The Salina Weekly Republican Journal
Friday, 9 Jun 1899

DEATH OF WILLIAM MUIR.
One of the Oldest Residents of Saline
County County [sic] Found Drowned
in the Smoky Hill
River
From Tuesday's daily.

It was quite a shock to this community this morning when a message was received from Mentor that William Muir, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Saline county, had been found drowned in the Smoky Hill river early this morning. About 4:00 o'clock, Mrs. Muir states, he was in his usual place, and at 5:00 he was missing. A searching party, composed of Duncan Campbell, John Craig, William Muir, Jr., John Muir, Jim Muir and the hired man, easily tracked him to the river and found where he went in. After considerable search he was discovered in some vines, two or three rods from where he started into the river. The hair of his head was only in view when discovered. He was brought out and conveyed home -- the house not being far from the river.

He had on only his shirt, pants and and [sic] shoes, and did not even take his usually inseparable cane. The coroner was immediately notified of the sad affair.

The deceased was about 64 years old. He located on what was a government claim and is now part of St. John' s school addition, in 1860. He was a Scotchman by birth, and came from Randolph county, Illinois, with Thomas Anderson, Bryce Muir, and the late Robert Muir, who were among the first settlers of this county. By a long life of frugality and business sagacity he had gained a comptence which made him one of the wealthy men of the county. He was a director in the National Bank of America and a safe counselor and advisor in the business. Mr. Muir's success has been achieved primcipally in the cattle business. He found the Salina farm too narrow and confined for anythying but farming, and made a fortunate sale of it to the St. Johns school projectors, removing then to the farm near Mentor, where he has since resided. He was a member of the Congregational Church and has been one of its chief liberal supporters.

Mr. Muir has been a sufferer from brain affection since last November, but has been better of late. His physician, Dr. Winterbotham, found him last Sunday very cheerful. Yesterday he was in the field at work. The river had been encroaching upon some wheat land belonging to his son-in-law, which had worried him. The theory of the family is that he went down to look at the rising water, and accidentally slipped, as the soil at the margin of the river indicated that it was caved in, and that Mr. Muir had struggled to recover himself.

He expected to be in town today, on business.

The deceased was twice married, and leaves a wife and family of eight children, by the two marriages. His memory will be honored with other industrious and worthy citizens who contributd to the founding of this community.

The funeral services will take place at the Congregational Church, at 2:00 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and the remains buried in Gypsum Hill cmetery.



The Salina Weekly Republican Journal
Friday, 9 June 1899

Funeral of Wm. Muir, Sr.

The funeral of the late Wm. Muir took place Wednesday afternoon at the Congregational church. The services throughout were impressive. The church was draped in black and the floral offerings were beautiful. The hymns were sung by Messrs. Haas, J. O. Wilson, Clarence Wilson and Frank Hageman. The address of the pastor, Rev. F. D. Burhans, was a beautiful and fitting tribute to the many virtues of the deceased. Many of the comrades of the deceased of pioneer days were present. The pall-bearers were W. W. Watson, H. H. Sudendorf, O. P. Hamilton, R. H. Dihle, R. H. Bishop, A. M. Campbell.