Chester County PA Archives Obituaries.....William Harvey FITZSIMMONS, 1903

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when I copied this at the hist soc it had no name of newspaper
 
Saturday, February 21 1903
William H Fitzsimmons

The death is announced in Pottstown yesterday of William H Fitzsimmons 
formerly a well-known resident of this place where his mother four brothers 
and other relatives reside. He was about 57 years of age and his death was 
due to rheumatism of the heart although he had been ill for some time. He 
leaves a widow who was formerly Miss Gable, of Royersford but no children. 
Members of the family in this place went to Pottstown today after receiving 
a telegram announcing his death and the remains may be brought here for 
interment. Recently he had been living a retired life, and managed the 
estate of his late father-in-law which was quite an extensive one.

William H Fitzsimmons learned the plumbing trade when a youth spending five 
years in the business. During this time he displayed much artistic talent, 
and finally embarked in the business of an engraver. Of this he made a 
brilliant line of work on metal. Leaving here he spent a number of years 
at the business in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Denver and a number 
of other points, becoming one of the best known experts in the country. His 
masterpiece considering time and execution was done shortly after Grover 
Cleveland was first elected President. In Denver a club had prepared a 
handsome present in silver for Mr Cleveland which it desired suitably 
engraved. There was but a limited time in which to do the work before it 
had to be shipped and a number of engravers were visited but they all refused 
to attempt it in the limited time. Finally Mr Fitzsimmons was visited and he 
at once took the contract and it was completed in his best style in much less 
than the time allowed. He received a handsome premium for his work

Deceased was a prominent Mason being a member of a Western Lodge and Commandery.

The deceased has a number of relatives residing in this place. His mother still 
resides here, four brothers, Caleb, George, Howard and Harvey Fitzsimmons and 
two sisters, Mrs. Harry H Richman and Mrs. Jesse L Jones.


Friday Feb 27 1903

REMAINS OF WILLIAM H FITZSIMMONS LAID TO REST
SOLEMN SERVIES WERE CONDUCTED BY REV IRWIN B KURTZ – FINE MUSIC
MASONIC PALL BEARERS

After solemn services over the remains of William H Fitzsimmons at his late 
residence No 75 South Hanover Street, Thursday afternoon, they were borne to 
the grave in Mt Zion Cemetery by six member of Sticher Lodge, No 254 F and A M. 
Deceased was a 32nd degree member of the Masonic craft. The names of the 
pallbearers were Theodore B Miller, Fred S Roesch, Howard W Willman, Fred H 
Keiser, Harry L Prizer and John Wahl.

Rev Kurtz the officiating clergyman, selected as his text four words from the 
Lord's Prayer, "Thy Will Be Don," and with these words as his guiding impulse 
he portrayed in eloquent language the consistent though practical Christian life 
of the deceased; his quiet though earnest efforts to discharge his duty toward 
his Creator, and his fellow man. Mr Kurtz's remarks were full of comforting 
assurances for the widow and the other sorrowing relatives.

Rev W E Watkins also delivered a brief address and uttered a fervent prayer. The 
music on this solemn occasion was appropriate and well rendered. Mrs. Emily B 
Moore sang a contralto solo, "I shall see him face too face," and a quartet 
composed of Mrs. Mary Bockus, Mrs. Emily B Moore, Howard Leopold and G Harvey 
Wells sang two choice hymns. The floral tributes were appropriate. Funeral Director 
Gabel was in charge.

Among the relatives and friends who attended the funeral from out of town were 
four brothers of deceased: Messrs, George, Harvey, Caleb and Howard; Mr and Mrs. 
Jesse Jones, and Eli Baldwin of West Chester; Mr and Mrs. Everson, Mrs. W H Gilbert, 
Miss Amelia Gilbert, Mr and Mrs. Erb, Mrs. Harvey Fox, Mrs. Clara Shellenberger and 
Mrs. George Evert of Philadelphia; Mr and Mrs. Henry Gabel, Mr Ephriam Gabel and 
Mrs. Ella Boyer, Boyertown.

The mother of the deceased a venerable West Chester lady was by reason of age and 
declining health unable to attend the funeral.