Winnebago County WI Archives Obituaries.....Frank, Percey May 1921
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Percey R rpercey@aol.com February 4, 2010, 3:02 pm

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, May 20, 1921, p. 16
w/photo

Frank Percey Loses Races With Death, Wealthy Fur Dealer Expires Suddenly on
a Train Enroute from Chicago to His Home

FRANK PERCEY LOSES RACE WITH DEATH

Wealthy Fur Dealer Expires Suddenly on a Train Enroute From Chicago to His Home

Enroute to his home in a race against death, Frank Percey, one of the best
known business men in Oshkosh, passed away late Thursday afternoon at
Milwaukee. His death occurred at a time when his special car was being
transferred from one train to another. The end came suddenly and with
peaceful transition, there being no apparent suffering or struggle. It was
the closing chapter of a long period of suffering, marked at first by semi-
invalidism, followed by a losing fight against the inevitable. Fifteen or
more years ago Mr. Percey was in poor health and underwent an operation but
his last illness extended over a period of about five years. It was an
ailment which baffled the physicians and, involving an internal foreign
growth which did not permit of surgical relief. From 1917 he was in poor
health and had at intervals been given care at St. Luke’s hospital at
Chicago, but a year ago last January he went there for care and remained.

Wanted to Come Home Since November, 1920, he was been confined to his bed
continually but had every attention possible. There nurses were in
attendance up to the time of his death. Tuesday when he appeared to be
impressed with the idea that the end was near, Mr. Percey expressed the
desire to be removed to his home in Oshkosh. The details necessary for his
removal required time for completion, but a special car was charted and all
arrangements made for his comfort. It appears when he left Chicago at noon
that his condition was no more serious than it had been for several days
and that he would stand the trip without serious results. A physician,
three nurses, and his son-in-law, Harry V. Slater, were with him. He had a
sinking spell after the trip was started, but appeared to rally and when
the time came it was unexpected. The coach was transferred to the other
train and brought on to Oshkosh, arriving at 5:20 o’clock over the
Northwestern road and the remains were taken to the Konrad Undertaking
company parlors. The funeral arrangements will be made today, but it is
expected the services will be held Sunday at the Percey residence, 533 Main
St.

Sold Guns, Bought Fur
The death of Frank Percey removes from Oshkosh one of its best known
pioneer business men. He was born in England near London, Feb. 11, 1843,
and was therefore 78 years of age. He came to Oshkosh in 1870 and was
employed in the gun store of “Eb” Stevens. He became ambitious to manage
his own business and embarked in a small way in a similar store, handling
guns, powder, traps and other articles used extensively in those days for
hunting and trapping. Indians who were plentiful in those days were
accustomed to barter pellets of animals for what they required. He had no
knowledge of that line of business and decided that if he were to succeed
he must post himself. He therefore started to make a complete study of furs
and became such an expert for his judgment in such matters were considered
as practically the last word. For a period of twenty years he conducted a
store on Main street, between Waugoo and Otter streets, but in 1990 he
erected the brown building at 229 Main street.

Fur Business Grows
During that time he continued to trade until it became an international
institution. In the early days he made personal trips through the northern
states and Canada, purchasing skins and through personal acquaintance and
rigid simplicity was not given much to talking. His advice on business
matters was frequently sought because of his far sighted conversation and
sound judgment. In spite of his reserve, he was of easy approach and spoke
with finality when expressing his concerns.

Members of Family
He was married in this city Aug. 14, 1873 to Miss Emma Wilson. There are
two daughters, Mrs. Harry V. Slater and Mrs. Carlton W. Konrad, both of
this city and two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Melvin Percey and Mrs. Albert
Percey, both of Oshkosh. Mrs. Lea Holland and Mrs. Charles Percey, both of
Hermiston, Ore. are daughter and daughter-in-law by a former marriage.
There are nine grandchildren. Mr. Percey did not seek honors of any kind
and was not  given to taking part in public affairs except in a quiet way.
He was a member of Oshkosh Lodge of Elks, No. 292.

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