Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, May l7, l900

WILLIE PAUL HOGUE was born in Leon on July 2d, l886, and died suddenly on Monday, May l4, at the State Industrial School at Eldora, where he had been for several years. He was an exceptionally bright boy; possessing an unusual degree of musical talent with a fascinating personality for a boy so young. He made a record at school of which anyone might be proud. He won the highest commendation for goodness and natural ability from the Superintendent of the State Institution, and is mourned and will be sadly missed by a large circle of young friends. Young as he was he had been teaching for two years, with remarkable success. Now he is at rest with God. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. (*can't read) at the M.E. Church (*can't read.)

Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, May 24, l900

MRS. ELLA HOGUE arrived yesterday from Eldora bringing the remains of her youngest son, WILLIE, who died at the State Industrial School, Monday, his death being from heart trouble. He was a very bright boy and during the five years he has been at the school had developed into a musician of marked ability, being the principal artist of the band at the institution. His older brother, RALPH, is also in the band, and came to Leon to attend the funeral.

'Sketch of Willie Hogue's Life -- A Brother's Kindness and Devotion.'

Nothing has occurred in years at the Industrial School which brought so much sorrow, sadness and tears as the death last Monday evening of the little violinist, WILLIE HOGUE.

He had never been a robust boy, having had curvature of the spine since the first year of his life. For the last two months, he has been ailing with a weakness of the heart's action, but it was only the last few days that his condition was regarded as serious. He came to the school from Leon in l894 and was l3 years old at the time of his death. His brother, RALPH, two years older, came with him and never were brothers more closely bound together in bonds of affection than they. Their heart-broken mother, who is a widow, came Tuesday and took the remains home, where they will be laid to rest by those of his father, Rev. HOGUE who died when WILLIE was a child.

RALPH also went home to attend the funeral, but will return in a short time and go on with his studies in music. When these little boys came to the school they brought with them their violins and their delightful rendition of the simple music with which they were acquainted was in a great measure the inspiration which later on led to the formation of the excellent orchestra of the Industrial School. WILLIE was a charming performer on his violin and had composed some music which could hardly be expected of his tender years. His brother and their violins were his every day companions during his sickness.

The institute trained nurse gave him the most tender care. Mrs. Miles kept him supplied with flowers and after he passed away, she had made with flowers, the design of a violin, which was presented to his mother as she took up her sad journey home with the remains of her loved one.

--ELDORA HERALD.

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"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
December 29, 2002