William Diggs (1939)

DIGGS, SHAW

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/1/2007 at 08:11:53

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
December 14, 1939
Page 1

William Diggs, son of Joseph and Abbie Diggs was born near Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana, August 16, 1862. In March 1871, the parents and their five children came to what was known as "The West," and settled on a farm in Iowa, one and one-half miles east of the little village of Earlham.

This community was an open prairie at that time, there being no fences to keep the stock at home, and it was quite a task for the children to bring the cows in the evening.

William liked to live on the farm and most of his life was spent there. He was especially fond of his horses and loved to be out of doors with his stock. It was quite a cross when because of failing health, he had to retire from farming and be confined to the house. In the fall of 1911, he with his twin brother Wilson and sister Hannah moved into Earlham where he has since resided.

He had a birthright membership in the Friends church and made his peace with God when young. He tried to live a consistent Christian life often received God's blessing. It was the rule of his life to do to his fellow men as he would have them do unto him.

He was of a quiet disposition, uncomplaining and often when invited out would say, "I would like to go, but do not feel able to ride." He enjoyed visiting with his friends, but frequently said, "People do not know how sick I am." His interests centered in his home, always finding something to keep him busy about the place, even when his strength hardly permitted him keeping every thing in order as he liked.

His health had steadily declined for some time and he peacefully slept away on the evening of December 7th, 1939, being 77 years, three months and 21 days of age. His parents and three brothers preceded him in death many years ago, but he is survived by his sister who has so faithfully ministered to him through his lingering illness. There is also one niece, Mrs. W. C. Shaw of Palo Alto, California.

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