Obit: Borgers, Albert L. (1867 - 1921)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: BORGERS MERRIMAN NORTON

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner 4/7/1921

OBITUARY--Borgers, Albert L. (1867-1921)

Albert L. Borgers was born on a farm near Holland, Mich., Aug. 15, 1867. His father's parents left old Holland for the sake of religious freedom and in 1847 settled in what was then the wilderness of western Michigan. His mother, Louiza Merriman, was descended from New England Puritan stock, thus he inherited strong religious principles from both parents.

He was graduated from Neillsville High School, later taking Normal work at both Stevens Point and Whitewater Normals and teaching in the public schools in Clark County.

In 1894 he was graduated from the Poynette Biblical Academy. During 1895 and 96 he was a student at the University of Wis. In April 1896 he married Ione Ada Norton, making their home in Madison, where for 18 years he was one of Madison's prominent electrical contractors.

He was a member of the Neillsville Presbyterian Church during the ministry of Rev. W. T. Hendren, later becoming a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison. His natural strong religious nature developed in his home church was greatly strengthened by his two years in the Poynette Academy. Thru all his life, his high ideals, his strong devotion to duty, his unselfish service, his untiring energy and his unfailing hopefulness were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Due largely to his influence and often to his assistance, his younger brothers and sisters were led to acquire an education. He determined also to give his seven children the best education obtainable and never spared himself in working to that end.
In 1912 a nervous breakdown, which was the result of a too close attention to business, made him decide to return to Clark Co., where he purchased 120 acres of unimproved land 7 miles from Greenwood, which he was converting into a dairy farm. March 8, 1921 he severely injured his hand. The wound seemed to be nearly healed, when symptoms of tetanus appeared. He was taken to the hospital at Marshfield, but the result was inevitable. On March 22, 1921, he died and the funeral services were held at the M.E. Church of Greenwood, March 25, Rev. E.M. Bickell assisted by Rev. Jas. A. Kerr, of Neillsville, officiating.
The remains were taken to Poynette, Wis and laid beside his eldest daughter, Sybil, who died in infancy.