Surnames: BARAGER PRITCHARD

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 09/19/1929

Barager, Annie L. (8 OCT 1862 - 9 Sep 1929)

Annie Laurie Barager was born at Hudson, Wis., Oct. 8, 1862, and died on the afternoon of Sept. 9, 1929, at the home of her son, Irving C. Barager, 309 McKinley Av., Eau Claire, Wis., aged 66 years, 11 months and 1 day. She was the daughter of James & Harriett Pritchard, then residing at Hudson, Wis. She received her education in the schools of that city and spent her girlhood days there. On June 23, 1886 she was united in marriage to James A. Barager of Washburn, Wis., who was then engaged in the publication of the News and Itemizer, the first newspaper to be founded in Washburn.

To this union were born four children, Annie Laurie, who died at the age of five months, and three sons who survive her, Irving C. of Eau Claire, Vernon P. of Owen, Clark County, Wis., and Miles E. of Seattle, Wash.

Her husband preceded her in death May 7, 1903 at Eau Claire, Wis., following an operation for appendicitis.

Mrs. Barager became ill the latter part of January while at Long Beach, Calif., where she had been spending the winter. In May she returned to Wisconsin. Although every medical aid possible was given her she continued to fail, and after an eight month illness passed away. Death was caused by cerebral hemorrhage with complications.

Mrs. Barager's early newspaper experience was gained when she, together with her husband, pioneered the establishment of newspapers at Cadott, Medford and Withee. After the death of her husband in 1903 she became the sole publisher of the Withee Sentinel, which publication she continued until Aug. 1, 1912. At that time she sold her interest and retired from the newspaper business until Feb. 14, 1914, when she became the senior partner with her son, Vernon P. in the publication of the "Owen Enterprise", in which she took an active interest until her death.

Mrs. Barager had those qualities which make us respect, love and admire all pioneers. After the death of her husband, she stepped undaunted into his place. Taking over the business and at the same time caring for her family and rearing and educating her three sons. No finer monument could be erected to the memory of any woman than the record of her achievements during these trying years.

She was faithful, kind and loving. Of a sunny disposition, jovial with her friends, courteous to those of different opinions, and a faithful and consistent friend. The great God who gathered her to his arms perhaps had need of such in that land beyond our human ken. She sleeps, and we, her sorrowing relatives and friends mourn her departure, yet we acquiesce in that immutable degree of nature and give her up in the fullest hope and trust in the wisdom of Him who ordereth all things well.

Mrs. Barager was a member of the Congregational Church, in which she had always been active. She was an Eastern Star and a member of the Royal Neighbor and Rebekah Lodges.

The remains were brought to Owen and the funeral was held in the Congregational Church, Wednesday, the Rev. W. P. Powell officiating. The burial was made Thursday morning in Oakwood Cemetery at Ashland, beside her husband and daughter.

Her passing creates a loss that is felt not only by her immediate family, but by the community as well.