Webster, Birdsall 1834-1925

WEBSTER, DAVENPORT, SMITH, BOWMAN, SCHOENTHALER, WRAY

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 5/15/2007 at 22:08:50

GOOD MAN IS LAID TO REST ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON
In the passing of Birdsall Webster which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. C. Davenport, at Morehead, Minnesota, Maquoketa lost one of her oldest and most honored citizens. For many, many years Mr. Webster lived and worked in our midst and his life was one of true useful citizenship, and the good old age which he reached enabled him to see his efforts in helping to make Maquoketa bigger and grander meet with success.
Birdsall Webster was born at Hinsdale, N.Y., April 4, 1834, and had he lived until Saturday next, would have been ninety-one years of age. When a child of five years he moved with his people to Illinois where he grew to young manhood, later moving to Comanche, thence to Welton, Iowa, where for a number of years he engaged in farming, coming to Maquoketa about 1870, where he had since resided unti about three years ago when he went to make his home with his daughter in Minnesota.
In 1848 Mr. Webster was united in marriage to Miss Frances L. Smith, in Clinton county. After moving to Maquoketa, he engaged in the monument business establishing the first business of this kind in the city. After disposing of this plant to the Wray brothers, Mr. Webster engaged in the grocery business which he followed until retiring from active business life. He was a lifelong member of the Congregational church and died as he had always lived - a Christian man.
To Mr. and Mrs. Webster were born two children, Mrs. L.C. Davenport, and Charles O., the last named passing away in 1918, while his devoted wife was called in 1920.
Besides the daughter there survive six grandchildren; Birdsall Jr., of Los Angeles; Mrs. N. C. Bowman of Moline; Louis Webster of Chicago; Mrs. A.C. Schoenthaler and Victor Webster of North English, iowa and Frances L. Webster of Morehead, Minn.
Owing to advanced age and failing health, deceased left our city to make his home with his daughter where the end came peacefully last Sunday. The body was accompanied here by Dr. and Mrs. Davenport and the funeral was held Thursday afternoon from the Congregational church, Rev. Sinden officiating. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.