Bartholomew, William Houston

BARTHOLOMEW, SPEER, FRY, ROBINSON, GUILD, JAMES, SMOCK, PARRETT

Posted By: Bill Rathbun (email)
Date: 3/6/2004 at 21:31:28

The Fairfield Tribune, Wed., June 26, 1907, Page 7, col. 4.
THE PASSING OF A PIONEER. William Houston Bartholomew was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, March 1, 1814, and passed from this life at Eldon last Sunday, June 23rd at 4:30 p.m., at the advanced age of 93 years 3 months and 23 days. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Speer in 1839, in Ireland, and came with her to Fairfield in 1844. He was a carpenter and joiner, and worked on his trade in this city until 1849, when he crossed the plains to the gold diggings of California. Two years later he returned by way of Panama and New York City. He then bought a farm in Cedar Township, now known as the Blough Farm, on which he lived some two or three years, then sold it and bought another adjoining Libertyville. After living on this place for a year or two, he disposed of it and bought one immediately west of Batavia, on which he lived until about two years ago, when he disposed of it and removed to Eldon, where he has since made his home.

There were seven children, four of whom are now living. Mrs. Agnes Fry, of Grand Island, Nebr.; Mrs. Belle Robinson, of Chicago; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Guild, of Des Moines, and Mrs. Ida James, of Eldon. John, the only son, died several years ago. The deceased daughters were: Mrs. Amelia Smock and Mrs. Clara Parrett.

The funeral will be held at Eldon Wednesday, June 26th, at 12:30 p.m., and the interment will be at Batavia, where his wife is buried; she having passed beyond some 16 years ago.

Mr. Bartholomew was of Scotch-Irish descent and was the only remaining uncle of the Speers, Bartolomews and Loudens now residing in this county. He was a man of a strong constitution and had a cheerful disposition which no doubt contributed largely to his long life. “Uncle Billy,” as he was affectionately called by his friends will long remain in the memory of all who knew him.