#1 Published in The Pilot – 28 Jan 1901

One by one the pioneers to Nebraska and Washington county are passing to their reward in the great beyond. They have left monuments that will remain for all time to come. They found Nebraska in an uninhabited state, almost beyond civilization. They have transformed it into not only a state, but one ranking first in educational facilities, and near the top of the list in the matter of productiveness. They laid the foundation which has made Nebraska one of the garden spots of the states.

One by one these old pioneers are going and this week THE PILOT is called upon to chronicle the death of one who has spent nearly a quarter of a century near Kennard. Last week Sunday, Mr. W. T. Burgess was taken down with an attack of grip and gradually grew worse until Saturday afternoon when death claimed him. He was past 82 years of age and, while in apparent good health, was unable to withstand the attack. Mr. Burgess has lived a long and useful life. He was a kind husband and father and leaves to his family a legacy better than gold – the memory of a parent always kind, considerate and good.

The funeral services will be conducted today at Kennard, Rev. John Patrick, of Herman, officiating.

#2 Published in the Blair Courier – 31 Jan 1901

William T. Burgess was born in Breckenridge county, Ky., December 24, 1818. He was twice married. He moved to Nebraska in 1877 and has ever since resided in Washington county. He leaves five children and two step children to mourn their loss. His second wife died August 2, 1881. He also had five children that have preceded him, so he has treasures laid up in heaven.

Grandpa Burgess departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.E. Vorhees, surrounded by his children and grandchildren and near friends on Saturday, January 26th, 1901, aged 82 years, 1 month and 2 days.

Grandpa Burgess was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church having been converted when only 14 years of age but was true to his confession all his long life. He joined the Masonic order at about thirty years of age and has been a Mason for over fifty-two years and was ever a true Mason and was much loved and respected by his brethren. About a year ago he made all arrangements for his funeral and by his request the Rev. Patrick, of Herman, was called to preach his funeral.

Grandpa Burgess had chosen for the text of the sermon, Rom. 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. A floral tribute representing the Masonic emblem was presented by the lodge of which he was an honored member. The funeral was conducted according to the ritual of the Masonic order. We shall miss him from among us. He was laid to rest by the side of his wife and children in Rose Hill cemetery.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society – Newspaper clipping on file in the Blair Public Library in Blair, Nebraska ~~~

Died on 1/26/1901

Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Orum, Nebraska

Find a Grave Memorial #70622513 – William Thomas Burgess