William S. Campbell 1847-1926

CAMPBELL, BUNNER, SYPHERS, PIERSON, MOWRIE

Posted By: Volunteer - Barbara Evans
Date: 7/13/2012 at 08:37:36

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 404, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

WILLIAM S. CAMPBELL

William S. Campbell, third child of William and Sarah Campbell, was born near Mansfield Ohio, September 27th, 1847, and departed this life at his late home in Milton, Iowa, July 30th, 1926.

When about twenty years of age he came to Iowa, where on February 4, 1873, he was united in marriage with Maria Bunner. To this union seven children were born, six sons and one daughter; three of the sons survive, namely: Hugh of Bentley, Mich.: Charles of Townsend, Montana, and Ralph of Modesto, Calif.; all of whom were privileged to be with him when the end came.

On August 27th, 1915, Maria Bunner Campbell, the wife and mother, was called to her reward.

On December 25th, 1917, he was united in marriage to Salena Syphers who survives him.

Other than the wife and three sons mentioned he leaves two brothers, A.A. and Hugh S. Campbell, and two sisters Mrs. Arminda Pierson and Mrs. W.D. Mowrie. The first three named living in California and the last named Mrs. Mowie[sic] living in Billings, Montana.

Uncle Will Campbell was a familiar figure in and about the community where he had spent the past thirty-five or forty years of his life. Being a man of rugged constitution and somewhat of a nervous temperament, he was very active and alert to everything that was happening in the community; because of this he had formed a very large acquaintanceship, and had a very large number of close personal friends.

He was a veteran of the civil war and was one of the very few remaining members of the G.A.R. at this place.

He was also a member of both the Masonic and Eastern Star orders and was held in high esteem by members of both orders.

He was a member of the M.E. church and had been for many years. In the early period of his last sickness, realizing no doubt that the end was near, he expressed a keen desire to again see his three sons. This desire was gratified and he was much comforted and made happy in his last days by their presence, and also by the presence of his brother Hugh. After meeting these loved ones, recognizing and giving parting words to each, he then expressed not only a willingness but a desire to go.

Besides the immediate family he leaves many nephews and nieces in various parts and a very wide circle of friends in and about Milton who will mourn the passing of uncle Will Campbell.

The funeral was held from the Christian church in Milton, Sunday, August 1st conducted by Rev. H.F. Gilbert. Interment in the Troy cemetery. Boys of the Word War acted as pallbearers. They were: R.G. Hagler, John Hargrove, John Scholl, Roy Barton, J.I. and Wm. Sell. The Milton Male quartette composed of Gay Morgan, Paul Leaverton, Howard Bell and John R. Holland rendered music. Mrs. J. I.Sell, accompanist.