William M. Stricker was born in Clark Co., Indiana on the 12th of July 1850. His parents moved to Clark County Illinois when he was two years old. He united with the Christian Church at the age of 16. Moved to Kansas in 1873 settling on a farm near Lacede in Pottawatomie county. He was married to Miss Cornelia J. Fulton December 25, 1873 and to them six children were born five girls and one boy, the son dying in infancy. Becoming tired of farm life he sold his fine place near Lacede in Pottawatomie Co., and moved to Onaga where he engaged in the drug business and where in 1882 he joined the Masonic Lodge and became an active factor in social circles. Meeting with some adversity in business, several years later he disposed of his
stock of drugs and moved to Grant township and finally to Havensville settling on a small tract of land just east of town where he passed the remainder of his days in a quiet way an honorable industrious citizen, a loyal friend to all in the community. He served Grant township one term as justice of the peace, discharging
the duties of that responsible position in a most faithful and efficient manner and was in November elected to the office of township trustee.
About a year ago he became afflicted with something like cancer of the stomach and has for several months a great sufferer. However he rallied sufficient to get out some during the summer and for awhile he hoped for
a permanent recovery. But soon after the election he relapsed into his old condition of suffering, growing weaker and paler day after day, in spite of medical skill and the most loving care. Realizing the meaning of this gradual sinking away, that he was in the presence of the terrible king and that he was to exchange the scenes of this beautiful world for the joys of the world beyond, he endured the intense with Christian fortitude and patiently awaited the call of his soul to take it's flight to the city of Jasper Walls. Thus bravely our friend went down into the valley, not fearing the darkness through which he must pass knowing that the
beacon of light from Zion's window would guide him safely to the home of the blood washed beings where the cares and miseries of earth enter not and where sickness, pain and death are never known.
The obsecules were held yesterday at 2 pm in the Christian Church, Rev Bryant delivering the discourse. The
deceased was a leading member of the Masonic order and the funeral was conducted by the lodge here. A very large procession followed the remains to the cemetery just west of town.