William Pulfrey was born in Lincolnshire, England, Jan., 18, 1835, and died at Stockton, Illinois May 21, 1918, aged 83 years, 4 months and 3 days.
When ten years of age, he came with his parents to America and settled near Rockford; where they lived for thirteen years; moving in 1857 to Stockton Center.
In 1862 he was married to Emily A. Bourne, also of Stockton. One year later they bought a farm adjoining his father's place and built a home in which they lived for fifty years, celebrating their golden wedding anniversaty in 1912.
Soon after their marriage they joined the Wesleyan Methodist church at Mt. Juliet, at which time Mr. Pulfrey was baptized by immersion. For the remainder of his life he retained his membership in this church, to which his wife still belongs.
Five years ago they sold the farm and bought a residence in the city of Stockton where they have since lived.
Besides his wife he leaves to mourn his loss a son and daughter and one brother, namel: J.S.Pulfrey, of Garner, Iowa; Mrs Annie Mordick, of Hampton, Iowa, and Weston Pulfrey of Stockton.
He lived a consistent Christian life, and died at a ripe old age, fully believing in the atoning blood of Jesus. In his last conscious hours, he tried to give evidence of this faith by singing the words of an old favorite hymn.
A short service, conducted by Rev. D. W. Bond, was held at the house Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. Further services were held at the house Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Further services were held at the Nazarene church, Rev. A. J> Laird assisted by Rev. Roy Crocker, officiating. A fitting message was given on the subject: "Does Jesus Care?" The text was taken from John 11:35-Jesus wept
Interment was in the Ladies Union Cemetery.