ALSTON, William 1811 - 1896

ALSTON, VAUGHN, WILEY, VOTE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/20/2006 at 17:05:31

"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, March 25, 1896
Page 2, Column 3

Death of William ALSTON.

William ALSTON, a resident of Fairfield for over fifty-five years, died at his home in the west part of town Thursday morning, March 19th, about half past seven o'clock. About two years ago Mr. ALSTON went to Denver for a visit with his daughter and while there and after his return had a severe sick spell. Since that time his health has been fairly good for one of his age. About a month ago he was again taken down and gradually failed until the time of his death, suffering intense agony the last few days.

William ALSTON was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29, 1811. In 1837 he came to America and located in Edwards county, Illinois. He lived there about a year and then moved to Lexington, in Van Buren county, Iowa, where he engaged in the grocery business. He moved to Fairfield in June, 1840, and continued in the same line of business. He was married to Miss Ruth VAUGHN December 25, 1843. Ten children blessed this union, three of whom are living. From 1858 he devoted himself exclusively to farming and stock raising, but for a number of years past has lived a retired life. Mrs. ALSTON died in November, 1863, and two years later Mr. ALSTON was married to Mrs. Jane WILEY, who died seven years later. The deceased was a man of excellent character, sterling integrity and uprightness. During his long residence here he formed a large circle of friends who could only speak of him in words of praise. The funeral was held at the home Friday at two o'clock and was largely attended.

The surviving children, Mrs. Mary VOTE, William E., and Henry C. ALSTON, were present. the service was conducted by Rev. Melick, of the Lutheran church, and Dr. J. F. Magill, of the Presbyterian.

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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, March 25, 1896
Page 3, Column 3

William ALSTON Has Passed Away.

William ALSTON, one of the oldest and best known residents of Fairfield and Jefferson county, died at his home in this city Thursday. He was in the eighty-fifth year of his age, and had been in feeble health for many months past. Mr. ALSTON was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29th, 1811. He grew to manhood near his native place, and, being thrown largely upon his own resources, decided to find a home in the new world. He came to the United States in 1839, made his first permanent stop in Edwards county, Ill., and a year later came to Iowa. After a short residence in Van Buren county he came to Fairfield in April, 1840, and his residence here had been unbroken during this period of more than half a century. December 25th, 1843, Mr. ALSTON was united in marriage with Miss Ruth VAUGHN, who died in November, 1863. Then children were born to them, only three of whom are now living, W.E. and H.C. ALSTON and Mrs. Mary VOTE, and all make their homes in this city. In October, 1865, he was again married, to Mrs. Jane WILEY, who died seven years later. Mr. ALSTON's parents both lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and he was the last surviving member of a family of ten children.

Mr. ALSTON was a merchant during the earlier portion of his residence in Fairfield, but afterwards spent several years on a farm just northwest of the city. Some time in the '60's he again removed to town and retired from active business. He was ever energetic and industrious, prudent and conservative in the management of his affairs and in his investments, and he amassed a comfortable fortune. In any public enterprise Mr. ALSTON was always ready to bear his share of the burden, and he was a cheerful giver in private charities. Among the older residents of Jefferson county he had a very wide acquaintance and many warm friends, and for the younger generation he always had a word of cheer and encouragement. He was a man of many excellent qualities, and those who knew him best most admired and esteemed him. Much sympathy was extended him in the long illness with which he was afflicted, and his death will be very generally regretted. The remains were interred in this city Friday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Magill and Rev. M. L. Melick.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Old Fairfield City Cemetery with both his wives, in Lot 97.