Simpson LaBar 1824-1904

LABAR, WITSIL, WILSON, BALLARD

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 1/28/2007 at 08:28:02

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, October 12, 1904

Simpson LaBar Is Dead

Mr. Simpson, LaBar died at his home in this city Sunday morning after a rather brief illness. He was quite sick about two months ago, but recovered and was about as usual. Hence his late illness and rather unexpected taking off was considerable of a surprise to our citizens. The funeral will be held at the M. E. Church this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Among those who are here to attend the funeral are a son, Edward G. LaBar, of Hillsboro, North Dakota, sister and Mrs. L. W. Ballard, Miss Myrtle Ballard, and Mr. and Mrs. Cone, all of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mr. LaBar was born at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1824. September 20 8, 1844, he was married at Philadelphia to Caroline Elizabeth Witsil, a granddaughter of Hosia Wilson, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war and who was wounded in the famous Battle of Brandywine. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. LaBar came to West Union. Later they moved to Owatonna, Minnesota, where they lived two years. In 1859 they went to Tempeleao, Wisconsin, remaining there for 10 years. They subsequently lived at Fort Dodge, this state, for two years. In 1870. They came to Palo Alto County and settled on a farm near Rodman. Mrs. LaBar died in this city in 1894, two months before the 50th anniversary of their wedding. The surviving members of the family are the son, mentioned above, Mrs. S. W. Ballard, of the city and a other daughter, Miss Arminda, who has lived with her father. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mr. LaBar was a quiet, well-meaning old gentleman. He led a most exemplary life and enjoyed the esteem of all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the M. E. church, having joined at an early age in life. The sympathy of all is extended to the surviving relatives.