Peritonitis claims Six Year Old Son of South Family

The Grim Reaper brought grief to the John Lorenz family this week in the death of Irvin, age six, who passed away following an operation for a ruptured appendix at a Mobridge hospital Sunday.
Taken to the Mobridge hospital last week suffering with an appendix the child was given an emergency operation but medical aid was unable to cope with the onslaught of peritonitis. Death came Sunday evening. The deceased is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lorenz, prominent south country residents.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon and friends of the family joined to extend last respects and sympathy to the bereaved parents.
The child, a chubby little fellow, was a favorite of the family and of many in Watauga. Another child died under similar circumstances a year ago.
Taken from Morristown World October 3, 1934

Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Anderson mourn the loss of their infant son, Dean Elwin, who passed away February 27. Short funeral services were held at the home, and funeral services were held in Watauga, burial being made in the Watauga cemetery. Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved.
Taken from Morristown World March 14, 1935

Lofgren Boy Passes away

A shadow of sorrow was cast over the community Monday afternoon when word was received of the death of little Lloyd Lofgren at the Mobridge hospital. The little fellow was taken to Mobridge last Friday suffering with a poison contracted from an abscessed tooth, and his condition was such that on his arrival at Mobridge little hope was held for his recovery, and death claimed him Monday afternoon.
In company with some friends Lloyd hunted rabbits all day Sunday returning in the evening, and gave no indication of being ill. He complained a little during the night of a tooth and the next morning the side of his face was swollen to twice its normal size, and he remained in bed. He gradually grew worse and medical assistance was called, but the poison was saturating his system and he was taken to Mobridge to get every medical aid possible. Meningitis as a result of the poison, was contracted and was the cause of his death.
Lloyd was eight years old and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frances Lofgren residing in McINtosh, coming here with his parents in the fall of 1936, from their farm south of Watauga. He was a little gentleman at all times, and held in the highest esteem by his school mates, as well as adults. In spite of his small frame, he was active in athletics and appeared in many of the local boxing exhibitions, and gave his all in every contest. His death comes as an added sadness, his mother being bedfast since last September, and was unable to be with her son during his sickness and death. His father took him to Mobridge and remained with him until the Grim Reaper claimed him.
Funereal services were held at the Lofgren home Wednesday afternoon, November 22nd, and at the McIntosh cemetery where interment was made. It was necessary to hold the funeral at the home due to his mothers illness. He leaves to mourn his death, his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs.. Frances Lofgren, three brother, Harry Merle and Myron and two sisters, Edna and Lucille, besides other relatives and friends. The community extend their heartfelt sympathy in this their hour of bereavement.
Taken from Corson County News November 23, 1939

Postmaster at Watauga Dies

C.E. Sheldon, pioneer postmaster of Watauga, passed away at his home in that town Tuesday evening at six o'clock, death coming after several years of suffering with cancer, having spread to his lungs. The pioneer postmaster had been confined to his home for the past year, and although his death is very sad, relatives and friends had reconciled, themselves to the fact that there was no cure for the dreaded disease, and it was only a question of time when the Grim Reaper would claim him. He seeked medical attention at many hospitals, but the disease had made such inroads before he realized his serious condition and medical aid was of no avail.
In spite of his illness, Mr. Sheldon was always congenial, and took his suffering with little complaint. He was accommodating, friendly to his customers and held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance and his death casts a shadow of sorrow over the entire community.
Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church at Watauga Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and interment will be made at that place.
Taken from Corson County News December 21, 1939

Watauga Boy Dies

Robert "Bobby" little son of Mr and Mrs. Ambrose Brown, passed away Sunday noon at the St. Alexius hospital at Bismarck, having been rushed there on Saturday. He was first taken sick 4 years ago the first part of December with neuritits of the kidney and has been ill most of the time since. Shortly before New Years his condition became serious and he was again taken to the Mobridge hospital, he and his mother returning from there last Wednesday. His condition became suddenly worse and was advised to go to Bismarck, where death came to relieve him of his suffering.
He was born November 8, 1930 and was 11 years, 2 months and 10 days old at the time of his death. He was in the fourth grade at school. He leaves to mourn his passing his parents and one sister, Bernice, and 2 brothers, Vermayme and Dean, besides other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held from the Catholic church Tuesday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Creahan officiating. All the school children and the teachers attended the funeral services of their young classmate. Pall bearers were Bobby's cousins, Richard Brown, Leroy Brown, Royce Bleth and an uncle Leroy Bleth.
Taken from Corson County News January 22, 1942

