William Elnathan Mortimer Oursler, oldest child of Joseph and Harriet Oursler, was born in Adams County, Ohio, May 28, 1843, and died at his home in Nortonville, Kans., February 8, 1914, aged 70 years, 8 months, and 10 days.
He was one of ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom four sons and two daughters are still living. He enlisted in the 11th Ohio Cavalry Volunteers, March 5, 1863, and was honorably discharged July 14, 1865, having served 2 years, 3 months and 9 days.
He saved his money, attended school and was graduated from Bartlett's Commercial College, April 30, 1867. On July 4 of the same year he was married to Sylvia M. Colvin, who died October 30, 1869, of tuberculosis. Only one child was born to them, which died in infancy.
In the fall of 1869, he with three other men, came to Emporia, Kan., and walked from there to Marion County, a distance of forty-five miles. He taught school the winter of 1870-71. On November 16, 1871, he was married to Nancy Jane Riggs. Nine children were born to them, three sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and five daughters are still living.
When a young man, Mr. Oursler made a public profession of religion while in the army. After coming West he, with his wife, united with the Baptist church of Marion, Kan., where he was a member until the Seventh Day Baptist church of Florence, Kan., was organized, when he, together with his wife, united with this church. By this church he was ordained deacon and licensed to preach. He moved to Nortonville in the fall of 1898 and united with the Nortonville Seventh Day Baptist Church, of which he has since been a beloved deacon and a valued member. His death removes a devoted husband, a loving father, a valued church officer, and an honored citizen.
Farewell services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. M. B. Kelly, assisted by Rev. A. L. Davis, in the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Nortonville, Tuesday, p. m., February 10, and the body tenderly laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery near by.
M. B. K.
