# The Condor/Volume 1/Number 1/William S. Cobleigh

WILLIAM S. COBLEIGH.
THE Cooper Ornithological Club has suffered the loss of an esteemed member in the death of Mr. William S. Cobleigh, who was perhaps best known to our readers as a worker in Illinois ornithology, although, for three years past he had been an active member of the Club. His excellent writings on the birds of his native State, Illinois, in many of the older magazines have made his name familiar to all the older workers. In August 1897 he left California for the gold fields of Alaska, where, a year later he was stricken with typhoid fever and died at Dawson Sept. 14, 1898.
The "Klondike Nugget" says: "William S. Cobleigh, formerly assistant postmaster at Skaguay, who came to Dawson in July last and who recently died at St. Mary's Hospital, was buried Sunday afternoon (Sept. 25) in the Dawson cemetery under the auspices of the Order of Elks, attended also by members of the Masonic Fraternity and Knights of Pythias, of which organizations he was a member. In life he was a mgnificent specimen of physical manhood, being over six feet in height, and in good health, weighing 225 pounds. Contracting typhoid fever, despite the most diligent attention medically and otherwise he succumbed to the dread disease. At the cemetery a simple but beautiful service was rendered, the Rev. R. J. Bowen officiating. Bro. Captain Jack Crawford, the famous poet scout, made some feeling remarks after which Bro. George Noble of Seattle Lodge of Elks sang "Nearer My God to Thee," his magnificent voice and the beautiful rendition of this hymn touching the hearts of all. It is expected to forward his remains to his former home at the opening of navigation next spring."
William S. Cobleigh, whose portrait we present, was born in Pekin, Ill., August 30, 1868, being 30 years of age at the time of his demise. In 1880 he moved to Peoria, receiving his education in the public schools of that city and Pekin, after which he spent two years at Knox College, Galesburg Ill. In 1889 he removed to Canton, Ill., where he followed farming til his departure for California in 1897. He was married to Miss Jessie Justus of St. Cloud Minn., on Dec. 1892, but no children survive him. He leaves a wife in Peoria, Illinois, father, mother and sister in Los Angeles and a brother in Canton, Ill. He was an authority on the birds of Illinois and donated his large collection to the Peoria Scientific Association a few years since.
At a meeting of the Cooper Ornithological Club held Nov. 5, the following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, we have learned of the death of our esteemed co-worker and fellow member, W. S. Cobleigh at Dawson City, September 14, 1898, be it
Resolved by the Cooper Ornithological Club assembled, that it is deeply conscious of the loss of a loyal member and conscientious worker, and be it further
Resolved that the ornithological ranks ​have suffered the loss of an ardent bird student,—one whose whole-souled admiration for the varied charms of Nature was outwardly reflected in his generous and impulsive disposition, and be it further
Resolved that these resolutions be enrolled in the minutes of this meeting and a copy transmitted to the family of our deceased member.
Thus has another naturalist joined the "innumerable caravan" which, let us hope, leads to a keener perception of these mysteries of nature which we would all attain.
C. Barlow