The death of Joseph Furtney, Sr., occurred Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, at the home of his son, the late Josiah Furtney.
The deceased was born in Blenheim, Waterloo County, Canada June 27, 1819. He was married November 23, 1841 to Charlotte Hilker. They resided in Blenheim until 1864 and later to Milwaukee and in 1868 came to Austin where they have since resided.
To then were born seven sons and four daughters. John and Henry reside in Austin; A.W. in Rockford, Minnesota; J.B., in Biwabik; J.H., of Glenwood; Mrs. Barney of Michigan City, N.D., are his surviving daughters. Two daughters and two sons have died.
Two weeks ago Mr. Furtney was stricken with typhoid pneumonia and it was feared from the first that his advanced age would make it impossible for him to withstand the strain of disease. The death of his son Josiah occurring ten days ago was a shock that doubtless hastened the end.
It is a curious fact that Mr. Furtney was the seventh son of the seventh son and to him was born seven sons. The above fact gave him the supposed power of healing. Before moving into the city he was located upon a farm. He was a familiar figure in Austin for over thirty years and a man who numbered many among his friends. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The entrance of death twice in such quick succession turns the sympathy of the whole community to this grief stricken home where long and continued sickness have sorely tried the bodily strength and death has too frequently wrung the heart.
The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from the M.E. church, leaving the house at 2 o'clock, Rev. Brown will officiate.
Austin Daily Herald
Austin, Minnesota
March 13, 1903
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Mower County Transcript
March 18, 1903, page 3
FURTNEY
In this city Thursday afternoon, March 12, 1903, of old age and pneumonia Joseph Furtney aged 83 years. He was born in Blenheim, Canada June 27, 1819 and was married to Miss Charlotte Hilker Nov. 23, 1841. They moved to Flint, Mich. 1864, coming to Austin in 1868. Five sons and two daughters survive with the widow. Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Sunday afternoon Rev. J.M. Brown officiating.
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Provided by Dorothy Kunz