Obit: Joseph Elliott (1867-1932)

Contact: Randy Elliott

Surnames: Elliott, Kretser, Powell

----Source: The Owen Enterprise, Owen, Clark County, Wisconsin, April 14, 1932

JOSEPH ELLIOTT DIES TUESDAY

Joseph Elliott, one of the pioneer citizens of this city, passed away at his home here Tuesday afternoon, death being caused by a complication of diseases. He was taken ill about two weeks ago and confined to his bed most of the time. Deceased was born at St. Ursule, Quebec, Canada, July 16, 1867, and was 64 years of age at the time of his death.

When he was 16 years of age he left his home in Canada and came to Ashland, Wis., where he secured employment and became the foreman of a mine. After leaving Ashland he located at Chelsea, and was in business there 13 years. He became a citizen of the Untied States by naturalization in 1894.

He was married May 9, 1891 to Miss Viola Kretser at Stevens Point. To this union were born six children, Clifford of Neillsville, Arleigh of Eau Claire, Mrs. Blanche Tolle of Chicago, Donald of Eau Claire and Kenneth of Owen. One son, Robert, died in infancy. In the spring of 1905 he sold his business at Chelsea and came to Owen. There were few buildings here at that time aside from those owned by the lumber company. Mr. Elliott had confidence in the future of the city and could see that as the timber was being cleared away and with the advent of settlers, the surrounding country would be changed from a stumpy wilderness to that of prosperous farmsteads. He purchased a lot on Main street and immediately started the erection of a building. The building was a frame structure and housed his saloon for several years until destroyed by fire in February 1926. He then erected the modern brick building which now stands on the lot he first purchased.

Mr. Elliott suffered considerably during the last twelve years from neuritis, but it did not incapacitate him from being up and around. Joseph Elliott was not only a good citizen. He was a good man. He was good in the broadest sense of the word--not merely in the usual acceptance of the term. And he always saw the good in the world rather than the bad. When he laughed the world laughed with him. It was a laugh coming from his very soul. He was an honest and progressive citizen who always fulfilled his obligations. Besides his wife and children he leaves to mourn his death, two brothers, four half brothers, and one half sister who reside in Canada, also nine grand-children. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Congregational church, Rev. W. P. Powell officiating. Interment will be made at Riverside cemetery.