OBIT: William Taylor OATES, 1916, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Oates, William Taylor

  OLDEST RESIDENT PASSES AWAY - William Oates Died at His Home on Meyers Avenue, 
Aged 92 years. Was a Good Man in Highest Sense. William Taylor Oates, who at the 
time of his departure, was the oldest resident of Meyersdale, was born in St. 
Just, Cornwall, England February 6, 1824 and died May 19, 1916 at the old 
Hocking residence on Meyers Avenue, at the very rarely attained age og [sic] 92 
years, 3 months and 13 days. In early manhood he learned the cabinet making 
trade and the carpenter trade as well in England, coming to this country in 
1850.He at once entered the employ of the B. & O. Ry. Co. as Master Bridge 
Builder on the line from Piedmont to Wheeling. After years of service in the 
early history of the road, he retired and settled in Frostburg, Md. After the 
death of his wife which occurred about 25 years ago he came to reside with his 
sister, Mrs. John Hocking Sr. in Meyersdale. It was a long life that this good 
man had lived, covering as it did an entire century, less the discrepancy of a 
few years. It was a long life, whether as measured by years or by the grandeur 
of witnessing events, the most remarkable in the history of mankind. During this 
long period what triumphs of truth, especially, were his to enjoy and share. How 
sincerely did he enjoy those triumphs! Nothing so enraptured his soul and mind 
as to witness the far-flung battle line for truth's ascendency, emerging 
victoriously. His mother frequently heard the founder of the Methodism preach, 
John Wesley. Upon What for the sake of emphasis, we may distinguish as the 
spiritual side of his nature, it is enough to say, but not more than enough, 
that "he walked with God." He experienced a most remarkable and marvelous 
conversion in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Frostburg, Md. Over 50 years
- ago  since which time his live has been devoted almost entirely to the 
building up of character that might help greatly in building the Kingdom on 
earth. Just prior to his passing away, in response to the expression of desire 
to help him, and not catching the meaning at once, he most courteously replied 
to the proffer, "Pardon me." How well he understood the gentile courtesies - It 
was his last word - beautiful in its revelation of character, as well it's 
touching tenderness. And he rested his tired head upon the pillow, and quietly 
slipped into his place in the heavenly life, to other work, and larger 
opportunities. It was a triumph and not a tragedy. He is survived by one sister, 
Mrs. Mary Hocking, of Johnstown, now in her 89th year and one son, Mr. John M. 
Oates, superintendent of the Sand Spring Water Co. of Meyersdale. Funeral 
services were held in the Hocking home at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, 
conducted by Rev. J. C. Matteson and on the following day, the remains were 
taken to Frostburg in charge of Undertaker Price where interment was made by the 
side of his wife. - G. H. H.

Meyersdale Commercial, May 25, 1916