William Bilsland d. 1898 at age 73

BILSLAND

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 4/2/2011 at 17:25:28

Wm. Bilsland died at his home in
Carroll township, O'Brien county, la.,
March 1st, aged 73 years. He was
born in Ireland. Came to this country
in his boyhood, landing at Philadelphia
where he lived for twenty years.
When a young man he caught the
western fever and came to Iowa, locating
in Linn county, where he resided
for two years, when he removed to
Fayette county, residing there up to
1885. Himself and family then moved
to the southwest part of the state, settling
in O'Brien county, where he has
since resided. He was the father of
seven children, five of whom were with
him, together with his wife, at the last.
Himself, a son and two daughters were
out in one of the fearful blizzards which
raged in that section a number of
years ago and the two girls froze to
death. Mr. Bilsland was well known
to a great many people in this county
who will regret to learn of his death.
He was a strong character, sturdy and
self reliant and not easily turned from
bis purpose. He was honest and upright
in his dealings, a kind father,
good neighbor, and was known as a
friend that could be relied upon.

Oelwein Register - 16 Mar 1898