Perry, William H. (1848-1912)

PERRY, BOND, CUNNINGHAM, WILSON

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 3/12/2011 at 12:03:00

LeMars Semi-weekly Sentinel
7-23-1912

DEATH OF W, H. PERRY
WAS A LEADING CITIZEN AND
PIONEER RESIDENT
SUCCUMBS TO A BRIEF ILLNESS
The News of His Death Which Occurred
at Duluth Was Received
With Almost Universal Sorrow—
He Was a Truly Good Man

W. H. Perry, one of the leading business men and a pioneer residentof LeMars, died at Duluth, Minn., on Friday after a brief illness at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Perry was suffering from an attack of asthma combined with liver and kidney trouble and on the Friday preceding his
death was taken to Duluth, Minn., in the belief that a cooler climate might ameliorate his condition. A doctor, a trained nurse, Mrs. Perry and W. G. Bolser accompanied him there.
His condition was known to be serious when he left and though hopes were held for his recovery it was not to be, and he passed away on Friday, his faithful wife at his bedside soothing his last moments.

The news of his death was received in LeMars with universal sorrow. In the death of Will Perry LeMars loses one of her best citizens and a truly good man. A familiar figure for more than a third of a century, he had formed strong ties and associations among the people of his home town, and the severance of these is felt by many with keenest regret.

William H. Perry was a native of Illinois, where he spent his early years. He was born in the year
1848. When a boy approaching adolescence the dreadful Civil War broke out and being a lad of mettle imbued with martial spirit and patriotism and fired by the stirring scenes of the times, he enlisted in 1864 at the tender age of sixteen and served in Company H., Forty-fourth Iowa infantry, for several months.

Following the war he learned the art of telegraphy and secured a position at Mason City. In 1872 he came to LeMars and lived here until the time of his death. He took the position of
station agent for the Illinois Central railroad company, being the second agent appointed after the railroad was built to this point. He held the position for several years and then embarked in the coal and lumber business in which he was engaged up to the time of his death. He was also
vice-president of the German American Savings Bank. He was united in marriage in 1873 with Leona Bond, who with three children survives him. They are Mrs. G. W. Cunningham, of LeMars, Mrs. A. B. Wilson, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Joy Bond Perry, of Halbrite, Saskatche
wan.

In his domestic relations his life was ideal. Home ties were strong with him. He was a devoted husband, a just and kind father and never happier than when under the shade of his own vine and fig tree, a neighbor to be depended upon in weal or woe, a friend in word and deed. In his business relations with his fellowmen he was the personification of integrity and honesty and his associations with the large number with whom he came in contact were the most
pleasant. He was liberal, just and fair minded in his dealings with all men, and many a poor man in the depth of winter can recall the time when an extension of credit meant volumes to women and children suffering from the icy chill of the northwest blizzardy winds. Mr. Perry was
public spirited and took a wholesome interest in the affairs of the nation, state and city. He served at one time as city alderman, was active in the establishment of the Chautauqua,
and contributed generously to many enterprises and was never backward in donations to any worthy object and gave time and money to the support of the Republican party, of which he
which he was an adherent. He was unostentatious in manner, but firm in his convictions and never afraid to express an opinion and was ready to take a stand on public questions when occasions demanded or justified.

He was a member of Mower Post, G. A. R., No. 91, and was acting adjutant at the time of his death.

The remains were brought from, Duluth to LeMars, arriving on Saturday morning and the, funeral was held at the family residence, 1016Court street, on Sunday afternoon.
In accordance with a request, of the deceased the rites were of the simplest character. Rev. C.G. Butler of the First Presbyterian church conducted a brief service.

The members of Mower Post, G. A.R., attended the funeral in a body. A long procession followed the remains to the city cemetery, where the last sad rites were completed.
Among relatives and friends from out of town who came to attend the funeral were A. Bond, of Gresham, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Wilson, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mrs. Catherine Cunningham, of Cobb, Wis; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cunningham, FowlerSeaman and R. Black, of Sioux City.

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