Ward, O. F. (1833-1911)

WARD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/18/2016 at 20:24:15

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
May 16, 1911

ANSWERS TO LAST CALL
O. F. WARD, ONE OF EARLY PIONEERS IS DEAD
BUILT FIRST DEPOT IN LEMARS.
He and His Wife Homesteaded in America Township Forty-Three Years Ago Before There Was a Rail Road in the County.

O. F. Ward, one of the earliest pioneers of Plymouth county, died at the home of his son-in-law, W. A. Julian, in Merrill, on Sunday morning at an early hour. He had been in poor health of later, suffering from pneumonia, and his great age precluded his recovery. Two weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Ward, who have lived in LeMars for many years, moved to Merrill to be nearer their daughter, Mrs. Julian. Mrs. Ward, who has not enjoyed the best of health for many years, is very poorly and the shock of her aged life-long partner’s death may result seriously.

Oscar F. Ward was one of the earliest settlers in Plymouth county. He was born near Baltimore, Maryland, on August 28, 1833. He attended school and learned the trade of carpenter. He was married at Baltimore in 1855 on April 2d. Wit his family, he came to LeMars forthy-three years ago, landing in Plymouth county on April 26, 1868. He homesteaded land on the farm now occupied by Will Marcue and was one of the first settlers in this locality. He found plenty of employment at his trade and built many houses in this part of the country. He helped construct the first depot ever built in LeMars in 1869 and built the first residence in this town. During the Civil War, he was a member of the Maryland Home Guards. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward nine children were born. Five children, three boys and two girls have preceded them to the other world. Two sons and two daughters ar4e left to mourn the death of their father. They are Charles R. Ward, of Sioux City; Will Ward, of Chicago; Mrs. W. A. Julian, of Merrill and Mrs. E. W. Bethards, of Storm Lake. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. William White of Baltimore.

Mr. Ward, with his wife, were charter members of the LeMars Methodist church. They organized the first prayer meeting society in LeMars and prior to that were among a few who held religious services at the Redmond school house before there were any churches built in this locality. They were always active in church work until a few years ago when ill health and the inroads of oncoming age prevented their regular attendance and kept them much in the seclusion of their own home.

Mr. Ward was a loving husband and father and faithfully cared for his wife during many years in which she suffered from continued ill health. As a neighbor and friend, he was genial, kindly and always willing to lead a hand. He was of a cheerful disposition and prone to look on the bright side of things. He enjoyed a large acquaintance from his long residence in the county and was well liked by a very large number.

The funeral services were held at the home in Merrill yesterday afternoon and the interment made in the LeMars cemetery, a short service being held at the grave side.
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Alton Democrat, May 20, 1911
WAYSIDE NOTES.

O. F. Ward, one of the first settlers of LeMars, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. A. Julian of Merrill. The funeral services were held in Merrill on Monday of this week and interment was made at LeMars.
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TRANSCRIBER NOTE:
Buried in LeMars City (Memorial) Cemetery
Block 3
His tombstone is engraved with the year of death as 1910. However, his obituary is published in county newspapers dated MAY 1911.
John O. F. Ward
Born: 8/28/1833
Died: 5/14/1911
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