William Reeves Cassingham Obituary

William Reeves Cassingham, son of Richard and Margaret Morrison Cassingham, was born on a Farm near Frazeysburg, Ohio, August 29, 1837, and died near LaHarpe at the home of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mary Cassingham, October 1, 1925, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 22 days.

His parents brought their children to Illinois in 1853, and soon located on a farm south of LaHarpe.

He was married on October 18, 1860 to Abigail Comstock. Six children were born to them, Elmer, Minnie, Julia, George, Edna True, and a baby who died quite young. His wife preceded him in death on February 13, 1885. Julia, now Mrs. Herman Zastrow, of Portage, Wisconsin is the only surviving child.

Some time after the death of his wife, Mr. Cassingham married Mrs. Emma Stone. She brought her two little daughters to the farm with her and Mr. Cassingham gave to these children all the love and care of a real father. Mr. and Mrs. Cassingham moved to LaHarpe in 1898 where Mrs. Cassingham died in 1915.

When his grandchildren reached high school age, he kept them at his home in order that they might attend high school. He cared for them in every way he could and they will never forget his kindness to them.

When his health failed, he was taken to the home of his son George where he was cared for until he died.

He united with the Methodist Protestant Church when young and from that time on followed his Christ as faithfully as he knew how. No effort in the behalf of the church was too large or too small for him to perform.

He was devoted to his family and each death left him increasingly lonely, yet he complained but little about this. Father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all his children save one have preceded him in death and so he is far happier now than ever before-he is reunited with his family and he has seen his God.

The funeral was held at the M. E. Church Saturday afternoon, Oct. 3, Rev. Leonard, pastor of the Christian church of Blandinsville, officiating. Burial in LaHarpe cemetery.