Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-06-21
DIR. U. L. HOLFORD DEAD
Promising Career of a a Young Ply
stefan Moved Down by Deaths
Grim Reaper.

DR.. Ubert Lee Holford, son of
William Fl. and Emma (Brown)
Holford, was born July 1, 1871, and
died June 10, 1905, in the thirty
fourth year of a short but useful
life.
DR.. Holford's boyhood days were
passed under the parental roof in
this village, where he attended the
public schools, revealing thus early
marked brilliancy of mind, which
developed gradually with the pas
sing years. He graduated from the
high schools with the class of 1887.
After leaving school Lee entered
the Bloomington Record Office and
learned the art of printing. Within
a few months, at the tender age Of
sixteen, he was one Of the editors
and publishers of that newspaper,
where he remained for nearly a
year.
At this time Lee chose for his life
work the noble profession of med
lcine, and, in company with his
former schoolmate, Manuel D.
Brown, entered the Office of DR.. J.
M. Lewis, where thorough prepar-
alton was made for college. They
entered Rush Medical College and
graduated with the class of 1892,
both boys standing near the head of
a very large class.
DR.. Hnlford began the practice Of
his profession at Beetown, where he
built up a large practice and at
tanned splendid success.
In 1894 he removed to Cassville,
where he passed the remainder of
his life. He was always active in
promoting the best interests of that
village, and his fellow towns-men
recognized his ability and prog
ressiveness by electing him to the
village board for seven consecutive
years, and chose him president of
the board two years. He declined
a denomination a year ago last
spring.
DR.. Holford married Miss May
Okey, daughter of Samuel Okey,
in 1894, who, with three children,
Frances, Eunice and Forrest, sur
wives him. There is one brother,
Tavern L., and one sister, Elva.
About year ago DR.. Holford's
health began to fail, and he was
compelled gradually to abandon his
practice. In the winter he entered
Finley hospital. at Dubuque, where
it was found that the tuberculosis
had advanced beyond recovery. He
passed the remaining weeks of his
life at the old home in this village,
tenderly nursed by those near and
dear to him, who endeavored to re-
call health and strength to the
wasting form. But the frail craft
had gone too far on the downward
current for rescue; they could not
stem the tide. He passed peacefully
away on Tuesday NOR ming at 1890.
DR.. Holford was possessed of an
exceptional bright mentality, and
his personality was so pleasing that
none knew him but to love him.
Had he been self-seeking and ambi-
tious for fame, there is no question
that he possessed the ability for the
attainment of nearly any eminence.
To him knowledge was an open
book, as easy of acquisition as the
air we breathe.
But plans for his own advance.
ment or benefit never entered into
the calculations of DR.. HOlford.
Gifted far beyond the generality of
mankind, his wisdom was exceeded
only by his modesty; and his uni
form old-school courtesy and con-
sideration for 1.-The least of these"
marked him always as one of
natures truest noblemen and a
thorough gentleman. Heavens bles-
sing for the merciful shall surely
rest upon his head; and the reward
for the 'cup of cold water" given
always in charity. humility and self
placement, shall certainly be his.
The fuperal services were held in
the Baptist church on Thursday, at
1920 a. m. Rev. HI. E. Fuller
preaching the sermon. Interment
was made at Cassville, by the side
of the little son who died only last
winter.
n