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Well Known Logan County Farmer the Victim of Typhoid Fever -- Passed Away Wednesday Following a Month's Sickness -- Nearly 41 Years Old

Mr. W. H. Downing, whose home is three miles northwest of Mt. Pulaski, died there at 4:20 a.m., Wednesday, December 2, following an illness of a month with typhoid fever. His son Clarence had been suffering with the disease and the father's faithful care night an day brought on his fatal sickness. Mr. Downing was born in Logan county on February 23, 1863, and resided within its borders all his life. He was aged 40 years, 9 months and 9 days. His father died while serving in the civil war, and his remains were interred out in the Downing cemetery four miles northwest of the city.

Private funeral services will be held at noon today (Friday) at the residence (on account of sickness). Public funeral services will be held in the M.E. church here at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. F. S. Artz of Stonington, assisted by the pastor, Rev. T. W. Greer. Interment will be made in Downing cemetery.

Mr. Downing was united in marriage about twenty years ago to Miss Lida Harding, daughter of Mrs. Benjamin Harding, who now lives near Rockwell City, Iowa. To this union four children were born, all boys, who survive him, namely: Clarence, Ellis, Ennis and Floyd. Besides his wife he is also survived by his mother, Mrs. David Shellhammer, who lives northwest of Mt. Pulaski.

Deceased has always been an industrious man and thereby accumulated much of the world's good for his family. He owned 100 acres of rich Logan county soil and only a couple of years ago purchased 80 acres more that adjoined his farm, of Mr. John T. Walker. He only recently had a new house built on his farm.

Mr. Downing had insurance in the Modern Woodmen of America, the Farmers' Federation, and some insurance in an old line company. His death is an untimely one, and he will be greatly missed by a large circle of acquaintances.

Note: He was not buried in Downing Cemetery but in Mt. Pulaski Cemetery. He got the typhoid from Ellis, not Clarence.

Source: Mt. Pulaski paper, name uncertain, December 4, 1903