William Hines Bonsell

W. H. Bonsell, Old Resident, Passes Away

Ranks of Old-Timers Again Reduced By Hand of Death

The fast-thinning ranks of old-time cattlemen suffered another loss last week, when Wm. H. Bonsell 61 years old, who had been in failing health for some time, suffered a stroke of paralysis, and quietly passed away at the home of his son Harold Bonsell, in Manville.

While Mr. Bonsell had been in failing health for a few years, he appeared to be improving lately, and his many friends believed that he was on the road to complete recovery.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 1, from the Baptist Church in Lusk, Rev. B. F. Farrar officiating and arrangements being under the direction of the Peet Mortuary.

Interment was made in the Lusk Cemetery. The pallbearers, all old-time friends, were: J. D. Lorenzen, O. P. Harnagel, Lee Miller, A. E. Johnson, Geo. B. Saffell and Harry Hargraves.

OBITUARY
William Hines Bonsell was born at Grafton, West Virginia, May 21, 1869. In early childhood he moved to Springer, New Mexico, with his parents, who engaged in the livestock business there, and William attended the public schools.

In his young manhood Mr. Bonsell came to this locality, where in 1890, he purchased the OW ranch from a man by the name of Bernett, who had bought it from Senator John B. Kendrick. This ranch is located 14 miles north of Lusk, and here Mr. Bonsell engaged extensively in the livestock business, but during the past six years he has been retired from active work.

On December 5, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Louie Estelle Hester, at Harrison, Neb. Mrs. Bonsell preceded her husband, having passed beyond the Portal of Death on February 9th, 1928.

To this union there were born seven sons and one daughter - Harold, William, Lydia, Ray, George, Russell, Dee and Wesley. All of whom survive their parents, and, with the exception of George who lives at Culver City, Cal., and Lydia, who resides in Scottsbluff, Neb., they are all residents of this county.

Mr. Bonsell was making his home of late with Harold and family at Manville, where he apparently was enjoying good health. Friday he was in his usual good spirits and enjoyed the day fully. He retired about 10 o'clock that evening, and about 11 o'clock Mrs. Harold Bonsell noticed that something was wrong and found him in a dying condition. He had evidently sustained a stroke of apoplexy and soon passed away.

The years of his pilgrimage were 61 years, six months and 7 days. A life that was filled with ambitious activity, aimed at progress and betterment of all concerned. Many of the old-timers will cherish the memory of his neighborly friendliness.

Funeral services were held from the Baptist Church Monday afternoon, December 1, 1930, Rev. B. F. Farrar, pastor, preaching the sermon from John 14:6, "I am the Way; no man cometh unto the Father except By Me." The George Earl Peet Mortuary had charge of the arrangements and interment was made in the Lusk Cemetery.

The following little tribute was contributed by an "Old Time Friend":

Farewell, old friend,
We'll miss the sunshine of your smile,
But we hope to meet you in God's Kingdom,
After while.

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