ELIZABETHTOWN, Ill. — William James Birch, son of Benjamin Birch of
London, England and Elizabeth Jones of Virginia was born in Cincinnati, ohio
August 16, 1854.
Departed this life at residence in Elizabethtown on December 17, 1942 at
5:35 p.m. age 88 years, 4 months and 1 day.
Almost 69 years ago he was married to Hirametta Lyons of Hardin County
January 11, 1874, who survives. They started house keeping with a drove of
turkeys and $30.
To this union were born nine children: five now living: Lula Ellis, Eva
White, Daisy Barnard, Dr. William Birch and John Dewey Birch.
Professed faith in Christ at an early age, was baptized into the Methodist
church and later transferred to the General Baptist. For several years wrote
religious songs and assisted in evangelistic work as a singer.
Migrated to Illinois about 1856 at the age of two years. His father served
in the Civil War, and died soon after discharge from the service. The son
William was reared and educated in Hardin Copunty and spent his entire life
here. He was a merchant by trade and served in that capacity for 56 years
and is well known throughout the county.
A kind and honorable man, with high ideals and a good husband and father to
his family, always endeavering to keep his immediate family very near and
close to him.
He spent a very long and profitable and active life, had a very alert mind,
which remained unimpaired to the very last moment of his life.
Altho he was long prepared to depart, he lived always in the future, and
fought valiently against the ravages of time and disease, having departed
this life, as gently as a passing summer day, cloudless, calm and serene.
Help us O, Lord to amulate a life as useful and beautiful.
Thanks to Wanda H. Reed for contributing this article to the Hardin County
ILGenWeb site. The Hardin County Independent published this article on Dec.
24, 1942.
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