This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: BANCROFT, PUTNAM, RADCLIFFE, RICH, VALENTINE Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/DFC.2ACE/1724 Message Board Post: From the Plainfield Sun [Plainfield, Waushara Co., WI], Friday May 16, 1902, Page 1 Death of Edwin F. RICH Edwin F. RICH, the youngest son of Charles RICH and Nancy PUTNAM, was born in the town of New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY, July 9, 1823, and died at the family home at Bancroft, Portage Co. Wis., May 3, 1902 of apoplexy, aged 78 years, 9 months and 24 days. He was married to Sarah L. BANCROFT Oct. 13, 1852 in the State of New York. In 1856 they came west and settled in the town of Pine Grove, Portage Co., Wis., where they have since resided. To them were born four children, three of whom, with the wife and mother, survive him. The children are: Caroline, who was the wife of John RADCLIFFE, and who died in 1873; Francelia, wife of Wm. VALENTINE, Charles H. and Benjamin RICH. For nearly fifty years Mr. and Mrs. RICH were permitted to tread life's pathway together, sharing its joys and sorrows, and enduring the privations of pioneer life, and later enjoying the results of their united labor. After a day of usual activity, Mr. RICH retired at an early hour as his custom was, and at once fell asleep. After a little time it was noticed he had ceased to breathe and then it was discovered this his was the Sleep of Death. He often talked of the end and said he was ready to go home. He served as a private in Co. F, 43d Reg., Wis. Vol. Inft., enlisting in 1864 and serving till the close of the war. The funeral services were held at the home at 10:00 a.m. May 6th, being conducted by the Rev. F. H. Harvey, of Plainfield, Wis., the text chosen being St. Luke 12:40 "Be ye therefore ready also," and the remains were laid at rest in the Lone Pine cemetery. His record may best be told by the fact that those who knew him best were his closest friends. Submitter: Joan M Benner <[email protected]> Golden Rule Genealogy http://www.rootsweb.com/~wiwood/resource/r-joanb.htm Specializing in Central Wisconsin Records Member, Association of Professional Genealogists