Obituary: Winnebago County, Wisconsin: Noel BUCKSTAFF ************************************************************************ Submitted by Kathy Grace, June 2004 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ Daily Northwestern December 14, 1886 Death of Noel Buckstaff The Sorrowful End of a life Full of Promise. Everything was quiet at the factories of Buckstaff, Edwards & Co., to-day. The engine was motionless, the hum of the machinery was hushed, and the employees loitered here and there with nothing to do and with sadness depicted upon their face. From the office door waved in mournful folds a long streamer of crape, which told that the wheels of the machinery of a human life were also motionless and that a warm heart had ceased beating. The sorrow which prevaded the family residence 208 Doty street, had extended to the busy scenes of manufacturing, and out of respect to Noel H. Buckstaff, whose death occurred Monday morning at half past twelve, all business was suspended. Three weeks ago the young man was taken sick with an attack of typhoid fever which proved from the outset to be of a serious nature. By slow degrees, however, the patient commenced to gain until recently when pneumonia set in to be followed in a short time by death. Noel H. Buckstaff was a young, unmarried man, 27 years of age the first of last June, and a native of Oshkosh, where he was not only born and bred but where he has always continued to live, with the exception of about a year spent with a surveying party in Dakota. Early in life he evinced a desire to engage in business, so that after obtaining an education such as the shools of the city afforded, he commenced work. For a time he engaged in the saw mill business with his father, and in August, 1882, he became a member of the now flourishing firm of Buckstaff, Edwards & Co., chair and coffin manufacturers. From the commencement his interest was centered in his business to which he applied almost his entire time, and to which he gave his closest attention. His position was that of general overseer of the factories, and a testimonial of his good character and engaging qualities is found in the fact that during his association with the hundred and more employes of the establishment he has always had the universal respect and regard of all. To his business qualities and untiring industry is due in a large measure the wonderful business success the firm has achieved in the past few years. In every day life and in business, the deceased was a favorite. Quiet and reserved though he was, and not given to indulging in the excitement of society, he yet had a great many friends in all parts of the city whose esteem he had won by quiet, gentlemanly and honest ways, and by the fact that he could always be relied upon. He was also jovial and pleasant in his disposition and of such strictly temperate principles in all respects that his character was of the best. The deceased was the third son of a family of seven children born to John Buckstaff, Jr., and wife. Two of the brothers are now in Nebraska, and one in New York, while Clyde Buckstaff is a member of the firm to which the deceased belonged. The absent ones have been telegraphed for and are expected soon. He was also a charter member of the Crescent Club, among whose members his unexpected death has caused sorrow and regret, as it has among all who were acquainted with him. The funeral will be held Thursday, probably from the Second Baptist church on the South Side. Daily Northwestern, December 17, 1886 Funeral Services Burial of the Remains of Noel Buckstaff The funeral of Noel Buckstaff took place this morning at ten o'clock, when brief services were held at the family residence on Doty street, consisting of a prayer by Rev. G.A. Cressey and singing. The funeral procession was then formed and the remains were borne to the Second Baptist church where the regular funeral services were held. Member of the Turnverein, to which the deceased belonged, attended the funeral in a body, and were at the head of the funeral train, followed by employes of Buckstaff, Edwards & Co., after whom came the carriages in regular order. At the church impressive services were held including a sermon by Rev. G. A. Cressey, pastor of the church, who spoke in the most feeling and impressive manner. At the conclusion of the services at the church the reamins were taken to Ellenwood cemetery, where the burial took place. The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Henry Barber, R.H. Edwards, Mark Tilton, C.R. Nevitt, Jr., Thomas Boyd and Frank Scott. A profusion of beautiful floral offerings covered the casket, among them being an anchor from partners and employees of the firm to which Noel Buckstaff belonged, a crescent from Mrs. Sherman, full rigged boat from Messrs. Mauel, Sanborn, Chase and Duller, floral pillow Mrs. Geo. Buckstaff, floral book Mrs. Rob't Buckstaff, wreath Mr. Glatz, cross Henry Barber and George Madison, floral bible George Chase and a beautiful harp from the sisters of the deceases. Among the relatives from abroad present were Mrs. Thrall of Janesville, J.A. Buckstaff, Lincoln, Neb., and A.H. Buckstaff, Denver, Col., G.A.Buckstaff, New York, brothers of the deceased. Throughout, the entire serves were unusually impressive and sorrowful, the large attendance, the expressions of sympathy from all sides, and the respect and love displayed by so many, indicated that for one so young Noel Buckstaff possessed an unusual degree of popularity, and has passed from this earth leaving many sorrowing friends in whose memories the many excellencies of his character will long remain.