Eli WIDGER

WIDGER, BURNS, FAUSER

Posted By: Ronald M Fauser (email)
Date: 8/24/2010 at 22:09:55

Oelwein Daily Register Newspaper, Oelwein, IA,
November 20, 1912, Page 6
THE FAYETTE NEWS RIGHT UP TO DATE
Eli Widger was born in Herkimen Co., N. J. June 30, 1827 and died at his home in Fayette, IA at 5:45 Monday morning, November 11, 1912. In 1857 he moved to Peoria county, Illinois, also living in Henry Co. and in McClain Co. He removed to Iowa in the fall of 1865, settling on a farm in
Smithfield township, Fayette Co., in the spring of 1966 he met with an accident which rendered him a cripple the remainder of his life. Being obliged to change his occupation he moved to Albany in 1868 and engaged in the grocery business. Soon after he took up the work of an insurance solicitor in which he worked until 1908 when failing health compelled him to turn the work over to his daughter, Mrs. Ella Older. He resided in Albany for seventeen years, then moved to Fayette where he has since resided. Mr. Widger received an exhorter's license in 1867 and a local preacher's license in 1876. While in Albany he was active in church and Sunday school work. For many years he kept up regular preaching appointments and often supplied pulpits throughout the county all for the love of God's cause, with no thought of remuneration. He was a loyal citizen and enjoyed the respect of his fellow men. Mr. Widger was twice married, in 1851 to Miss Sarah Bromley Keeley who died in 1889. Six children were born to this union. Three died while quite young when they were living in Illinois, those living are Peter G. Widger, Mrs. Ella Older, both of Fayette, and Mrs. Jennie Hepworth of Oelwein, also one brother, Peter G., of Fayette and Mrs. J. J. Servoss of Savage, Mont. In 1892 he was married the second time to Mrs. Harriet Burns who died in May, 1906. The funeral was held at 10:30 Wednesday forenoon from the Methodist church conducted by Dr. D. M. Barker and the body laid to rest in Grand View cemetery.