Pioneer Lady Answers Call

Death summoned Mrs. Fred Casey at her home last Wednesday evening January 21st, in McIntosh, life passing away very peacefully. The deceased suffered a stroke a few weeks ago, and the second came Wednesday evening and claimed her life.
In the passing of Mrs. Casey, the west river country loses one of its most beloved pioneer residents, a woman whose friendship was cherished by every acquaintance and neighbor. The spirit of the west was thoroughly installed in the mind of Mrs. Casey and her western hospitality was know far and wide; her home was the haven for friends as well as strangers who sought shelter in the pioneer days of the western Dakotas. The welcome sign was always apparent at the Casey home and to aid and give comfort to those in need was always uppermost in the mind of Mrs. Casey. She shared the pleasures as well as the obstacles that confronted the pioneers with an always pleasing manner. She was a kind and loving woman and her passing cast a shadow of gloom over the west river country.
Otlie L. Percy was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, June 26, 1872. After finishing her schooling she took up dress making as a profession. In the spring of 1898 she came to Emmonsburg, N.D. to keep house for her brother, John Percy.
On October 28, 1903, she was united in marriage to Fred Casey at Hampden N.D. and in the spring of 1905 they located on a ranch in southern Grant county, North Dakota where she resided with her husband until October 1941, when due to failing health, they moved to McIntosh.
She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Fred Casey; two brothers, Lim Percy of Lohville, Wis., and John S. Percy of Pine City, Minn.; and two nieces Mrs. Albert Johnson and Mrs. C.L. Appleby of Wisconsin.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church last Saturday afternoon, Rev. John Taylor delivering a very comforting sermon; interment was made in the McIntosh cemetery. Gifts of flowers banked the casket as a token of the high esteem in which she was held by all.
Taken from Corson County News January 29, 1942

North Watauga Resident Dies

William Peterson, living north of Watauga passed suddenly away last Wednesday afternoon and interment was made in the Watauga cemetery Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Peterson had been visiting at the Severin Tysdal ranch, and he and Mr. Tysdal had left the ranch for a trip to Bismarck where the deceased had planned on consulting doctors. When they reached the Cedar river, Mr. Tysdal was dubious about crossing the creek at the usual place and went in search of a place in the creek that appeared most suitable for driving. After an inspection of the creek, Mr. Tysdal and Mr. Peterson agreed that the old crossing was the best bet, and just before Severin attempted to make the crossing, Mr. Peterson who was near the creek, commenced staggering backward as if he had stepped on a stone and had lost his balance. When he fell on his back Mr. Tysdal immediately went to his assistance, but it was very apparent that he had had a heart attack. Pete Beranek, who is employed on the Tysdal ranch, was passing near the scene with a hay wagon and stopped to make inquiry as to the trouble. He and Mrs. Tysdal placed Mr. Peterson in the car and Mr. Tysdal drove to McIntosh in search of medical aid. Life apparently still remained, but his palpitation was very weak, and he was beyond recovery and life passed quietly away. He was taken to the Taylor undertaking parlors and the family notified of his sudden demise.
Mr. Peterson was about sixty-five years of age and was one of the pioneers of the north of Watauga country and was one of the very successful farmers of that vicinity. He was an honorable citizen, a good neighbor and father and a very progressive man. Besides his wife, he leaves several children and other relatives to mourn his passing and many friends and acquaintances.
Taken from Corson County News March 5, 1942

