Paley, Walter James 1856 - 1938

PALEY, BLACKBURN, SHEETS, ROLLINS, CARROTHURS, NESSET

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 12/31/2012 at 21:34:29

Funeral services for W. James Paley, who died Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Guy Rollins, with whom he made his home the past five months, were held Sunday afternoon at the home here following a short service at the funeral home at Decorah at 2 o'clock. Rev. Allen O. Birchenough conducted the services and interment was made in the Ridgeway cemetery, Pallbearers were: Steen Johnson, Theo. Hopperstad, Ole Rue, Orville Allen, R. G. Baker and Wm. Gunwall.

Walter James Paley, the son of Rev. John R. and Emily Anne Paley was born in Clifton, Summerset, England on April 23, 1856. When an infant he was baptized in Ode Parish church and later became a member of the Church of England. He grew to young manhood in England, receiving his education there being a graduate of Civil engineering at Kings College, London.

At the age of 19 years he came to the United States and settled on a farm near Ridgeway. Nov. 2, 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Blackburn who preceded him in death Jan. 17, 1937. To this union seven children were born, all of whom survive. They are: Elsie, Mrs. V. C. Sheets of Decorah; Florence, Mrs. G. H. Rollins of Fredericksburg; Fred of Ridgeway; Alice of Quesnel, B. C., Canada; Walter of Ames. la.; Ethel, Mrs. C. C. Carrothurs of Columbus, Ohio; May, Mrs. W. O. Nesset of Mahnomen, Minn. There are also 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren surviving.

Mr. Paley started a pump and windmill business in Ridgeway in the year 1887 and later went into the hardware business which he conducted for over thirty years after which he worked at the heating and plumbing business until ill health compelled him to retire. He had been in failing health for over three years. Mr. Paley was Ridgeway's first mayor. He was postmaster here for four years and served under the late O. R. Ringeon as assistant postmaster during another four years.

Mr. Paley was well and favorably known throughout Winneshiek County, having been a citizen of said county for over 62 years. He was honorable and. upright in all his dealings and believed firmly in living by the Golden Rule. He was the youngest of a family of seven children. His brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Much sympathy is extended to the family and to the numerous friends who mourn his departure.

Source: Howard County Times March 16, 1938 Page 7

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers

Ridgeway Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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