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Submitted: 1/1/12 • Approved: 1/2/12 • Last Updated: 8/14/15 • R144363-G0-S3
Birth: Oct. 18, 1833
Watertown
Jefferson County
New York, USA
Death: Apr. 13, 1905
Dell Rapids
Minnehaha County
South Dakota, USA
William John Sibbison passed away at his home in this city on Thursday evening, April 13, A.D. 1905, at 8 o'clock, at the age of 72 years, leaving to mourn his loss a wife, Mrs. Sophia Sibbison, and one daughter, Mrs. W.E. Parker, both of this city.
The deceased was born October 18, A.D., 1833, near Watertown in the state of New York, and was of Scotch descent. At the age of 25 years he came west and located at Northfield, Minnesota, where he was married to Miss Sophia Albee, of Faribault, Minnesota, on the 24th day of May, A.D., 1861. Of this marriage two daughters were born, one passing away in infancy and the other surviving him. In 1869 the deceased served the state of Minnesota as a member of its legislature and during the entire time of his residence there was engaged in the hardware business and took an active and prominent part in the politics of the state. In March, 1878, he came to South Dakota, locating at Dell Rapids, and for many years was engaged in the hardware business in this city. During his entire residence in this state he took an important part in political affairs of the state and was a life-long and devoted republican He was appointed by Governor Charles H. Sheldon, now deceased, as a member of the board of charities and corrections of this state and held this position for six years, being during his entire term of office president of the board.
It was the belief of the deceased that all American citizens should take an active part in the political affairs of the state and nation and that it was also the duty of every citizen to take a definite position in line with is individual believe. It was a frequent assertion with him that he would rather a man come out flat footed one way or another, either for or against him, that to remain in the background and take no active part.
The deceased was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Living Water of this city and gave liberally of his time and means in building the present church in this city.
He was a warm-hearted, generous, impulsive man; a staunch friend and an implacable foe. This warm-heartedness, generosity and impulsiveness won for him hosts of friends throughout the entire state, and but few enemies. His ever ready wit and repartee were known throughout the entire state and the butt of his jokes as often suffered keen enjoyment as discomfiture.
Mr. Sibbison was not only a public spirited citizen but a kind and affectionate father as well. During the last session of the legislature he was committee clerk for the senate committee on municipalities of which Senator Robertson of our city was chairman, and it was while in the active discharge of his duties as such clerk that he was first afflicted with the ailment which finally was the cause of his death.
We will all cherish his memory here and with his relatives beg leave to mourn his loss. We shall meet but we shall miss him. Under the auspices of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Sioux Falls Lodge No. 262, he was buried in the Dell Rapids Cemetery on Sunday last, April 15, 1905, from the Episcopal Church of the Living Water where most impressive services were held, Rev. W.H. Sparling officiating. May his soul rest in peace.
Dell Rapids Tribune April 21, 1905
Dell Rapids, Minnehaha Co., SD
Contributed on 1/1/12 by fiegen
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Record #: 144363