The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1905-07-19
RECENT DEATHS.
:. ]. woLCoTT,

lhe SUBJECT OF our sketCn uleu al MS
home, and surrounded by his friends aud
relatives, on Monday morning July IL, 1905,
at l1:l5 o'clock. He was born in Hickory
township venango, now Forest county, Pa,
on the Sth day of November, 1888. His
father William Wolcott, a native of New
England, was a farmer by occupation, and
one of the pioneers of the county, clearing
and improviuga farm on the beautiful
banks Of the Allegheny river, at point
where that noble stream cuts great bend
In its course, being the same land known as
the Wolcott farm by the early settlers, and
now known as the Forest County Home,
where tho venerable pioneer died in the
year 1861. His mother Nancy Gates VOL
colt, was a daughter of Henry Gates, a
pioneer, who resided at what is now called
Old Town, about three miles up Tiouesta
Creek. So his parents on both sides of the
house, were among the first OF the early
settlers of what is now Forest County.
Those settlers who made the wilderness to
blossom, and who raised large and useful
families, who gave tone to, and blessed the
country where they made their abode.
Reared by exemplary parents on the old
homestead, he grew up strong, and became
man of great energy, physical power and
endurance. He remained with his father
uatil he was about of age, aud leaving the
f.- ka . ha 1p,,, har
becoming an expert pilot, knowing Tionesta
Creek and the river, with their islands,
rapids, eddies, rocks and shoals, as well as
tho skillful mariner does the sea. At the
beginning of the great oil excitement that
prevailed all over North Western Pennsyl-
vania, he early took a prominent part,
in company with his brother William L.,
recently deceased, both in buying, selling
and operating the oil fields. Ever since
the early days of oildom, with the except
ion of about seven years, he owned and
managed two farms in Chautauqua county,
N. Y. But he was so much interested in
the oil business that he sold his farms and
returned to it. 1t is worthy of mention
that il was he, with his son, William NJ,
who discovered, and opened up, the oil
field on Cropp Hill about Is years ago,
which section is still a good producing
field. The writer of this memorial well re-
members that in 1868, the Sunday Schools
of the two leading churches here, we're
very small, so much so that neither was a
success. He reorganized the two schools,
Presbyterian and Methodist, and consolidat-
ed them into union school, and became
the superintendent himself by the unani-
nous vote of both This useful enterprise
he carried on for long time with great
success, until the time came when there
were enough scholars to form separate
schools again. What ever he did, he did il
with all his might. With such great effect
iveness and energy, it is no matter of Won
der that he became person of great intlu-
ence for good among the people. Being
strictly honest, his word was as good as his
bond. His vivacity and cheerful disposi-
ton never left him, and as age advanced he
was striking example of unwithered fac
ulties fiourishing ill the afternoon of life.
Truly he was interested in all affairs both
religious and secular until the last. In his
last days though clouded by sickness he
seemed to be retiring from public view, al
the same time preparing to leave this world
when he should be called. His last end
proved his life and character TO be consist
ent. He met the grim messenger calmly,
"for he knew in whom he had trusted,
and could, "walk through the valley and
shadow of death, fearing no EVIL" Sick
ness brought weakness, no doubt, the mus.
cles relaxed, butthe mind-the immortal
mind-could not be obscured. To him, 'ii
frightened more and more unto the perfect
day." As the bard of Avon puts it - He
has passed "beyond that bourne, whence nc
traveller returns" ~ those who knew him
will always believe to immortal glory ,leav.
ing his memory to us, and his virtues fol
imitation to his loved ones. He leaves
surviving him, his widow, Martha j. VOL
colt, and three children, William l. Alice
j., Mis- u. II. ShIiver, Mamie B Mrs. II
L. Weston, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Jane
Hill, who with a host of relatives and
friends, will cherish his memory as hus-
band, father, brother and friend, and his
memory will remain bright III the minds OF
all who knew him. The burial took place
in Riverside cemetery on Tuesday afternoon
at four O'Clock, Rev. G. J. Stewart Conduct
ing the services. 5. ID. L.
ZUCK.
A..aLI,ar n1aL.,rndn Of tLn Lranl A !.