(veteran)

W.S. Richards was born January 1, 1827, and died June 13, 1899, aged 72 years, 5 months and 12 days. He came to Nebraska some thirty years ago and settled near DeSoto and has made Washington county his home since.

He served his country as a soldier in the Civil War, was honorable discharged, and since the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic has taken an active interest in that organization having served as Post commander several terms.

Mr. Richards was twice married - - several children blessed the first union, some of whom are living to mourn the sudden demise of a loving father. For several years he has been a professed Christian and devoted to charity and good works by which he lays claim to that incorruptible inheritance unreserved in heaven for the faithful.

His death was caused by excitement and suffocation. When the terrible storm that swept away his home and store approached, he with his wife sought shelter in an outside cellar where they were safe from the raging tempest. He, however, has suffered from heart trouble and asthma for some time which was greatly aggravated by the excitement and suffocating atmosphere accompanying the storm. Help was summoned as soon as possible to bring him from the cave into the open air but it was to no avail; he was overcome and expired in a very short time.

He was an honored and highly respected citizen, having served as postmaster at Herman for several terms.

His funeral occurred from the M.E. church in this city Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Rev. H.A. Barton officiating. The interment was at the Blair cemetery where his first wife and a daughter are buried.

He was married to Eliza Matteson January 1, 1897, who survives him and mourns a great loss. COMMUNICATED