William J. Hakes (1852-1899)

HAKES, PACKER, ROCKWELL, PECKHAM

Posted By: Alan Nicholson
Date: 4/4/2014 at 00:42:02

Paullina Times, 23 Feb 1899, p. 5

Gone From Earth
W. J. Hakes, Mrs. Joseph Henderson and James Fraser, Jr., Suddenly Join the Silent Majority

William J. Hakes
Wm J. Hakes departed this life at his home in Paullina, Friday evening, February 17, 1899, at 10 o'clock, was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, New York, November 21, 1852. A few years afterward he went with his parents to Jefferson county, New York, where he remained until 1892. He was married to Emily A. Packer March 19, 1874, who with three children survive him. The last seven years of his life have been spent in Paullina, where his qualities of head and heart have commended him to the respect of his fellow townsmen and neighbors who elected him to positions of trust and importance.

The worthy bestowal of this trust was evinced in the faithful and successful discharge of duty, which as president of the school board and assessor of the Incorporated Town of Paullina called forth the energies of his last days.

His calling in life was that of carpenter and in company with his partner, Mr. Hilker, his skill as a workman is seen in many parts of the country and town, and his services were in constant demand.

Mr. Hakes united with the M. E. church in early life and remained a faithful and consistent member until called to his reward. At the time of his death he was a class leader and trustee in the Paullina church; also treasurer of the Sabbath school and Epworth League. In each of these positions he was a painstaking and competent official.

He leaves to mourn their loss a wife and two children, who will continue to reside in Paullina, and his son Albert W., who is pastor of the M. E. church at Seney, Iowa. The only other relatives are his aged father, living in New York, and two cousins, Mrs. H. Rockwell and Mr. D. J. Peckham, living in Highland township.

His sickness, while of short duration, was intense in suffering, but consoled with the triumphs of the Christian faith. To his family and those ministering to him he spoke words radiant with hope and to others he sent special messages.

The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. F. J. McCaffree assisted by Rev. A. Herron, pastor of the Presbyterian church, at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon and were largely attended. The remains were laid to rest in Union cemetery.