s/o: Samuel & Nancy (VanDolah) Ogden
h/o: Hannah Wiley
f/o: James O., Sarah, John W., Nancy, Samuel A., Francis M., Rhoda, Mary J., Ella Olive, Lizzie May and Annetta A.
siblings: Croghan, Sarah Jane, Albert Samuel, Mary Amony, John W., Angelia, James Alexander, George Washington and Francis M.

Obituary published in the Lexington Unit Journal

Death Claims Obadiah Ogden

Wealthy and Respected Money Creek Farmer Died Last Week - Owned 885 Acres

Obadiah Ogden was born in Fayette county, Ohio, March 28, 1830. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ogden. At the age of three years, he came with his parents to McLean county, Illinois when they settled in Money Creek township. He lived until the time of demise almost within sight of his home for more than 76 years.

His childhood, youth and the years of his young manhood were spent in the home of his parents, where he helped, as only a loving and devoted elder child can help, to lessen the cares and burdens of his mother and to lead in paving the way toward securing and improving a home for the family, and preparing for the time when old age should come to his parents. In those early pioneer days the tasks which fell to the children in large families were in truth heavy. But this duty he discharged faithfully.

On July 5, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Wiley, only daughter of James Wiley, a wealthy resident of Money Creek township. The young couple took up their abode with the bride's parents, and except for a short time when they resided in Lexington they continued to reside on the same farm, which Mr. Ogden greatly improved and to which by his good management and ability he added other farms, until at the time of his death he owned 885 acres of land, comprising several well improved farms.

Mr. Ogden's great pleasure for many years was in his large herds of horses and fine Galloway cattle, which won for him many prizes when exhibited and many encomiums when marketed. He always shipped them himself and usually went to Chicago to see them sold. On his return trip he frequently brought several car loads of young cattle which he would turn on bluegrass.

It was while driving a herd of these cattle out to his farm, nearly 11 years ago, that he met with the injury which caused his death. Tired and hot, a steer became cross and unruly, and it is supposed Mr. Ogden alighted from his horse to compel the animal to move on. Instead of moving, the infurated beast attacked Mr. Ogden and gored him into insensibility - no one being present to witness the horrible combat. However, Mr. Ogden was conveyed to his home where he lay for a long time, hovering between life and death. He never completely recovered and was never the same afterwards.

He continued to feed and ship his stock, several car loads each year, until about a year ago when failing health and strength compelled a complete abandonment of his beloved work. Nothing but his indomitable will had kept him going and at last this was forced to yield to a stronger power, and the last six months of his life was spent in bed, ministered to by his devoted wife and daughter, assisted by other loved ones from time to time. The end came at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, when surrounded by his wife and all their children, his tired body and mind was freed forever from further pain and worry, as he quietly drifted into the eternal sleep.

Mr. Ogden will be remembered by many for his generous deeds. Rather than oppress the widow of any poor one for what was rightly his, he would suffer loss. He was ever ready to help the needy and none ever knew of his charity except the beneficiary and his God. He never allowed his right hand to know what his left hand did. The kindly act done was forgotten. He was a devoted husband and a kind, affectionate and indulgent father. His alm was to make his word as good as his note.

Besides the sorrowing wife, he leaves seven children to mourn his departure, five daughters, Mrs. John Kemp, who resides on the homestead; Mrs. G.W. Freed, Mrs. Harvey Jenkins, Mrs. Frank Conder, Mrs. Ed Flesher; two sons, Samuel and Frank, who live on the home farms; one sister, Mrs. Angela Pirtle, of Kansas City, and two brothers, George of this city, and Alexander of Bellfry, Mont.

The funeral, which was attended by hosts of sympathizing relatives and friends, was held Friday at 2 p.m. at the beautiful residence that had for so many years been the home of the deceased. Rev. Osceola McNemar, of Gridley officiated. He was assisted by Rev. T.D. Harris, pastor of the Money Creek U.B. church. The pall bearers were: E.H. Hyneman, Noah Franklin, General Franklin, G.W. Hiser, Phillip Berg and C.W. McNemar, all old friends of the family. The remains were laid in their final resting place in the Lexington cemetery.