Local Boy Loses Life in Auto Accident at Mandan

McIntosh and vicinity is shrouded in sorrow as the result of the sudden death of Byron Davitt, who lost his life in an auto accident near Mandan Tuesday evening. The news of the death of this fine young man came like a bolt from the sky and left his parents and friends in a daze.
Byron, in company with Ray Billups, left McIntosh Tuesday for Bismarck to spend a few hours and the accident that claimed the young man's life happened at the underpass between Mandan and Bismarck. Byron was at the wheel of the car and due to the slippery roads, the car careened into the cement abutment on the drivers side, and the impact knocked Byron unconscious and he passed away shortly after reaching the Bismarck hospital, never regaining consciousness. Ray Billups, received only minor injuries and conveyed the sad news to the parents here.
Byron is the son of Mr and Mrs. Harry Davitt and was born and raised in this vicinitly, and had just passed his nineteenth birthday. He graduated from the McIntosh high school with the class of 1941, and was an outstanding student, taking part in athletics and was one of the outstanding members of the high school band. He had been employed at Firesteel for the past few months as depot agent, and gave up that position a couple weeks ago and was contemplating a trip to California the first of November.
Funeral services were held at the Catholic church in McIntosh , Father Lehey saying High Mass at eleven o'clock in the morning and the funeral services were held in the afternoon. Friends and relatives of the deceased came from far and near to pay their sad respect to this fine young man, a young man whose friendship was cherished and who was loved by all who knew him.
The body laid in state at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Harry Davitt, from Wednesday until Saturday where the remains of the departed friend could be viewed. The casket was banked with bouquets of beautiful flowers as a token of the high esteem in which he was held and the bereaved parents received many beautiful and comforting cards of sympathy from out of town friends.
Interment was made in the McIntosh cemetery. Junior Johnson, Billy Byhoffer, Robert Stoick, Edmond Erz, Ray Billups and Hartley Scott acted as pall bearers.
Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Davitt, Byron leaves a sister, Miss Jean Davitt, now in California besides other relatives and friends to mourn his untimely calling.
Taken from Corson County News October 29, and November 5. 1942

Dick Gannon Buried Thursday

The news of the sudden and unexpected death of Richard (Dick) Gannon at this home southwest of Watauga Tuesday night, October 28th, came as a shock and saddened the hearts of all his acquaintances.
"Dick" as he was most familiarly known to his many friends in the west river country, had been in poor health for the past few years, but he was made of what it takes to face the ups and downs of life with a smile, and never complained of his ailments contracted by his many years of hard work, was primarily the cause of his death, his age at the time of his passing being passed 75 years. In spite of his age, Dick was ambitious, always ready with a helping hand for those who were in distress, a good neighbor and a fellow well met, and his passing is mourned by every acquaintance. He was one of the pioneers of the west river country, and invitations by relatives and friends to retire from the farm, were cast aside by the remarks that he was happy to die where he had lived. His wife preceeded him in death two years ago.
Funeral services were held at Morristown last Thursday morning, interment being made in the cemetery at Morristown. The Catholic church was crowded to capacity with sorrowing friends and relatives who came to pay their sad respects to a neighbor and friend, a man who they had learned to love and respect. Father Carty conducted the services.
Taken from Corson County News. November 5, 1942

North Watauga Boy is Killed

Sgt. Dave Bertsch, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Bertsch of Watauga and formerly of Carson, was killed in an airplane accident in the North Africa theatre.
Sergeant Bertch was an aerial gunner in a Flying Fortress with the army air force and according to the best information received by his parents he had only been in the North African theatre a few days.
Mr. Bertsch, son Peter, and son-in-law Victor Sokolofsky, had gone to Watauga Frideay morning on a business trip and about 15 minutes before they expected to return home they received the telegram from the war department stating that Dave "had been killed in an airplane accident in the North African theatre" that a letter would follow.
Dave is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Bertch. He was born on their farm in southern Grant county on March 11, 1922, where he resided until the family moved to Carson, so the children could attend school. Dave graduated from the Carson high school in 1940 and shortly thereafter he went to the West Coast where he was employed in an aircraft factory until he went into military service in Feb. 1943.
Sergeant Bertch received his basic training in Florida, was transferred to Colorado and then to Texas where he graduated from the aerial gunners school. He was later transferred to Salt Lake City, Utah, and assigned to a bomber crew. He was stationed at various places with the crew training and making plans for their overseas journey.
His parents received a letter from him on March 30 stating that he was in Brazil. According to the letter it was thought that he would remain there for awhile but he apparently left immediately as a letter written to friends by Dave, dated March 23, stated that he was in Africa.
Besides his parents, one brother Peter and four sisters Mrs. Victor Sokolofsky, Mrs. Arnold Landgrebe, Christine and Esther Bertch are left to mourn his untimely death.
Taken from Corson County News April 13, 1944

