Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 16, 1911 WILLIAM ALLEN KETCHAM was born December 2, 1825, near Shelbyville, Shelby County, Kentucky. Died at Leon, Iowa, November 8, 1911, at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 6 days. He was married March 17, 1852, to Miss LUCY WATKINS at Louisville, Kentucky, at which place they resided for about three years, when they emigrated to Iowa, settling in Appanoose County, whence they removed to Garden Grove, Iowa, in 1865. They were residents of Iowa until about fourteen years ago when they removed to Oklahoma where they made their home until the death of the wife some six years ago. Since that time Mr. KETCHAM has resided with his children and the last three years were spent in the home of his son, C.M KETCHAM, in Leon. To this couple were born five children, KATE, who died at the age of five years, COLLINS M., VIRGINIA, who died at the age of seven years, OSCAR SHERMAN, now a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and CHARLES D. who died in 1909, aged 42 years. At the age of 16 years the subject of this sketch was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining to the end a devoted and earnest Christian. He was a member of the Masonic order in good standing and was faithful in this as in every relation of life. He was always considerate of others and was never so happy as when rendering assistance to the needy. He was a faithful friend and beloved by all who knew him. Mr. KETCHAM was for many years prominently concerned in the affairs of Decatur County and the state. He is widely known throughout this section. His condition of health has been serious for some time and his death, while not unexpected, was a great shock to his relatives and friends. Every little child of the city knew Grandfather KETCHAM and loved him. He was very fond of children. His life had been a noble one, filled with usefulness. He will be sadly missed. The funeral service was held at the residence of his son, C.M. KETCHAM, Friday afternoon at one o'clock, conducted by Rev. E.M. Hoff, Pastor of the Methodist Church, assisted by Elder J.S. Coffin, of the Christian Church, and the body laid to rest in the cemetery at Garden Grove where his companion and three children rest. ----------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 16, 2009 [email protected]