Death Calls Early Sanish Resident
Death came to Axell Watterberg in the early morning hours of Friday at the E.B. Larson home where he had been taken two weeks previously for care. He has lived with his sister just north of the Larson home, where he had arrived in 1912 to homestead. In that year, he found one quarter section opened when the rest of the land was opened at Plaza, and took it over. Here he was joined by his brother-in-law, E.B. Larson and family in 1913, three years before the balance of the reservation was opened. Since that year he has lived on the land, his sister Miss Sarah, living with him and caring for his needs, coming from Minnesota in 1917. He was an expert machinist, with lathes and tools in plenty at his home and many a fine piece of work has he done when others declared it impossible. Axell was a fine man, a good neighbor and friend, always willing to do his share for the community. He was a member of the Presbyterian church in Wilkin county, Minn.
Axell Watterberg was born in Sweden Jun 14, 1874 and came with his parents, also one sister and a brother, in 1879, settling in the Red River Valley south of Moorhead, after two years in No. Dakota. He was 67 years, and four months and three days of age, and his passing was caused by a nervous disorder which was incurable, which he had suffered from for over two years. He leaves four sisters, Mrs. Anton Knudson of Gull, Minn., Mrs. James Sullivan of Priest River, Idaho, Mrs. E. B. Larson and Miss Sarah Watterberg of Sanish, also three brothers, Fritz of Excelsior, Minn., Chas. of Vauxhall, Alberta, and Conrad, of Eugene, Oregon. The sisters and brothers were all here except Chas. and Conrad. One sister, Mrs. Annie Anderson died in 1918.
Services were held from the Baptist church Sunday afternoon with Rev. Knuth conducting. There were many beautiful flowers. Music was furnished by the Baptist male quartette and interment made in the local cemetery. The family have the sympathy of all.