Jack Fuchs Loses Life

Word was received in Carson late Tuesday afternoon that Jack Fuchs, who resides near the Paradise Flats, was accidently killed about noon that day.
He was driving a tractor to the hay field and apparently following an old road near the Cedar River which had been made obscure by a high growth of weeds, he came too close to the bank, the tractor rolling into the river, bottom side up, with Fuchs pinned underneath.
He was found several hours later underneath the tractor lying in three feet of water. It is supposed that death was due to drowning rather than injuries sustained by the accident.
he was 47 years old and the father of five children-three sons and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but are expected to be held Friday or Saturday depending upon the arrival of relatives from the West.
Taken from Corson County News August 10, 1945

C. McCormick Dies in California

Mrs. J.W. Anderson received the sad news of the death of her nephew, Clayton McCormick at Glendale, California, Friday September 8, 1944. Clayton had been suffering with cancer for the past several years and visited here a couple years ago, while enroute to Rochester, for treatment, but all efforts to cure the disease was of no avail.
The deceased was born at Hunter North Dakota in 1908 and moved to a farm with his parents near Watauga when a small boy. He attended the McIntosh school and graduated with the class of 1926. He took an active part in school athletics and was held in the highest esteem by his school mates as well as the adults of this vicinity. He was employed at Fort Yates a couple years before going to California.
He leaves to mourn his death, his mother Mrs. Anna McCormick and brothers Edward and Hugh who reside in California, and a sister Mrs. Claire Ridinger of Seattle Washington.
Taken from Corson County News September 14, 1944

John Bubbers Dies Suddenly

Funeral services were held Saturday November 18 at the Christ Lutheran church of Morristown, for John Bubbers, who passed away at his home on Tuesday November 15. Interment was made in the Morristown cemetery. Pallbearers were Chris Buhr, Arthur Maier, Martin Kling, Wm. Schmidt, Marcus Burke and Kelly Paris.
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Bubbers cast a shadow of sorrow over the entire community and sympathy is extended the bereaved relatives. Little was suspected of his illness, he never complained until death claimed him. The deceased purchased the former Wm. Getman farm, southeast of Morristown, a number of years ago, and resided there until his death. John was a great lover of fishing, hunting and trapping, and spent his spare time in traveling the fields and streams. He was held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance, and was always ready with a helping hand for those in need or distress. He was respected by all and his friendship will be a cherished memory.
He was born March 6, 1887 at Rozeville, Wisconsin and came to South Dakota in 1915. His parents and one brother preceded him in death many years ago. Two brothers Ernest of Morristown and Wm. of Sioux Falls and a sister Mrs. Lena Heller of Stratford, Wisconsin, besides nine nieces and nephews and a host of friends are left to mourn his passing.
Taken from Corson County News November 30, 1944

