Alberts, William 1853-1927

ALBERTS, MILLER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/27/2009 at 15:36:54

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, March 18, 1927

COUNTY HOME INMATE DIES
Bill Alberts Turned First Furrow On Ground Where Remsen Flourishes

Credited with having turned the first furrow in the virgin soil on the ground, where now flourishes the town of Remsen, Bill Alberts, aged 73, a derelict on the sea of humanity, gave up the ghost and passed away at the county farm, Tuesday morning. Little is known of his antecedents, aside from the fact that he worked on farms in the east part of the county for many years, and when forced by exigencies of age and failing health, took shelter in the home provided by the county.

William Alberts was born at Luray, Iowa, June 1853, and came to Plymouth County in the early days of settlement. He was of a reserved, not to say truculent, disposition and his associates of the county home never gained his confidence as to his associations.

A letter was found in his clothing written last year on an Ida Grove hotel stationery signed by Mrs. Dan Miller, supposedly a niece, from its tenor.

The body was given in charge of Wiltgen undertaking firm, and the burial was made in the potter’s field yesterday afternoon.

NOTE: Burial was in Block 11-C, LeMars City Cemetery, LeMars, Iowa.