William Argo and Anna Mary J. McIlvain
William Argo was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, March 15, 1825, and died at his home in Decatur County, Iowa, March 30, 1898, aged 74 years and 15 days.
He received his education at Mansfield, Ohio and was married July 19, 1840, to Miss. Anna Mary J. McIlvain. In 1858, the family emigrated to Lineville and pre empted 160 acres of land two miles west of that place. In 1862, he enlisted in the Third Missouri Calvary and served as first lieutenant under Colonel Phillips and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, when he returned to his home.
In 1886, they moved to Decatur County, where he has ever since lived. He was a great sufferer from exzema during the latter part of his life, which affected his eyes to the extent of making him totally blind for the last three years. His death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, his illness lasting just one week.
He was a great reader and was possessed of a well-stored mind. During his life time he had collected quite an extensive library. In religious belief he was inclined to the Cumberland Presbyterian. At the age of 17 he joined the Lutheran Church. As the time of his departure drew near he expressed himself as being ready to go. He leaves a wife, three sons, one daughter, twenty grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren to mourn his loss.
Card of thanks
With tender our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during our recent bereavement.
Mrs. Wm. Argo and family
Posted in Decatur County Journal-IowaApril 7, 1898