William Collins Brunton was born in Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, Feb. 6, 1834; died at Ozawkie, Kansas, Jan. 31, 1912, aged 77 years, 11 mos., 25 days. When quite small he moved with his parents, to Adams Co., Ill., where he resided until 21 years of age, when he was married to Sarah J. Bise, at Williamstown,Lewis County, Missouri, June 8, 1856. To this union was born 12 children, 7 boys and 5 girls. At the beginning of the war, early in 1861, he wished to enlist when the call came for troops, but owing to defective eyesight, he was rejected, but entered the Home Guard for 3 months. Later in that year he moved, with his family to Marshall Co. Iowa, where they resided 4 years. In August, 1862, he again tried to enlist, but was again rejected for the same cause as on the previous occasion.
In April, 1865, he moved his family to Atchison County, Kansas, and three years later to Jefferson County, where he lived on a farm near Ozawkie until 4 years ago, when he retired from active life on the farm and moved into Ozawkie, where he has since resided, until he was called from our midst "to rest."
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, who has been his loved and devoted companion for 56 years, ten children; George, Grant, Mrs. Edna Casebier of Oskaloosa, Kans., Mrs. Rosa Brinkhoff and Mrs. Mattie Wellman, both of Los Angeles, Calif., Walter of Cashmere, Washington; Delbert, of Fullerton, Calif., Edward, Sherman and Mrs. Nellie Harden, all of Ozawkie, Kan., and three sisters, Mrs. Victoria Shrader of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. Mary Briner of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Mrs. Clara Johnson, of Terra Haute, Ind.
One son, John, and a daughter, Mrs. Minnie Smith, have gone on before to extend a welcome to our loved one, who has just crossed over the the beyond. In August, of 1911, he united with the Brethren Church, and was happy in his Christian faith.
The funeral was held Thursday, February 1st, at 2 p.m. from the Brethren Church at Ozawkie.
Grandpa Brunton was always honest and upright, and loved by everyone,
both old and young. He always had a kind word for all, especially for the children, and nothing made him happier than to give something or do something to please the children.
Farewell, dear father, sweet thy rest;
Weary with years, trouble and pain.
Farewell till in some happy place,
We shall behold your face again,
Tis ours to miss you, all our years,
And tender memories of you keep
Yours in the Lord to rest, for so
He giveth his beloved sleep.

Oskaloosa, KS Independent-February 9, 1912

Contributed by Thomas Hotchkiss