Obit: Philpott, John M. (1870 - 1941)

Contact: Audrey Roedl
Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Philpott, Chesterman, Holmes

----Sources: The Loyal Tribune 06 February 1941

Philpott, John M. (14 APR 1870 - 14 FEB 1941)

John Milton Philpott, a life-long citizen of our community and for the greater part of his 70 years, a resident of our village, passed away Friday night, Feb. 14, just before midnight at his home. He had been ill since Nov. 14. During his illness there was a short period of seeming recovery, followed however on Jan. 1 by a more serious condition which resulted in his death last Friday.

Mr. Philpott was born April 14, 1870 in the Town of Loyal, the son of the late Thomas B. and Emily Theresa Philpott he was educated in the schools of Clark County, including the Neillsville High School. On Sept. 26, 1891 he was married to Miss Alice Chesterman of Loyal. The marriage ceremony was solemnized in the old Presbyterian Church in Marshfield. Most of the days of their married life were spent in the present home, which was beautified by Mr. Philpott’s devotion to it.

Mr. Philpott spent a short time in Greenwood and also in Chicago, but his was a career in his home town where he was a builder, not only of material things, but also of the civic community life as a servant in public office. His fellow citizens expressed their esteem for and confidence in him repeatedly by electing him to various offices. For many years he was a member of the Clark County Board of Supervisors. He also used his varied ability in our village as assessor, treasurer, clerk, and president. More recently his interest in the public had been centered around his duties as president of the Citizens State Bank of Loyal where his clear judgment and wise conscientious counsel were highly praised.

Mr. Philpott belonged to the Modern Woodmen and to the Masons. He was a member of the Loyal Methodist Church, where for many years he used his musical ability both as a member and as the director of the choir.

Mr. Philpott cherished the friendship the friendship of his many old friends, but his heart was especially warmed by the greetings of children and young people as they hailed him as a friend on the street and remembered his last Christmas with messages.

Preceding Mr. Philpott were his parents, his sister (Pearl) Mrs. J. Holmes, and his brother Guy.

He is survived by his wife and one brother George of Washington.

Funeral services were conducted in the Methodist Church, the Rev. O. Jewell officiating. Mrs. Calvin Prior and Mr. James Colby sang "Face to Face", "It is Well with My Soul", and "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go". Miss Tedlund accompanied on the piano.

The Masonic burial service was conducted in the church, with Mr. A. L. Devos, Neillsville, acting as worshipful master and J. R. Thomas, Spencer, as chaplain.

And now among his flowers and shrubs, across the way in his shop, on our streets, and at his official duties we shall see him only in memory and shall miss his quiet manner and friendly smile of greeting.

"And no one comes to take your empty chairs

The days are bleaker here, though richer there."

The pall bearers were O. W. Trindal, V. O. Kauffman, Perry Volk, Dr. H. H. Christofferson, A. L. Devos, and W. J. Rush.

The many beautiful floral offerings were in charge of Mrs. G. W. Nelson, Mrs. R. B. Colby, Mrs. H. P. Voight, Mrs. O. W. Trindal, Mrs. D. Castner, Mrs. V. O. Kauffman, Mrs. Perry Volk, and Mrs. Myrle Hales.

Out-of-town friends and relatives attending the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. Lacey Philpott and son, Delbert, of Omra, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rush, Neillsville, Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Christofferson, Colby, Mr. A. L. Devos, Neillsville, Mr. J. R. Thomas, Spencer, and Judge O. W. Schoengarth, Neillsville, Mrs. Francis Schultz and Donnie, Mrs. Wm. Uthmeier, Mrs. J. Hanson, T. D. Hefko, and R. W. Wood, all of Marshfield.