Ole Westby's obituary

It becomes our painful duty to chronicle the death of another Vernon County’s pioneers, Mr. Ole T. Westby, who died of cancer of the stomach Friday evening January 7 (1898). Mr. Westby had been a patient sufferer from this disease for many years, and finally the death messenger came, and administered a soothing hand for his relief.

Ole T. Westby and Family

Mr. Westby was born in Norway, in 1840, and came to this country when nine years of age and settled in the town of Christiana, where he has ever since resided. He was a soldier in the war, enlisting in the Fifteenth volunteer regiment in 1861, and serving until mustered out in 1865. Soon after the war he was married to Miss. Sarah Dahl of Westby, the place that bears his name through his long residence therein. He established  a general store on the site of the present village, and since been one of it’s leading merchants. He leaves to mourn his loss a loving wife and eight of the eleven children born to them. Those living are: Mrs. Otto Galstad, of Westby; Julius A. And Lindal, of Edgerton; Olga of Sparta; Walter, Nettie and Otis, of Westby; Mrs. Dr. Reque, of Viroqua, and all of whom were at his bedside when death came, except Mr. Reque who had gone home a few hours before. The funeral service was held in the Coon Prairie Church Tuesday, January 11, Reverend Halverson preaching the sermon. Mr. Westby has been a member of the Coon Prairie Church ever since it was built. He was a loving father and devoted husband. He will be mourned by many friends, Mr. Westby was a member of the G.A.R. And M.W.A. Alex-Lowrie post, to which he belonged, was present, and performed the last service at the grave.