Obituary: Winnebago County, Wisconsin: Harry L. BATTIS ************************************************************************ Submitted by Kathy Grace, June 2005 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ Daily Northwestern January 28, 1901 p. 6 Harry L. Battis Has Passed Away His Death Occurs Early Saturday Evening His Struggle for Life Proved of no Avail- Oshkosh Loses a Citizen Who Had Held Various Offices of Trust- Prominent in Social and Business Organization Death claimed Harry Livingston Battis Saturday evening at 7:50 o'clock, at the home of his aunt, Mrs. Annie E. Stille, 85 High street. The end came peacefully, after he had made a determined struggle against the disease that slowly undermined his remarkably strong constitution and weakened him until the tired body succumbed. By the passing of his spirit, the city of Oshkosh has lost a noble citizen, a man whose friends were legion. He was public spirited to an unusual degree and his integrity was unflinching. He will be mourned in every part of the city, as he was widely known and respected. Flags are at half mast today throughout the city. All of the public buildings, including the city hall, have flags at half mast and flags flown over the hose houses of the fire department, the Oshkosh Yacht club house and the headquarters of the numerous fraternal organizations to which the deceased belonged. For the past three years Mr. Battis had been suffering with a disease the physicians term pernicious anemia, or impoverishment of the blood. His first illness, according to Dr. Murphy, the specialist of Chicago, dated bak a number of years, to a time when he had a severe hemorrhage, resulting in a loss of much blood. This resulted in the loss of so much vitality that it brought on the disease, which twice previous to his final illness, nearly proved fatal. The best of care and medical attendance was given him and although he rallied from the first two attacks sufficiently to get about the city and attend to his business interests, each illness weakened his constitution, until the third brought about the end, and for a number of days the family and friends had no hope of his recovery and the physicians announced that the end was near at hand. Friday and Saturday of last week he sank rapidly and at intervals was delirious and unconscious. Saturday afternoon he was very weak, but was perfectly conscious and up to a few minutes of the cad was cheerful and recognized and conversed feebly with the family gathered at the bedside. At five o'clock in the afternoon he became a little flighty and asked why the cigar he supposed was smoking had been taken away. He was asked if he desired to smoke and he replied that he did. His brother, Martin T. Battis, procured a cigar and the patient smoked a little of it, but soon got tired and said he had had enough for the present. At the end he seemed to go peacefully to sleep and gradually his breathing grew shorter, until the spirit had passed to the great beyond without pain or effort. A slight attack of pneumonia, in complication with the other disease, hastened the inevitable. Mr. Battis was a perfect specimen of healthy manhood and had a magnificent frame and constitution. He was possessed of great courage and fortitude and made a valiant struggle for life, but to no avail. Harry Livingston Battis was born in this city Oct. 4, 1857 and his life was spent here. He was proprietor of the Union Boiler works and was recognized as one of the most progressive and prosperous of the citizens of Oshkosh. He was the oldest son of Martin Tuxbury Battis, who will be remembered by the older residents as one of the first settlers to engage in the manufacture of boilers here. The father came to Oshkosh in August, 1856 and was a resident for nearly thirty years. He died Sept. 23, 1885 and after his death his sons, Harry L. Battis and Allen P. Battis, conducted the business under the firm name of Battis Brothers until May 16, 1894, when the partnership was dissolved. Harry L. Battis conducting the business from that time forward as sole owner. Harry L. Battis received his education in the public schools and in a business college in this city. He early commenced learning the trade of a boiler maker in his father's hop, in which line of business he remained. Until of late Mr. Battis was closely identified with city politics. A staunch Republican, he served his fellow citizens as alderman of the First war of Oshkosh for twelve years. He was first elected alderman in 1885 and was president of the council several terms. His friends urged him to accept the nomination for mayor upon several occasions and he was also urged to accept the position of chief of the fire department but always declined. He held liberal views and great dependence was placed upon his fairness and generosity. As chairman of the fire committee the firemen of the city had a staunch supporter. In his social life Mr. Battis was prominent. He belonged to many organizations and took an active part in their workings. He was a member of Centennial lodge No. 205, A. F. & A. M. and attained the 2nd degree, being a Shriner. He also belonged to the Wisconsin Consistory. He was also a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias, North Side Turners, Oshkosh Yacht Club, of which he was commodore for several years and was identified with the Hoo Hoo society, the Union Club and the Winnebago Gun club. He was president of the former Crescent club at one time. He was also a director of the German American bank, the Oshkosh Land & Investment company and the Winnebago Traction company. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon, but complete arrangements have not yet been made. The remains will lie in state Tuesday. A number of the organizations to which he belongs will turn out in a body at the funeral. Those who survive him are two brothers, Allen Prescott Battis and Martin T. Battis. He made his abode with his aunt, Mrs. A. E. Stille.