William Cassander HALSEY

HALSEY, CANNON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

William Cassander Halsey
7 September 1844 ---- 17 October 1924

W. C. Halsey passed away at his home on South Commercial avenue last Friday morning at ten minutes before six o'clock. He had been enjoying a little better health the past few weeks and had recently made trips about the state of various distances. The day before his death he drove his car to Clarion and return. About eleven o'clock Friday evening, he was weakened by a heart attack which proved fatal, early the following morning. Funeral services were held at the Congregational church Sunday afternoon and the interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, where at his request, the Masonic funeral service was given.

There was a large attendance of friends and neighbors and former railroad associates. Rev. Haney had charge of the funeral service. He stated that he did not need to preach a funeral sermon. He told his audience many details of intimate personal talks he had had with the deceased during his year's acquaintance.

He believed he knew Mr. Halsey better than acquaintances of years standing. He knew Mr. Halsey believed in a hereafter and recognized the existence of an all-supreme God, to whom he paid personal tribute and made acknowledgement every evening of his mature life.

It is a well-known fact that Mr. Halsey was a generous contributor to charities of all kinds. He preferred to make his donations, quietly and without the knowledge of any more people than could be avoided. But many a poor family received material help when most needed who never knew where the assistance came from. There is universal regret over his passing and all join in extending the bereaved relatives their sincere sympathy.

The following obituary was prepared and read by Rev. Haney at the service Sunday afternoon:

Obituary
(By Rey R. S. Haney)

William Cassander Halsey was born at Sparta, Ohio Sept. 7, 1844. He moved to Clinton, Iowa in the year 1864 and went to work for the Northwestern railroad. From Clinton he went to Belle Plaine in 1869. He became bridge foreman in 1870. In 1872 he was promoted to the position of roadmaster. He became division superintendent at Chadron, Neb., in 1885. From there he was sent as general superintendent to Missouri Valley, Iowa, in 1887. From 1889 to 1907 he was superintendent of bridges and building and came to Eagle Grove, where he has made his home since that time. He retired from railroad work in 1907 and has devoted the past years in looking after his own business.

July 24, 1872, Mr. Halsey was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Cannon at Belle Plaine. To them were born three sons, Herbert M. whose home is in Eagle Grove, William H., who lives in Boone, Iowa, and Elmer Clifton, who died in 1914. Mr. Halsey leaves beside the wife and two sons, two grandsons and two granddaughters.

Over fifty years ago at Belle Plaine, Mr. Halsey became a member of the Masonic order and has been a member since that time.

As a railroad man, he was always working for the best interests of the railroad and after he retired, he received personal letters from President Gardner and Mr. R. H. Aishton praising him for his faithful work. Whatever he undertook to do, he put his whole heart into his work.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, October 23, 1924

source --- Paul Wilde