Alfred Hester died at his home on west Davis Avenue at about 4 o’clock last Thursday, March 12th, of old age, being almost 77 years old. He has been gradually failing for some time past, and the end was not unexpected. The funeral service was conducted from the Methodist church at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. O. U. McProud officiating. He had been a member of Washington lodge No. 21 A. F. & A. M., for over twenty-eight years and burial was under Masonic auspices. Mr. Hester was born in Jones county, Ia. July 24th, 1848, so would have been 77 years of age had he lived a few months longer. With his parents he moved to Harrison county when a lad and he grew to manhood there. On March 26th, 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Dennis at Modale, Ia., and in 1880 they moved to this city, which had been his home ever since. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are now living, Mrs. Bert Linn of Mondamin, Ia., Mrs. Chance Linn and Mrs. George Linn of Fremont, Neb., Mrs. E. M. Terrell of this city, Mrs. W. Morrow of Omaha, Rama Hester of Chicago, Mrs. Zeibie Christensen of Colgate, Wis., and Mrs. Richard Bennett of Belvedere, Ill., all of whom were present for the funeral service. His first wife died in 1909 and in 1914 he was married to Mrs. Mary Smith who survives him. Also twenty one grandchildren and one great grandchild. He worked for the railroad company for over forty-three years, which shows something of his faithfulness and habits of industry. He was a good citizen whom the entire community will miss, especially the Masonic fraternity, whom he met with regularly and took great pleasure in the work of that order.

#2 Printed in the March 19, 1925 Enterprise

Alfred Hester was born in Jones County, Iowa on July 24, 1848. His parents moved to Harrison County, Iowa, where they homesteaded and where Mr. Hester grew to manhood.

He was married to Cornelius Dennis at Modale, Iowa March 26, 1872 and in 1880 they moved to Blair where he has since resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Hester ten children were born, eight of whom are still living: Mrs. Bert Linn of Mondamin, Iowa; Mrs. Chauncy Linn of Fremont, Neb.; Mrs. E.M. Terrell of Blair; Mrs. George Linn of Fremont; Mrs. Wm. Morrow of Omaha; Roma Hester of Chicago; Mrs. Zebbie Christensen of Colgate, Wis.; Mrs. Dick Bennett of Belvidere, Ill.

His wife died in 1909 and later Mr. Harris married Mary Smith. After a lingering illness, a complication of asthma and liver trouble which lasted for some time, Mr. Hester died on last Thursday.

As a man, Mr. Hester was known for his honesty and sterling qualities and when he died the community lost a good citizen. He was a Mason and the Masons had charge of the services at the grave.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church last Sunday at 2 P.M. and interment was made in the Blair cemetery. The children were all present at the funeral ceremony.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. News clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

FindaGrave #115112349