Delphos Republican, August 10, 1917
Another Pioneer Taken
W.M. Webster was born in Rochester, New York. He was married in his native state to Miss Alice Williams, and to them were born three children, Grace, Kitty and Frank. The children and their mother have long since passed on to the spirit world.
In 1903 Mr. Webster was married a second time and chose as his bride, Mrs. Joie Snedeker, who survives her husband as the last member of his family.
In Nov., 1871, Mr. Webster came to Delphos with Mr. J.D. Billings and homesteaded the farm north of town, which farm remained in his possession until his death, which occurred on the 1st day of August, 1917.
In those early days he was a successful school teacher as well as a good farmer. He also took an active interest in all public improvements and in the politics of his city and state.
In 1877 he and G.N. Billings and two other men made an overland trip to Arizona in search of wealth, and they would travel all day without seeing a single inhabitant or even a house. On this trip they traveled 80 miles without water, driving a team that merely walked. They traveled 300 miles through wild Indian country without seeing a single white face. They endured much hardships, but did not meet with the success dreamed of, and they finally returned to their homesteads in Kansas, after being gone nine months. In those days there were few people in this vicinity. In fact, they hunted buffalo and wild turkeys. The deceased had the privilege of seeing the development, not only of Delphos, but of the whole Solomon Valley.
He was well liked by all his friends and neighbors and was always ready to help others. A friend of his has well said: "He would lay down his life for his friend." He was a student of the Bible, although not affiliated with any church. He was a follower of the Golden Rule.
Funeral services were held at the house at 2:00 o'clock, Aug. 3rd. Services were in charge of the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, with G.S. Smith assisting. Interment in Delphos Cemetery.