United in Death; Husband and Wife Laid Together in One Grave

Full of years and honors

Two Worthy and Highly Respected Citizens Lay Down the Burdens of Life and Are at Rest

The death of Major Wm. Mock, which occurred at his residence on Third street late Saturday afternoon, received but brief mention in the evening Argus of that day. The deceased is entitled to more extended notice.

Major Wm. Mock was born in North Carolina on the 24th day of March, 1811. After receiving as advanced an education as the schools of that day, in 1832, afforded, he was appointed to a cadet-ship in the military academy at West Point.

From that academy he graduated with honor in 1836, and was assigned to military duty in the regular army. His service was in Florida, during the Seminole War. Having served the years required of West Point graduates, he tendered his resignation, desiring to return to the peaceful walks of life in 1840.

His rank was that of Major. The government accepted his resignation, and he turned over to W. T. Sherman, afterwards General Sherman, all government authority and property with which he was clothed or was possessed.

As a private citizen he pursued the even tenor of his way to 1849, when he came to California. He located near the foothills in Vallejo township and established an attractive home. In 1853 Maj. Mock was elected justice of the peace of that township. A few years later he was elected county surveyor. It was the compass of Mr. Mock that established the boundary between Sonoma and Marin counties, from the San Antonio laguna to the head of the Estero Americano.

In 1858 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary B. Goodwin, who in conjunction with Mr. A. B. Bowers then had charge of our public school. There were no children by this union.

A few years ago he disposed of his country home and with his faithful companion, took up his residence in this city. He was a highly cultured man, as was also his consort, a woman of unusual intelligence. For many months this aged couple had been drawing nearer and nearer to the pearly gates ajar, and that they should have passed through almost hand in hand, but laid together in a single grave, seems a fitting end to their upright and pure lives. They were esteemed by all who knew them.

The services were conducted by Rev. W. H. Darden and Rev. G. W. Hays, the funeral taking place from the residence at 1:30 P.M. Monday. There were a large number of friends present to attend the burial at Cypress Hill cemetery. The following acted as pall bearers: A. Burr, A. N. Peters, M. Carr Sr., T. A. Gilbert, D. L. Whitlatch and J. Corbet.

The funeral of Mr. and Mrs. Mock is the second double burial that ever occurred in Petaluma, the other being the burial of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Wickersham several years ago.

In keeping with their wish and in accord with their unostentatious lives the funeral was quiet and without any unnecessary display. May flowers bedeck their last resting place.

Petaluma Daily Argus Apr. 4, 1898