Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 February 1906 — WILLIAM WALTER WISHARD [ARTICLE]

WILLIAM WALTER WISHARD

William Walter Wishard the son of James L. and Mary Wishard was born Dec. 4, 1818 in Fleming Ky., and died at Rensselaer, Ind., Feb. 20, 1906, at the age of 87 years, 2 months and 16 days. In 1819 his parents moved to Mulenburg Co., Ky. Here the family remained until 182 1 when they •came to Indiana and settled in Johnson county. In 1830 the family moved, to Vermillion county, where William W. Wishard spent his early 1 ife. On April 23, 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Irwin and two years later April 3, 1855 the young couple moved to Jasper •county, and with the exception of a few brief intervals this locality has been his home ever since, nearly 51 years. To them were born five children, two sons and three daughters, only one of whom yet survives, Wm. L. Wishard of Rensselaer. The companion of his youth passed beyond the shadows, May 23. 1863. Bro. Wishard was united in marriage a second time to Miss Jennie L. Porter, Nov. 27,1867. To-them were born five children, three sons and two daughters. The three sons aloue survive, Melville B. W’ishard of Chicago, Dr. Earnest E. Wishard of Noblesville and Glenn P. Wishard of Evanston.

For many years Bro, Wishard was engaged in the dry goods business in Rensselaer with Mr. Thomas Irwin. In 1868 he moved with the family to a farm jusf over the line in Newton county where he con tinned to reside for many years. For six years from ’7B to ’Bl he resided temporarily at Clinton, Ind. that he might be near his aged father and care for him in his declining years, returning to the farm on the death of his father. In 1892 he moved back to Rensselaer where he has continued to reside until his death. In 1850 he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and became at once an active and useful member. For 30 years he was a class leader and resigned on the event of his 80 birthday though his name was continued as a class leader on the records of the church until his death. He was an active Christian worker in every form of Christian service in the local church, at times going about over the county organizing Sabbath Schools and aiding in their developement by delivering public addresses. Bro. Wishard was a marked man in every way, a high order of Citizen and the noblest type of Christian. His life was a constant rebuke to everything selfish and unworthy in public life, as unswerving as the rugged oak. The-funeral was held Thursday afternoon, 22nd, at Trinity M. E. church, and was very largely attended. The religious services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. H. L. Kindig, and the following long time friends officiated as pall bearers. R. H. Grow. Nelson Randle, John English, Wm. Hoover, Lucius Strong, Wm. Washburn. Interment was made in Weston eemetery*.