Elmer E. Rood, a former Blair resident, died at his farm home near Nickerson at 10:15 last Saturday morning and the body was brought over here yesterday for burial from the Methodist Church at 1 o’clock. Rev. J. G. Shick, of University Place, who was pastor here when Mr. Rood lived here, had charge of the service, being assisted by Rev. W. H. Underwood.

Elmer Ellsworth Rood was born in Watkins, N. Y., Feb. 27th, 1865, and was therefore but little past 54 years of age at the time of his death. He was married to Miss Laura Bumgardner about 35 years ago and two children were born to them, Oscar, of Keeling, Wyo., and E. Earl, of Clinton, Ia. They came to this city in 1890 and in August 1898, Mrs. Rood died. On April 4th, 1905, he was married to Miss Alice C. Overman and to this union three children were born, Guy W., Milton R., and Ardeth I., aged 11, 8, and 3, who live at home. Shortly after his marriage they left Blair and have lived in the neighborhood of Fremont.

Mr. Rood suffered a general breakdown and has been confined to the house since last November. He realized the end was near and made practically all arrangement for his funeral, asking that his body be brought over here and that the funeral service be held in the Methodist Church of which he was a member for so many years, and whose fellowship he greatly enjoyed. He was church treasurer and usher for a number of years. He joined the Fraternal Union Lodge while living here and served as the head officer at one time. He was an alert and clean minded citizen and was at one time a candidate for mayor on the reform ticket.

Many old friends extended deepest sympathy to the sorrowing relatives. Besides the wife and five children he leaves three brothers, Edward L., of Portland, Oregon, Leon G., of Chicago, and Herbert F., of Lincoln. Also three sisters, Minnie O., of Omaha, Lula D. and May C. of Fremont. One brother, Fred C. and one sister, Ella M., were awaiting him on the other side.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.~~~