Obituary of Thomas Raymond (Ray) Wiggins

Sometimes obituaries really just make me depressed...

The attached story to this particular obituary fills up the majority of the The Fairbury Journal's front page and a portion of page 8.  Below is the actual, "offiical" obituary that was placed at he end of story about the search for the bodies of my great grandfather and uncle.  

What wasn't reported at the time of their deaths was that my great grandmother was pregnant at the time.  Gr-Grandma Agnes (Lardner) Wiggins, after the death of her husband and youngest son, moved into town, began to work at a local department store, and proceed to put all seven of her remaining children through school on her own.

I really wish I could have met her, and my great grandfather and uncle.


N.B.  Ray Wiggins was married to Agnes Lardner, the daughter of James Lardner from County Clare, Ireland and Mary Ann Cashman, who was the daughter of William Cashman from County Cork, Ireland.

The Fairbury Journal – Thursday, May 18, 1916 – Pg. 8

 – Obituary –

Thomas Raymond Wiggins was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 25, 1871, and died May 13, 1916, at the age of 44 years, 5 months, and 18 days.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Wiggins are living at this time at Horton, Kans.  Deceased came to Fairbury in 1899, working for the Rock Island railway company in the capacity of engineer until a few years ago when he moved onto a farm northwest of Fairbury and later to Rose Creek.

            He was married October 23, 1900 to Miss Agnes Lardner.  His wife and six children survive, one child, an infant daughter, dying a short time ago and his son, Glenn, who died with him.  The children are Wilford, James, Irene, Alene, Dorothy and Mary.

            He also leaves four brothers, Phillip, Reeder, Guy and Tinsley and one sister, Iva Cook, none of them residing in this vicinity.  His three brothers, who reside in at Horton, Kans, came to the scene of the tragedy, also Tinsley Wiggins, the other brother, who lives at Bloomington, Ills, George and Andy Jackson, cousins, of Horton, were also present; also Mrs. Ellen Hickey, an aunt of Mrs. Wiggins; Mrs. Fod Church of Hubble, a sister; Elizabeth Broughan of Omaha, a cousin; Jas. (James?) Carrol of Omaha, a brother-in-law, and Mrs. Ed Mowry of Belleville, a friend.

            The son, Glenn Raymond Wiggins, was born in Fairbury, March 21, 1909, and died May 13, 1916, at the age of 7 years, 1 month, and 22 days.