Ferdinand Bilderback (1944)

BILDERBACK, CROFT, FRY

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 9/16/2006 at 08:45:39

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, August 9, 1944

FERD BUILDERBACK DIES

Earlham--(Special)--Aug. 7.--

Ferd Builderback died at the Methodist hospital in Des Moines Thursday evening at the age of 84 years. Mr. Builderback was severely burned early this summer when burning rubbish at his home. The burns had healed nicely and several skin graftings had been made successfully, but his heart could not stand the strain of the shock.

Mr. Builderback was born in Dallas county, but had spent nearly all his life in Earlham. He was a charter member of the Earlham Odd Fellow lodge, and also took a very active interest in that organization.

He is survived by three nieces, Mrs. Roy Fry of Earlham, Mrs. Ralph Croft, and Miss Pauline Builderback of Des Moines. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian church.

The Odd Fellows had charge of the service with the Rev. Thomas Humphrey of Des Moines serving as pastor.
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Transcriber's note: Typed as printed in the Madisonian, last name is Bilderback.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, August 10, 1944

Ferd Bilderback, 84 Died August 3rd

Ferdinand Bilderback, youngest of the family of Samuel and Sarah Bilderback was born on a farm four miles north of Earlham, in Dallas county, November 15, 1859.

When seventeen years old, Ferd came to Earlham and worked in Cap Winter’s general store, later operating a store of his own for many years.

He was active in promoting the growth of the town and all civic affairs.

Ferd was the last survivor of eight children of Samuel Bilderback, pioneer owner of Mitchell’s Mill on the Raccoon River.

He is survived by four nieces, Mrs. Roy W. Fry of Earlham; Mrs. Beulah B. Croft and Miss Pauline Bilderback, of Des Moines; Mrs. Eva F. Reeves of Adel; three nephews Virgil and Roach Bilderback of Nebraska; Frank Bilderback of Adel.

He was a faithful member of the I.O.O.F. lodge for almost sixty years and was well known in many lodges of the State.

A bachelor, Ferd was devoted to his nieces and was generous in kindness and helpful deeds to friends and neighbors.

He has been an apiarist the last few years. It was while protecting his bee hives, April 4, when he tried to stamp out a bon fire, that his clothing caught fire, which resulted in burns and proved fatal after four months in the Iowa Methodist hospital in Des Moines, August 3, 1944 at the age of 84 years.

Services were held Sunday afternoon, August 6th in the Presbyterian church at 2 p.m. with I.O.O.F. in charge and Rev. Thomas Humphrey of Des Moines, officiating, assisted by Rev. Arthur Henry.

Interment in the Earlham cemetery.

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