The funeral of Dave McMurtrie, whose death occurred last Tuesday morning, will be held at the home at 2:30 this afternoon, Rev. Tingley officiating. Mr. McMurtrie has been in failing health for some time past and while his death was not unexpected yet it comes with that sudden shock that casts a gloom over the city. He has been a worthy citizen of our community and an enthusiast in the work of the Blair Band and Orchestra. He leaves a wife and four children, two of whom are married, and two—a son and daughter—at home. With the many friends of the family The Pilot extends its sympathy to the bereaved family.

#2 Published in the June 1, 1899 Blair Courier, Blair, Nebraska

While not unexpected and unlooked for, the death of our esteemed townsman, David H. McMurtrie, which occurred last Tuesday morning, cast a deep gloom over our community and many expressions of sympathy and love have been heard on all sides. The deceased has been a resident of Blair for a number of years and was a principal figure in all home talent entertainments, benefits, etc., always cheerfully donating his services whether for church or other institutions. An entertainment had been promised by the old Blair Dramatic Club, the proceeds of which were to have been donated to Mr. McMurtrie, but owing to his demise it was postponed and will be given later for the benefit of his family, who are left without their share of this world’s goods owing to the long continued illness of the deceased. The funeral took place this afternoon under the auspices of the Blair Military Band, of which organization he was a member. Interment was made in the Blair cemetery.

#3 Printed in the June 1, 1899 Blair Republican

A GOOD CITIZEN GOES TO HIS REWARD

After an illness which began last October, passed peacefully away at his him in this city at 10 a.m. last Monday night, David C. McMurtrie, aged 47 years and 7 months.

The deceased was born in the city of New York but emigrated to Wisconsin when a boy of five. Twenty-five years ago, at Union Grove, Wis., he married Miss Sarah Drury, mother of four children: Harley who married and resides in Milwaukee; Jessie, now Mrs. Charles McComb of this city and an unmarried daughter and young son.

The family came to Blair in 1874 and since then the deceased has been in the employ of the various collar factories.

His musical genius was soon recognized and he was leader and organizer of several bands and orchestras, a favorite on all public entertainments, a born dramatist and composer, with a soul attuned to harmony, and delighting in the good things of life; home and friends were very dear to the loving father and kind friend whose demise causes much sorrow, for he had not an enemy in the wide world. His parents are dead. John McMurtrie, a brother, is here from Manley, Iowa, also Robert Wardell, a half-brother from Iowa, but James McMurtrie and Wm. Wardell, of Wisconsin, are hardly expected to be here. Mrs. A.C. Drury, mother of Mrs. D. McMurtrie and Mrs. Alphronia Wheeler, a sister, have been here from Milwaukee several days and other relatives are expected today.

By request, the Blair Band will have charge of the funeral this afternoon from the residence. Deceased requested to be buried in his uniform and that the band shall play appropriate music for the occasion. Services will be by Rev. C. E. Tingley and interment at the Blair Cemetery. It is not necessary to say that the bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community.

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

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