Okey, Wilson Shannon, 1825-1901

OKEY, LARGENT, BALDWIN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/27/2017 at 20:43:29

From the Hull Index, January 18, 1901:

An Old Settler Gone.

Comrade W. S. Okey, familiarly known to us all for many years past as "Grandpa Okey," received the final summons to that other and brighter land for which he has been anxiously awaiting for several years past. At about seven o'clock on Monday morning his son Leroy went to call his father for breakfast and found him lying on the bed, dead, the body being still warm, he apparently having partially dressed himself when the summons for his final dissolution came.

Wilson S. Okey was born in Monroe County, Ohio, March 18, 1825. On December 23, 1845, he was married to Abegail Largent, in Woodsfield, Ohio. Three children were born to them, all of whom survive them. In 1854, the family moved to Grant County, Wisconsin, where they lived until 1866, when they moved to Muscatine County, Iowa, and in 1868, to Jasper County. In March 1872, they moved to Sioux County, where he located the homestead, one mile west and one mile south of Hull. When Hull was started he moved from the farm and since that time he has been a continual resident among us.

In September 1863, he enlisted in Co. E, 1st. Wis. Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. Several years ago he received a stroke of Paralysis and since then has been partially paralyzed. He has been awaiting death since that time with a feeling of contentment that his life's course was about finished. The faithful companion, his wife passed away only a few months ago. Since her death Grandpa has felt that death would be a welcome relief to him.

The funeral occurred Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist church, Rev. Chandler conducting the services. The G.A.R. comrades had charge of the funeral and acted as an escort to the grave, a squad of Co. E boys also doing honor to the deceased by their presence. He was buried in Hope Cemetery by the side of the good wife who but so recently preceded him. The children, Leroy and Mrs. Louise Cornforth, of this place and George from Hudson were present to perform the last sad duties to their parents.

Grandpa Okey was universally respected by all and his personal friends include the entire population of the town. Yet though beloved by friends every where, there are none of us who would wish him back to a life that had become a burden to him.

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From the Sioux County Herald, Jan. 16, 1901, p.8, Hull news:

Died, Wilson S. Okey, Jan. 14th, 1901, aged 75 years, 10 months and 26 days. Mr. Okey was born in Monroe County, Ohio, March 18, 1825, was married to Abigal[sic] Sargent, Dec. 25,1845, in Woodfield, Ohio. Three children were born to them who survive the parents and who have the heart felt sympathy of the Community.

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From the Sioux County Herald, Jan. 16, 1901, p. 8, Perkins news:

Died, on the night of Jan. 13, Grandpa Okey, one of the pioneers of Sioux county. Col. Okey was one of the rapidly decreasing members of old veterans of Hull, and was respected by all who knew him; only a few short months have elapsed since his beloved wife was laid to rest.

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Researcher Wilma J. Vande Berg found a family record on Ancestry.com – Wilson Shannon Okey, born 18 Mar 1825, Woodsfield Monroe, Ohio; died 14 Jan 1901 Hull Sioux IA. Married Dec 25, 1845, Woodsfield OH. His parents were Henry Okey (1896-1858) and Minerva Baldwin (1801-1844). His wife was Abigail Largent (1825-1900). Children Sara Louise 1846, Lewis 1848, Louisa 1848, and George 1851.