The death of J. H. Dick at 5:30 Thursday morning, while not unexpected, was a shock to the friends of the family, many of whom had been intimately acquainted with them since their coming to Blair in 1880. Mr. Dick was taken sick several weeks ago, and while his condition was serious from the first, hopes were held out that he might recover. Mr. Dick was born in Westfield, New York on Dec. 30, 1834. When he first came to Nebraska he settled in Plattsmouth where he was employed as master mechanic in the B & M shops. Later he moved to Chicago and then to Blair where he has since resided. The funeral was held at 10:30 Saturday morning at the Catholic church and was attended by many friends of the family. Mr. Dick leaves to mourn his loss his wife and two foster sons, Leslie and John, who in their bereavement have the sympathy of all. To their many friends the family desire to express their gratitude for acts of kindness in the time of their affliction.

#2-7 Oct., 1908 - The Pilot - James H. Dick

After an illness of six weeks, the gentle spirit of J. H. Dick passed quietly out into the Great Beyond at 5:20 last Thursday morning, Oct. 1st. The end was not unexpected by him or the family, for he had been growing weaker with the days. He could not speak but his brain was active almost to the last. He met death bravely for he was a brave, true man, one of God’s nobleman. The funeral service was held at the Catholic church at 10 o’clock Saturday morning, Father O’Driscoll officiating, and the large church was crowded to the doors by friends and neighbors eager to pay their last respects to a loyal friend, a good neighbor and an ideal citizen. The pallbearers were: Jas. E. Maher, Pat Quinlan, G. P. DeTemple, Mike Barry, Thos. Sullivan and Jas. Maney. J. H. Dick was born in Westfield, N. Y. Dec. 20th, 1836 and was, therefore, near his 72nd milestone. He was married to Miss Margaret A. Leahey in Salem, Mass. April 29. 1877, having previously located at Plattsmouth, Neb., where he was master mechanic in the railroad shops at that place. In 1880 Mr. Dick was given charge of the round house in this city and they moved here, making this their home ever since. After the round house was blown down and abandoned, Mr. Dick went on the road as an engineer, but was compelled to give that up later on account of failing eyesight. He was city assessor for a number of years and otherwise lived quietly as the sun of life was setting toward the west. He is survived by his faithful wife, two adopted sons, John of this city and A. Leslie of Omaha. Also two sisters, Mrs. Lucinda Fassett of Ashtabula, Ohio, Mrs. E. N. Cosgrove of Henry, S. D. Mr. Dick was a convert to the Catholic faith many years ago and his deep love for the church of his choice was shown best by his years of devotion and service to it. He was one of the two trustees of St. Francis church in this city for years, and will be greatly missed by his church as well as his family and friends.

#3-8 Oct., 1908 - The Blair Democrat

J. H. DICK PASSES AWAY

The death of J. H. Dick last Thursday morning cast a gloom over the entire community, and many expressions of sorrow and regret were heard from our people who knew and loved the old gentleman so well.

Mr. Dick was taken sick the middle of last month with kidney trouble and while the best medical aid was summoned, his condition continued to grow worse until death came to his relief. The funeral was held from the Catholic church of which the deceased had been an active member for a number of years, on Saturday morning, Rev. Father O’Driscoll presiding. The remains were followed to their last resting place to the cemetery by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, paying their final tribute to their friend who in life was an exemplary citizen and neighbor as well as one of the kindest of men.

Deceased was born in Westfield, N.Y. December 20, 1836, and was married to Margaret A. Leahy at Salem, Mass. April 29, 1877. He was a machinist by trade and came to Nebraska in 1873, first stopping at Plattsmouth where he remained until 1880 when he came to Blair.

He was the father of one son who lived to be eleven years old, and besides a wife and two sisters, leaves two adopted sons, Leslie and Jonnie. The sisters are Mrs. Lucinda Fassett of Ashtabula, O., and Mrs. E. N. Cosgrove of Henry, So. Dak., both being present at the funeral.

The pallbearers were Jas. E. Maher, Patrick Quinlan, Mike Barry, Geo. P. DeTemple, Thos. Sullivan and James Maney. Those from abroad who attended the funeral were as follows: Patrick Donahue, Topeka, Kan; Mr. and Mrs. Robert McHale, Fairbury, Neb; Miss Hannah O’Leary, Kansas City, Mo; Lon Chalfaut and Michael O’Connor, Mo. Valley; Mr. and Mrs. Thos. McGovern, Mr. and Mrs. James Maney, Mr. and Mrs. Vital Coupal, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Flynn and Thos. Quinlan, Omaha. Miss O’Leary, who came up from Kansas City to attend the funeral will stay indefinitely with Mrs. Dick.

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

Find a Grave Memorial #114025120