Bones, William 1835- 1873

BONES

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 12/5/2004 at 14:26:27

TIMES February 6, 1873 P3 C3

DEATH OF CAPTAIN BONES

Captain Bones is dead! The announcement of his death, which occurred at half past ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, althought not entirely unexpected, was received with profound sorrow and deep regret by the entire community. In death of Captain Bones the town has lost a valuable businessman, the social circle a bright ornament; the church a faithful worker; humanity a generous friend and helper. His early death--being just in the flush of full manhood and vigor--is looked upon by all as a great loss to our town, and to our business and social circles, and leaves a void which cannot be filled. The deceased, was one of the truest and purest of men--a true gentleman in the broadest sense of the term. His gentlemanly bearing, genial manners, generous habits, and strict honesty, and probity of character had won for him a wide circle of close and enduring friends. He was one of the most widely known and honored citizens of our town.

Captain Bones was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania; removed with his parents to Racine, Wisconsin in 1846, where he resided with the exception of a few years, until the commencment of the late war. At the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted as a private in Company G, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. Upon the organization of the regiment, was commissioned battalion Adjutant, went with the regiment as far as St. Louis, where he was mustered out of service by order of the War Department discontinning the office of battalion adjutant. He afterwards again entered the service, having been commissioned Adjutant of the 22nd Wisconsin infantry. Participated in the battle of Spring Hill, Tennesee, on the 5th of March 1863, where he was, with his regiment, taken prisioner; was confined in Libby prison, Richmond, Virginia about three months, when he was exchanged, and immediately sent to the front, and was soon afterwards promoted Captain of Company K, of his regiment. He served with General Sherman through the Atlanta Campaign. After the capture of Savannah he was appointed Inspector General on General Dustin's staff where he served during the rest of the war. Was mustered out of service at the close of the war in the spring of 1865. He came to Iowa in the fall of the same year, and went into business at Decorah; afterwards removed to Conover, and came to Cresco when the town was first started, and went into the mertile business with C. I. White. He has since resided here with the exception of a few months when he was in business in Decorah. In the army he won renown for distinguished services. The disease with which the Captain was affected and which finally resulted in his death was caused by exposure and hardships while in the army.

On the 7th of last November he was married to Miss Mary E. Bradish. He had furnished himself a pleasant home and looked forward to a long, bright and happy future, little thinking that so soon were his fond hopes to be crushed and that he would be the bridegoom of death. Alas how uncertain is human life and unavaining human calculaltions. Man proposes--God disposes. The happy bride of three months ago is today a lonely widow--God pity her in her heavy sorrow--and the grave has closed over the late happy husband. Peace to his ashes.

The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, which had been kindly thrown open by its officers, the Grace Episcopal Church, of which the deceased was a communicant, being too small to accommodate the immense crowd of mourners who were present to pay the last sad rites and respects to their departed friend. The Rev. Hale Townsend, of Decorah officiated in placed of Rev. Johnstone McCormac, Rector of Grace Church who was sick, and unable to attend. The members of the Masonic Lodge of Cresco were present in a body, to do honor to him who was an honored member of the fraternity, and his remains were borne to the grave by the loving hands of his weeping brethren.

We understand that the business of the firm of Wm. Bones & Co. will be continued as heretofore.

Second Obit:

owa Plain Dealer February 7, 1873, P2, C3

DIED.

BONES.--In Cresco, February 4th, 1873, WILLIAM BONES, aged 38 years.

It is unnecessary for us to say that this announcement fell upon our community like the tidings of some terrible calamity. Thus has passed away one of our best business men, a gentleman, a true friend, a firm and honest opponent. But a few months since, with every promise of future happiness and a home, he started anew the journey of life with a fair companion to share his joys and sorrows. His joys on earth are over, his wife of a few months remains sorrowing alone. His virtues and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Peace to his ashes.