BIRCH, William: Died 1897

BIRCH, ATWATER, SPEES, FREEMAN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/25/2016 at 07:22:36

Wm. Birch was born in Washington county, Pa., December 18, 1813, where he grew to manhood. Later he removed to Holmes county, Ohio, where he was married to Sarah Ann Elizabeth Atwater, October 10, 1839. To this union were born five children, three of which survive him. His son G.W.N. and one daughter, Flora having preceeded him. They removed from Holmes county, Ohio, to Van Buren county, Iowa in 1844 and settled on a farm 1 Mile northwest of Birmingham, and resided there until the fall of 1882 when they moved to town where he spent the remainder of his days, passing away peacefully with (all being in) God doth all things well, at 3:15 p.m. June 8, 1897, aged 33 years 5 months and 20 days. He leaves an aged wife and three daughters, several grandchildren and other relatives to mourn his loss. His children are Mrs. Athalia Spees of this placed and Mrs. Dora Freeman and Mrs. Ermina Freeman both of Kansas.

The deceased was a man of sterling character, honest in his convictions and always willing to stand for the right as he understood it, a devoted husband and kind father.

During the war he was a member of the 3rd Iowa Calvary in which regiment he remained until he received the wound which finally caused his death.

The funeral occurred from his residence Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Fraker assisted by Revs. Bollman and Monteith and attended by a large number of relatives and friends.

**Handwritten: THE REPORTER BIRMINGHAM 11 JUNE 1897

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 182, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA