BARTHOLOMEW, William Houston

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

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 1/30/2006 at 14:25:35

"Fairfield Ledger", June 26, 1907

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER, by William Louden

William Houston BARTHOLOMEW was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, March 1st, 1814, and passed from this life at Eldon, Sunday, June 23d, at 4:30 p. m., at the advanced age of ninety-three years, three months and twenty-three 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 at 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 for 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 ten years ago, when he disposed of it and moved to Eldon, where he made his home. He was the father of seven children, four of whom are now living -- Mrs. Agnes FRY of Grand Island, Neb., 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 was held at Eldon today and interment will be made at Batavia, where his wife is buried. She died about sixteen years ago.

Mr. BARTHOLOMEW was of Scotch-Irish descent and was the only remaining uncle of the SPEERs, BARTHOLOMEWs and LOUDENs of this county. He was a man of strong constitution and 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.

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