers having preceded him to the other side.

Short services were held at Dr. Miner's home in Hazelton, and the remains brought to Monona for burial. The funeral services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church on Tuesday, May 29th, at 3:00 p.m. The service was conducted by Rev. Jas. B. Bird, of Waukon, former pastor at Monona, assisted by Rev. C. E. Baker.

Magnificent floral offerings show the esteem and love the people held for "Uncle Billy." The friends from out of town were Mr. Converse and Miss Converse, of Cresco, Iowa; Mr. Webster and Mr. and Mrs. Webb, of Postville; and Mrs. Bl_cker, of Oelwein.

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Added by S. Ferrall 9/29/2021:

The 1912 (not 1914) obituary of his wife Mary Louise gives her maiden name as Olmsted. Although it doesn't mention a marriage previous to Mr. Bywater, she was first married to H.E. Smith in 1871.