William W. Willey 1830-1904

WILLEY, GEDDES, ORRIS, HENDRICKSON

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/2/2022 at 10:05:37

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, IA
Wednesday, June 8, 1904
page 1

William W. Willey's death at his home in this place occurred Saturday morning at 4:15 o'clock. He had suffered from a paralytic stroke for three months and, at one time earlier in the week seemed almost gone but he rallied so far from that condition that the children who had been called to his bedside began to have hopes that he might be up and around again. But this was not to be, and at early dawn of June 4, his spirit passed to the Great Beyond.

Mr. Willey was born in Noble county, Ohio, April 13, 1830, and was the oldest of his father's family. August 13, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Elza Jane Geddes, who survive him. To them were born seven sons and six daughters, all of whom are living except four of the daughters. They are I. G and J. W., of near Estherville, James Harlan, Charles, Frank and Walter V. The daughters are Nellie Orris, of Earlham, and Mrs. C. W. Hendrickson, of near Cotter. All but one son, J. W., were present at the time that father died. Funeral services were held at the home Monday at 11 o'clock; interment at the Ainsworth cemetery, later in the day. Mrs. Willey was a well know Sabbath school worker before old age "crept on" and always an active worker in the Methodist church.

All the children of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Willey were present at the time of his death except one son, J. W. of Omaha. Those from a distance were Mrs. Nellie Orris, of Earlham, and the sons, I. G., Charles and James H., of Estherville and Frank, of Chariton and Walter V., of Mankato, Minn. It was a sad reunion.