The Madison Spirit, Thursday, Aug. 4, 1910, Pg 1

Vol. 3, No. 40

R. E. WOLCOTT DEAD.

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Was Father of R. Wolcott and Veteran

of the Civil War.

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Although it has been expected for several years past, the neighborhood was somewhat startled when it was announced the afternoon of the 29th of July that R. E. Wolcott had passed away. The funeral was conducted at the family residence near hilltop by Rev. Hefner, July 30th. The ceremony was in charge of F. B. Marcy. The remains were laid to rest in the family lot at Park place, attended by his many friends.

R. E. Wolcott was born in Stafford, Vermont, January 1, 1832, finished his school course at Norrage University, and at the age of 17 years he gave his heart to God, and united with the family church, the Free Will Baptist, holding his membership with it, until moving to Kansas in 1870, when he united and worked with every church that he had an organization here, his membership now being in the United Brethren in Christ.

On June 2nd, 1850, he was united in marriage with Mary A. French, having lived together 60 years. To them were born 4 children. Two little girls died in infancy in Manchester, N. H. One son, John Wolcott lived to be 1-1/2 years old and died in Salem, Mass., in 1861. R. Wolcott being the only surviving child.

The deceased enlisted in the Union army in 1861 under Lincoln’s first call for troops, was discharged in 1862 for disease of the lungs, reinstated and and served until the end of the year. Having been a patient sufferer for years and ever looking on the bright side of life, he died as one goes to sleep at 1:45 p.m., July 29, 1910, at peace with God and all his people. His last words were “it is all right.” At his bedside was his ever faithful wife, his son and niece, Mrs. Bessie Boyle, who has been his faithful nurse for the past three years.

He began life for himself, learning the machinist trade and worked at it until his health failed. He was in the mercantile business in Manchester, N. H., also in Salem, Mass., and engaged in the manufacture of slate roofing in Northfield, Vermont, before he came to Kansas.

He took a great interest in all public affairs and when his health so far failed him as to confine him to the house most of the time, which was about 15 years ago, he became a constant reader.

In politics he allied himself with the republican party and never missed an election, always advocating advanced and progressive ideas. Thus has been removed from our midst one of the oldest settlers between Virgil and Madison. Yet in out memory he will ever live.

The family extends their heart felt thanks to all those who so kindly assisted in the hour of bereavement, with their help and sympathy.