William A. Byfield 1869-1914

BYFIELD, GOSS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/14/2010 at 22:40:04

Wm. Byfield Suddenly Called
Although Ill for Some Time, Sufferer Was Not Considered as Being So Critical

The citizens of our city and the friends of William A. Byfield were extremely shocked last Thursday [September 24, 1914] by the news of the sudden death of our fellow townsman. Mr. Byfield has been ill for some months past, and while it was known his disease would prove fatal it was not thought the end was so near at hand. Mr. Byfield had been up and around the house until a short time before his death which came suddenly as the clock was striking three, and just as the train that was carrying his loving mother to his bed side arrived in our city. Mr. Byfield came to this city in March, 1891, with his wife and parents. For years he was connected with his father, W. A. Byfield in business here, and after the death of his father he engaged in the restaurant business. Mr. Byfield was one of the popular young men of the town and has always retained his friends through his kindness and consideration for others.

William A. Byfield was born June 20, 1869, at Brandon, Ia., from there he moved to Blairstown and to Vinton before coming to this city to reside. It was during his residence at Blairstown that he met Miss May Goss an on February 11, 1891, they were united in marriage. To this union there were three daughters born, Misses Hazel, Grace and Louise who together with the wife and mother remain to mourn the loss of a most loving and Christian father, husband and son.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church on Sunday afternoon and the remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery amid a profusion of flowers sent by loving relatives and friends. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, September 30, 1914)

----------------------------

The Grim Reaper, Death, took from his earthly home William A. Byfield at three o'clock Thursday afternoon and carried him to his heavenly reward. Mr. Byfield has been a patient sufferer for many years but by his genial manner and uncomplaining attitude during his illness he was spoken of [as] a wonderfully brave man by his friends. He was a quiet home-loving person and will be sorely missed from the family circle of which he was such a strong link.

Deceased was born at Brandton [Brandon], Iowa, June 20, 1869, and died September 24,1914, at 3 p.m., at Estherville. He was married at Blairstown to Miss May Goss February 11, 1891, and moved to Estherville March 12, 1891, where he was engaged at different vocations but principally in the restaurant and as proprietor of the Variety Store in the Masonic block. The funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church Sunday afternoon. [He was buried at Oak Hill cemetery.]

Deceased leaves a wife, three daughters and a mother to mourn his sad demise.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, September 30, 1914.