Grundy County IL Archives Obituaries.....Sturtevant, Wilber C January 1886
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 3, 2007, 3:58 am

Morris Herald, Jan 1886
Morris Herald
Jan 1886

Death of Wilber C. Sturtevant

Last week we mentioned that Dr. M. C. Sturtevant, of this city, had received a 
telegram announcing the death of his son, Wilber, at Gold Hill, Col., on 
Wednesday morning of that week. On Sunday morning the remains arrived in this 
city, accompanied by Mr. G. A. Van Fleet, one of the city officials, of 
Boulder, from whom we learn the particulars of the unfortunate taking off of 
poor Wilber.

On Tuesday of last week, Wilber, in company with others of the camp, had gone 
down to Boulder, some eight miles distant, to dispose of ore and to do some 
trading. During the day he was in company iwth Mr. Van Fleet, who left him but 
a few moments before his departure for home in the evening. He seemed cheerful 
and happy, highly pleased with the success with which he had met in his labors 
in the mine and the disposition of his ore on this day. On leaving the 
railroad station he had to walk about one and a half miles to his home, but 
instead of going directly home he stopped at the house of his partner, a Mr. 
Dunn, but a short distance from his own home, to inform that gentleman of the 
success of his trip and to talk over matters in general. He had been in the 
house but a short time when he complained of feeling oppressed and went out 
doors for fresh air. He was out but a few minutes, and feeling no better was 
prevailed upon by Mr. Dunn to return to the house and remain for the night. 
Soon after he went to bed, Mr. Dunn and wife before retiring went into 
Wilber's room to see that he was all right for the night and found him asleep 
but breathing hard. They did not at the time think anything was wrong, knowing 
he had had a hard day's work at Boulder, disposing of his ore, and his walk 
from the station, and presumed that he was tired. They retired for the night. 
The next morning they got up and prepared for breakfast, Mr. Dunn being out 
for some time doing his chores. On his return his wife informed him that 
Wilber had not yet got up. Mr. Dunn went to arouse him, when to his horror he 
found him asleep in death.

Mr. O. C. Hansbrough, with whom Wilber boarded, and of whom he leased his 
claim, was immediately notified. The coroner, Dr. D. W. King, of Boulder, was 
notified, and at the same time the message was sent to Dr. Sturtevant. On the 
arrival of the coroner an inquest was held, and verdict returned of death from 
the use of morphine. It was known to Mr. Hansbrough and Mr. Dunn that Wilber 
sometimes used morphine to quiet him, and the presumption is that he took more 
than he intended, producing death.

On Thursday the funeral took place from the residence of Dr. Sturtevant, on 
Main street in this city, Rev. Corwin, of the Congregational church, 
officiating.

And thus ends the earthly career of Wilber Sturtevant, and too, at a time when 
the future was to him so full of promise - of success in life. 

Only the day before his death he wrote a letter to his parents in this city 
informing them of his bright prospects, of how well contented he was with his 
surroundings; building up hopes of a happy reunion on his return here in March 
next; a letter full of cheer to that mother whose whole being - whose life was 
centered in her boy; a letter to be received at a time when the mantle of 
gloom was spread over the household, the swift-fleeting lightning having out 
run the mail and brought the dred tidings of death of the writer. How little 
know we of what the future has in store for us. Only a few short months - the 
5th of May last - Wilber left here for the far west determined upon building a 
fortune and reputation. He was rapidly acquiring both. Always popular among 
his associates here; so was he among the hardy mountaineers who became his 
companions in the Rockies. But now only the words and tears of sympathizing 
friends are left for sorrowing parents. But there is a beyond; there comes a 
time when we shall be brought before the Infinite - the all knowing - and then 
it shall be known to us the reason for things as they now exist.


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