Ben Williams

WILLIAMS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/26/2019 at 08:13:50

14 February 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 4

Bellevue, Iowa, February 14--It could hardly be believed that Ben J. Williams was dead when that word circulated about town and country Saturday, he having been such a well and hearty man and at his work in the local button factory Thursday. He had complained some of a cold and pain in his chest, but it disappeared later. While at work Thursday morning he was again taken with it and he said to his brother Harry who worked near him he believed he would go and see a doctor which he did. He was assured nothing was seriously the matter and took the medicine and went home. That night he told his brother when he inquired that he felt all right. He got up as usual the next morning saying he felt all right, but he believed he would not go to work, but stay around home and take the medicine. He did so, that night expressing himself as feeling all right and ate a hearty supper as usual and going to bed at his usual time. He was always anxious for his evening paper, but that evening being so cold and blustery he told his little nephews not to go after it, he could get it tomorrow. He was heard to cough once after he had retired, the last sound he was ever heard to make. His brother Harry with whom he made his home over slept the next morning and hurried to get off to work not thinking of him until he was nearly ready to go. He then said: "Why Ben isn't up yet." But they thought he was going to rest a little longer as he didn't intend to go to work. After he had gone one of his little boys went into his uncle's room and found him dead. They went at once for their father and the doctor was called who pronounced it apoplexy. Mr. Williams was born and raised here and was 58 years 7 months and 6 days old. He had never married and made his home with his brother, Harry and family, was dearly loved by the children and will be greatly missed. He leaves two brothers, both of this city and two sisters, one in Omaha, Neb., and one at St. Louis, Mo., neither of whom were able to attend the funeral, one being bedfast herself. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon. A. H. Jameyson conducted a short service at the home and the body was tenderly borne to its last resting place in the North cemetery by John Schmink, Charlie Coe, Eberhart Bertch, Geo. Schaub, Bert White and Wm. Evers.