HE EDMOND ENTERPRISE (Edmond, Oklahoma County, OK)
11-30-1911 LONG LIFE IS ENDED (Thursday)
William Tate Passes Away Suddenly At Advanced Age of 84 years
William Tate, an esteemed citizen, died at his home at No. 81 West Main last Friday evening at 7:40 o'clock after an illness of but a few hours, aged 84 years, two months and 8 days. Thursday night he retired in his usual good health and spirits, but just after midnight he was stricken with an acute attack of pneumonia and heart trouble. He sank very rapidly and the final ending of a long and eventful life came at 7:40 the following evening.
William Tate was born in Ireland September 16, 1827, where he was raised a poor boy, enduring many hardships. At an early age he was imbued with the true spirit of Americanism by accidentally hearing of the Star Spangled Banner, and with the undaunted determination to surmount obstacles, which characterized his long life, he avowed he was coming to America. He borrowed money from his aunt to pay his passage and landed in New Brunswick penniless. Working as an apprentice in a printing office, caring for a doctor's horse and odd jobs for a livelihood, saving what little he managed to repay his aunt and in time saved money to send for his father, mother, brothers and sisters and prepared a home for them at Thompsonville, Conn.
He married in Massachusetts and in 1855 came west and engaged in the mercantile business at Manchester, Iowa, where he resided until 1880, then moved to Henrietta, Texas, where he engaged in farming, later ….. Coming to Edmond in his declining years, he was not _____ with any business interests and was not widely known, but formed a lasting friendship with those in whom he came in contact.
The funeral took place from his former home Monday at 10 o'clock, Rev. Henry of Norman officiating. The funeral was under direction of Masonic lodge of which the deceased was an old and honored member. The remains were taken to Norman for interment beside ___ of his wife who ____ three years.
He is survived by two sisters and a brother….