William H. Barlow, familiarly known as "Billie" Barlow, died at his ranch home in the northwest part of this county at 10:38 a.m. on last Sunday, May 8, 1921, after a very brief illness resulting from a form of kidney trouble, with complications which, toward the end brought on heart trouble. Acute nephtitis was given as the immediate cause of his death. It was known for several months before his death that Mr. Barlow's health was impaired, but his condition had caused no alarm, as he had been able to be about practically all the time. He was in Coldwater on Tuesday of last week, and at that time appeared to be in reasonably good health. On Saturday afternoon he visited Wilmore to consult a physician and to attend to some business matters. Early Sunday morning he had quite a severe attack of bladder trouble, but was about the house and to his usual cheerful mood, jollying with the other inmates of the house.A second attack occurred about 6 o'clock Sunday morning, and his condition at once became serious. Word was sent to relatives here, but they found upon their arrival at the Barlow ranch that Billie was unconscious and that life was practically extinct. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Barlow, those present at the end were hired hand Geo. Tilbury, who had made his home with the deceased for a few years and who was one of Billie's most faithful friends. The body was brought to this city and kept at the home of his brother, Arthur.
Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church in this city at 3 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. Frank Johnson. His tribute to the deceased and his exhortation to the living, to try to reach a higher christian experience were appropriate and inspiring. With Mrs. A. A. White at the pipe organ, the male quartet and church choir sang, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "Shall We Gather at the River?" and "Lead, Kindly Light."
Many beautiful floral pieces were received. The church was well filled, people being present from all over the eastern half of Comanche-co. and southern part of Kiowa-co. Interment was in Crown Hill cemetery, one mile east of this city.
William Henry Barlow was a native of England, having been born bear Crowsborough, in Sussex, on March 31, 1868. His age at the time of his death was therefore, 53 years, 1 month and 7 days. His father came to America in 1885 and settled in the northwestern part of this country, where he started the building of a large ranch, which is now known as one of the best ranches in this part of the state. Billie and his brother came about three years later, and his mother and sisters about 10 years later.
For 33 years Billie had labored and planned to extend and improve the ranch. He was much interested in livestock and was successful in nearly all of his investments. He had dealt with a large number of farmers and ranchmen in this part of the state, and hence was widely known in the counties of Comanche, Barber, Kiowa and Pratt. All liked Billie Barlow, for he was big-hearted, honest, dependable and true-blue as a neighbor, friend and citizen. He never sought the popularity which comes to the office holder, and even had a distain for the mere acclaim of the passing multitude, preferring, rather, the quiet home life and the round of duties on his ranch. Those who knew him best say of him that his outstanding characteristics were his generosity, his devotion to his friends and his adherence to high ideals and to faithfully discharging his duties and relations to his fellowmen. And that is why, Billie Barlow will be missed by so many with whom he had associated for a third of a century.
Mr. Barlow is survived by two brothers and three sisters, as follows: Marshall Barlow and Arthur E. Barlow of this city, Mrs. Marion Ericson of Hallandale, Fla., Mrs. John Hodgetts of Quinton, England and Miss Amy Barlow, now a nurse in Elizabeth hospital in Washington, D. C. The father, Wm. Barlow, died in this city on May 9, 1911, and the mother, Rachel Barlow, died in England on August 18, 1919. Of the family of 9 children, three had preceeded Billie in death. The sisters were unable to be present at the funeral.
Mr. Barlow joined the Church of England when but 14 years of age, his membership being in St. John's Episcopal Church in Crowsborough. For a number of years he had been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, and members of that lodge from Belvidere furnished the pallbearers at the funeral. About 18 months ago he became a member of the Masonic lodge in Wilmore. Mr. Barlow had never married.
The Western Star, July 30, 1920. J. Berry Ware, Earl Ferrin and Wm. Barlow left for the Wichita oil fields Tuesday morning to look over a business proposition in the AI pool.
Red Cross Fund Oversubscribed, The Wilmore News, 28 June 1917.
Mr. and Mrs. Hodgetts Write from England
The Western Star, August 7, 1925.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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