HON. JOHN F. BUCK


The sad accident last Friday morning, which resulted in the death of that venerable gentleman, Hon. John F. Buck, was one of the most sorrowful that has been our lot to record. Although past eighty-six years of age, he looked forward to a few more years of enjoyment, and at the time of the accident he was on his way to the old settlers' re-union, a celebration in which he had always had [sic] been a prominent participant. His son Theodore Buck was driving and his aged parents occupied seats in the carriage. When near the cemetery the team became frightened, and as they dashed along the road the carriage was overturned, throwing the occupants out. Grandpa Buck was found to be seriously injured, and he was taken home and medical assistance was called as quickly as possible, but Dr. Wallace saw at once that the injuries would prove fatal, and telegrams were sent to distant relatives. Mr. Buck suffered much pain, and his advanced age and feeble condition made his struggle for life one in which he could not conquer, and at 8:05 Sunday morning he fell asleep to wake no more.
Deceased was born May 31, 1815, in Cayuga county, New York, and was married Nov. 5, 1839, to Mary F. Shryder, at Peoria, Ill. They came to this state in May 1855, at which time Mr. Buck pre-empted the land upon which they have ever since made their home. He took a prominent part in all affairs of this county, and was a member of the first territorial legislature, in which body he was quite influential. He was a kind Christian man, having been a member of the Presbyterian church for more than forty years past, and was universally known as a man of strict integrity and honesty, one whose influence was always for the advancement of morality and for the happiness of his fellowmen. By his death the community has lost one of the best citizens, and the vacancy in the family circle is one that causes deepest sorrow among the relatives.
The funeral was held at the Buck home at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Baird of Plattsmouth conducting the services. The sermon was brief, but nevertheless it was very impressive and re-produced the exemplary life and honest endeavors of the deceased, and pictured the reward gained by men who live as did our venerable friend John F. Buck. Many friends assembled at the home to honor the beloved pioneer, and the long procession to the cemetery was a tribute to the honor of the deceased. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery a short distance from where he had made his home for so many years and near where the fatal accident occurred. The pall-bearers were pioneer friends of the deceased -- Henry Wolfe sr, Charles Swan, J. W. Pittman, L[arkin] G. True, P. C. Engell and W. B. Davis.

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