Surnames: WOOD RUDERICK MUNSON HARTNELL

----Source: Stark Family Album

Wood, William S. (24 Jul 1872 - 29 Mar 1947)

William S. Wood, a pioneer resident of the community north of the village of Withee, Clark County, Wis., for the past 44 years, came to this country in 1894, from Forfar, Scotland, settling at Salem in Kenosha Co., Wis. His original intent was only to visit the U. S., coming here in 1893 to attend the Wold Columbian Exposition held at Chicago. His first impression of the country was such that any plans for returning to his homeland were forgotten. After residing at Salem for nine years he moved to his present homestead in the town of Hixon, five and one-half miles northwest of Withee. Here he worked industriously, clearing timbered land and eventually developing his farm to its present day status.

He was born on July 24, 1872 at Forfar, Scotland. April 18, 1896 he was united in marriage to Bessie Hartnell, who preceded him in death, passing away Jan. 20, 1924. Two years later , on March 26, 1926, he married Belle Munson Ruderick. She also preceded him in death, having passed away on June 14, 1941.

Throughout his 44 years of residence in this community, he served as a fine public spirited citizen, having held several town offices in the town of Hixon as supervisor, treasurer and assess at various times, in addition to having also held office as school clerk of District No. 5 of Hixon.

His passing away comes as a surprise to his many friends, who had not learned of his short illness. He had been actively engaged in his daily farm work until recently, when he suffered an attack of influenza, which later developed into pneumonia. He passed away at his farm home at 5:10 Saturday evening, March 29, 1947, at the age of 74 years, 8 months and 5 days.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock from the Griebenow Funeral Parlors, with Rev. J. L. J. Dixen of Withee reading the final rites. Interment was made in the Riverside Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ed Dicks, William Breitlow, William Atkin, Myron Kasken, David Peterson and Otto Neimag. Flower girls were Mesdames Elmer Venet, Milfred Wenzel, Josephine Arndt, Olga Robertson, Martin Keskimaki and Norma Breitlow.

Surviving his is one son, Wallace of Route 1, Withee.