William Relph
McCook Tribune - September 25, 1908

Gerver's First Settler Dead.

William Relph, Gerver precinct's first settler, died on September 19th, 1908,
in Cedar Bluffs, Kansas, where his remains were buried on Monday, September
21st.  Elder H. H. Berry of our city officiating at the services in the
church at Cedar Bluffs and burial being made under auspices of the Grand Army
post of Danbury of which deceased was a member.

Deceased was born in Center county, Pennsylvania:  July 19, 1839.  He was 69
years and 2 months old.  He was married to Rebecca Jane Adams in Wea Plains,
Tippecanoe county, Indiana, June (January) 1, 1861.  Ten children were born
to them, six daughters and 4 sons, 9 surviving together with the wife.  The
eldest daughter is buried in Gerver precinct, where she died February 16,
1883.  Seven of the children and between 30 and 50 grandchildren attended the
funeral.  Deceased came to Red Willow county in 1879 and was Gerver's first
settler.  He moved across the state line into Kansas, three years ago,
locating in Cedar Bluffs.  He was first stricken with paralysis five years
ago, and has since suffered similarly four times.  He was a member of the
Methodist church.  Served in Union army and was wounded at Chattanooga.  He
was a man of sterling character of the hardy pioneer stock.


Submitted by:  Sharon Milligan McCurry