Rev William Carlos Skiles

Another Early Settler of Harlan County Passes Away. Elder William C. Skiles was born in Wayne Co., Mo., March 4th 1820. His parents moved to Browning, Schuyler Co., Ill., in 1825. His boyhood days were spent in Schuyler Co. and there he also grew to manhood. On February 26, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Luttrell. Of this union were born eleven children; five of them have preceded the parents in death, only six remaining to mourn the death of father. Mr. F.M. Skiles, living at the old home town of Browning, Ill., Mrs. W.F. Heathers Everson, Wash., Mrs. J.W. Gildersleeve, Mr. G.S. and W.P. Skiles at Republican City and Mrs. J.A. Russell, Alma. There also survives the deceased and invalid wife.

Bro. Skiles was converted at the age of thirty-four years and united with the Union Baptist Church of Browning, Ill. Soon after his conversion he felt the call of God to the ministry. He answered the call entered the ministry and became a regular ordained pastor in the Union Baptist church, and has spent a greater part of his life, 53 years, in telling the glad tidings and great joy of salvation to the world.

He moved with his family from Browning, Ill., to Harlan Co., Nebraska, settling near Huntley in 1879, where he has resided for the past 28 years. Bro. Skiles has preached in Smith, Kansas, also at Turkey Creek and Mill Creek. It might well be said of Bro. Skiles as it is said of Paul, who preached the gospel and made tents to pay the expense, Bro. Skiles preached the gospel and farmed to pay the expense. I would that there were more farmer and business men preachers.

Bro. and Sister Skiles came to Alma about eight weeks ago for a visit with their daughter Mrs. J.A. Russell. He was taken ill about a week ago passing quietly away June 6, 1907, at the age of 87 yrs. 3 mos. And 2 days, and with the consciousness that he could speak with the Apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, I have kept the faith," henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:7.

The funeral services were held at the residence of J.A. Russell on Sunday morning at 10 o'clock a.m. conducted by the pastor of the Methodist church, and attended by a large number of sympathetic friends and neighbors. The remains were laid to rest in Alma cemetery.

Rest Comrad, rest, The world has had they best. Rest Comrad, rest, God will take care of the rest.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jul 15 2016, 14:58:56 UTC