Mrs. E. Jensen Passes Away

A shadow of sorrow was cast over this community Tuesday morning when the sudden and unexpected news of the death of Mrs. Emil Jensen of southwest of Watauga, was learned. Mrs. Jensen had submitted to an operation at the Bismarck hospital last week, and her condition was apparently good, when a turn came Monday evening, and a weakened heart caused her death.
Mrs. Jensen, one of the pioneer residents of the Watauga vicinity, was a grand lady; loved and admired by every acquaintance. Her home was her castle and a very devoted mother. Always ready with a helping hand for those in distress, Mrs. Jensen was loved by her neighbors and family, and her passing came as a great shock. She was a devout Christian of the Lutheran faith. She was a hard worker and her efforts were crowned with a fine family, a beautiful home and pleasant surroundings.
She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Emil Jensen, three daughters, Mrs. Ernest Sandberg of Hopkins, Minn; Miss Martha Jensen of Minneapolis; Miss Norma Jensen of Washington D.C. Two sons, Lawrence, who is at home, an Emmett, who is serving in the U.S. Navy somewhere in the South Pacific. Harry the youngest in the family, lost his life in the East Lake two years ago. She leaves many other relatives residing in Minnesota.
Details as to the funeral services and interment are not available at this writing, but probably be held in Morristown where the son is buried.
The American Lutheran church at Morristown was filled to full capacity last Friday with sorrowing friends and relatives who came to pay their sad respects to Mrs. Emil Jensen. The Rev. Hein of Lemmon officiated and gave a very comforting sermon to the bereaved relatives. Miss Buelah Buechner of Lemmon, sang two beautiful solos, "I Need Thee Every Hours" and "Abide With Me." The casket was banked with beautiful flowers, a gift from friends and relatives and as a token of the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Relatives in attendance at the services were: Mrs. Josephing Roppe, Mrs. W.C. Kappauf and Ludwig Nalley and Marie Naley of Minneapolis, Mrs. J.E. Happerstad, Ridgeway, Iowa; Mrs. John Howe, Ogilvie, Minnesota; Afred Naley, Decorah, Iowa; George Akerhaven and daughter, Miss Bertha of Fargo; Miss Martha Jensen, Minneapolis and Mrs. Ernest Sandberg, Hopkins; Miss Norma Jensen, Washington D.C. Emmett Jensen, who is serving Somewhere in the South Pacific in the U.S. Navy, could not be present at his mother's funeral.
Tilla Rebecca Naley was born April 18, 1892 in Ridgeway, Iowa and passed away March 12, 1945 at the age of 52 years and 19 months. She was united in marriage to Emil Jensen at Watauga, July 9, 1916. To this union six children were born, Mrs. Louise Sandberg, Martha Jensen, Norma Jensen, Emmett Jensen, Lawrence Jensen. Harry Jensen preceeded her in death two years ago.
Interment was made in the Morristown cemetery beside her son Harry, who lost his life two years ago. Pall bearers were Simon Wahl, Emil Dahlen and Percy Behrmann of Morristown and John Afrank, Helge Farstad and Erick Anderson Watauga.
Taken from Corson County News March 16 and 22, 1945

Donald Peacock Killed On Luzon

Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Peacock residing north of Watauga, recieved word from the War Department, Monday conveying the very sad news that their son, Donald Peacock had been killed in action on Luzon Island. Donald lost his life in line of duty, February 7th, 1945, according to the message. He was in the medical corp, attached to the Infantry that the invasion of the Luzon Island.
Donald was graduated from the McIntosh High School, and took part in basketball and other school athletics, and was very popular with his fellow students, as well as the adults of McIntosh. He grew to manhood on the farm of his parents north of Watauga, and was an ambitious and modest young man, and was held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance. He celebrated his 37th birthday in January.
He leaves to mourn his death, his parents, Mr. and Mr.s J.J. Peacock, and a sister Mrs. Elliott Geer, residing in Washington, besides a host of friends.
Taken from Corson County News, March 22, 1945

Watauga Man Victim of Japs

The horrors of war were brought closer to home again and in very close proximity when word was received Tuesday afternoon by Fred Blow that his brother Lloyd Blow was killed in action on Iwo Jima, February 22nd. Lloyd was serving in the Marines on Iwo Jima when he met his death.
Lloyd is a brother of Fred and Clarence Blow and made his home at Watauga for several years before entering the services of his country. His wife and three children reside at Ipswich with her parents, where they have made their home since he volunteered for the service, and had been in the South Pacific for the past couple years.
Lloyd was a fine young man and held in he highest esteem by every acquaintance and the sympathy of the community is extended the grief stricken relatives.
Taken from Corson County News March 22, 1945

Watauga Boy Lost in Action

Second Lt. Elroy L. Marion, a fighter pilot, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Marion, was killed in action Feb. 22 on Mindoro Island, his parents have been notived by the war department. He had been in the Philippines since December.
Lt. Marin attended high school in Fort Yates, N.D. where hs parents made thier home until moving to Cedar Rapids three years ago. After two years of college work at Fargo, he entered service, training at Aloefield, Texas. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded his pilot's wings in April of 1944.
Three brothers are in the navy, Merle, yeoman with the amphibious forces, Joe yeoman in submarine service and Leo seaman with a destroyer escort all in the Pacific. A sister, Marcia is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Marion resided in Watauga, until about eight years ago when they moved to Fort Yates. Lt. Leroy was born in Watauga and received his grammar school education in Watauga. He was an outstanding young man and held in the highest esteem by his acquaintances at Watauga, and neighboring towns, and the news of his death cast a shadow of sorrow over the community.
Taken from Corson County News March 29, 1945

Wm. Marquardt Passes Away
Pioneer Watauga Farmer Dies at Mobridge Last Saturday Evening.

