William Thomas Holbert 1838 - 1913

HOLBERT, STEPHENSON, CAMERON, SEIGEL, MORRISON, ALLEN, DEAN

Posted By: Volunteer: Stacey Swierk
Date: 9/12/2008 at 23:42:35

Date & Newspaper Unknown

WILLIAM T. HOLBERT

Wm. Thomas Holbert was born in Washington County, Pa, Feb. 7, 1838, and passed to his reward Nov. 6, 1913, making his age 75 years, 8 months and 29 days. At the age of 15 he came to Jefferson County, Iowa. On the 4th of March 1860, he was united in marriage to Sarah Stephenson. This union was blessed with 12 children and also a grandson, adopted in infancy. Mr. Holbert and his good wife shared the joys and sorrows of life together for 54 years, 47 of which were lived in Keosauqua. He was converted at the age of 22, joined the M. E. church, and was a member of its official board for years. He was always faithful in performing his duty and took pride and pleasure in filling the position which God had entrusted to him. From morning til evening he labored industriously and was never lacking in diligence and zeal. He won the confidence of his friends and neighbors and was often entrusted with responsible positions. In the home also he proved his faithfulness. He was a faithful husband, a kind and loving father. He labored for his family and endeavored to make their home pleasant in every respect. Splendor and extravagance were unknown to him; he loved to live the simple life. Even during the hours of suffering he did not complain, and by patience and faith proved that he believed, what God does is well done, and so humbly submitted to His will. “I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me: write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Even so saith the spirit, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.” One son and 3 daughters preceded him in death. The surviving children are: Wm. Scott of Colorado; George B. of New York; Edwin D. of Sedalia, Mo.; Charles M. of North Dakota; Herman H. of Haile, Louisiana; Howard of Centerville; Mrs. Margaret E. Cameron of Keosauqua; Mrs. Emma Seigel of Bonaparte and Mrs. Gertrude Morrison of Andover, S. D. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and four brothers and two sisters, viz: Scott, (cannot read), and Fernando Holbert and, Mrs. Maggie Allen, of Missouri, Brice Holbert, and Mrs. Mary Dean of Colorado, all being at the funeral except the last two.

[Photocopy of this obit is located on page 247 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA]