William Raver Called To His Last Reward

Wm. A Raven died at his home, 107 East South Street a 7:30 a.m. Sunday, August 18, 1918, aged 80 years, 11 months, and one day, of cerebral hemorrhage, superinduced by paralysis.

William Amos Raver was born in Pennsylvania, September 17, 1837, and came to Iowa with his parents when a small boy. He came to Washington County, Nebraska, in the late 50’s and purchased 400 acres of land in Cuming City and Grant Townships, which he still owned at the time of his death.

In early days he was engaged in freighting between Omaha and Denver and Salt Lake and could tell many interesting stories of trips across the plains and encounters with Indians.

On May 31, 1868, he married to Miss Caroline Oliva Knutson, who with the three children survive him. The children are Dr. Charles A. Raver, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Henry B. and Miss Anna M. Raver, who live at home.

For the past twelve years deceased had been in poor health, and five years ago gave up active farm life and moved to Blair. Three years ago he had a stroke of paralysis, followed during an intervening years by three other strokes, the last one being nearly two weeks previous to his death.

He was a lover of nature, and of children, and during the years he was confined to his wheelchair children crowded about him enjoying his companionship and good nature. He was a good neighbor and a faithful friend, and an indulgent husband and father. Besides the children, a nephew S. J. Raver, was a member of his household from the time he was three years old until he grew to manhood, and was considered as his own son.

The funeral was held at the home Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended. Interment was made in the family lot in the Blair Cemetery, the casket being covered with beautiful flowers, tributes from neighbors and friends. Rev. W. H. Underwood and Rev. Wm. Esplin conducted the services.

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