The community was shocked to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of Wm. Marquardt last Saturday afternoon. Fred Blow, neighbor of Mr. Marquardt, went to his home last Friday evening and found him lying unconscious on the floor. He notified authorities in McIntosh, and he was rushed to the Mobridge hospital where he passed away Saturday afternoon, and never regained consciousness.
Mr.. Marquardt was one of the pioneers of the Watauga vicinity, having filed on a homestead southwest of that town in the early days and remained there until his death. He lived alone on his farm, although he was a friend to ever acquaintance, he remained by himself most of the time. He was very friendly and always willing to help anyone in distress or need and was of a very jovial disposition. Despite of his advanced age, and ill health, he attempted to carry on alone, and that is the way he passed from this world. He has a brother and two sisters in California, and was an uncle to Harry Geffert, former resident of the Watauga vicinity, the only known surviving relatives.
He was born July 4th 1870 at Bearbare, Wisconsin and came to this country in 1911.
Funeral services were held at Watauga Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. Hynk of Lemmon officiating. Mrs. Richard Hosington sang two hymns, "Face to Face" and "some Time We Will Understand" and was accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Ed Willigan. Interment was made in the Watauga cemetery. Herman Ruhoff, Fred Blow, Roy Webb, Joe Varland, Leo Erz and Helge Farstad were pall bearers.
Taken From Corson County News April 26 1945

Mrs. E. Johnson Answers Call
Former McIntosh Lady dies at her home in Oakland California, last Saturday.

The news of the death of Mrs. Emil Johnson at her home at Oakland California, Saturday morning April 21st, brought sorrow to the many friends and acquaintances in this vicinity. Mrs. Johnson had been suffering with a heart ailment for some time, but the past three months she was forced to her bed, and life passed peacefully away on Saturday, April 21st.
Mrs. Johnson's friends were numbered by her acquaintances, she was a grand and noble woman, a devout Christian and mother and her untimely death will be a great loss to her loved ones as well as her host of friends. While the Johnson family resided in McIntosh, Mrs. Johnson was an ardent worker in the St. Paul's Lutheran church and she and her fine family were regular attendants and gave of their time unsparingly for the betterment of the church and their community. Although not always enjoying the best of health, Mrs. Johnson was always ready and anxious to help the sick or those in need.
Sophia Dronen was born July 7th, 1883 at Montevideo, Minnesota and moved with her parents to Finely, North Dakota when she was a small child, and where she grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Emil Johnson at Kent, Washington, November 30th, 1911 and to this union six children were born. They moved to Corson county in 1916 and remained here until June 1943 when they moved to California where she resided until her death.
Besides her husband, she leaves her six children, Mrs. Agnes Warner, Eve, Phyllis, Gilman, Verda and Vernon and two brother, Seivert Dronen of Cashmere, Washington and M.J. Dronen of Jamestown, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister and her parents.
Funeral services were held at Bannor Chapel, Wednesday, April 25th. The Reverend Koehler of the Trinity Lutheran Church preceding. She was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery, Piedmont.
Taken from Corson County News May 3, 1945

Pioneer Watauga Resident is Dead

Orie Willigan was born in Riverdale, Illinois on July 10,1870. He was left an orphan at an early age.
On November 15, 1892 he married Jennie Bos. Six children were born to this union, four of whom are living; namely Adrian Willigan of Watauga, S.D., Mrs. Mabel Zamzow of Grand Island, Nebraska; Mrs. Loretta Mitchell of Danville, California; and Orie Jr. of Scottsburg, Oregon.
The family came to Watauga in 1911 and settled on a homestead two miles southwest of Watauga.
The first Mrs. Willigan preceded Mr. Willigan in death April 15, 1931. On June 21, 1932 Mr. Willigan married Miss Cornelia Bos.
Mr. Willigan passed away July 20, 1945 at the age of 75 years 10 days. He leaves to mourn his death, his bereaved widow, four children, five grand children and one great grandchild.
The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church in Watauga on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Kutz of Lemmon officiating. The choir sang, "Jesus Lover of my Soul" , "Rock of Ages" and "Asleep in Jesus."
The remains were laid to rest in the Watauga cemetery.
Taken from Corson County News August 2, 1945