Old Citizen Passes Away
William Judd Dresser

Source:  DeKalb Daily Chronicle, DeKalb, Illinois, 19 February 1922, page 1

After a brief illness, Willliam J. Dresser, one of DeKalb's oldest and most
widley known residents, passed away at the home of his son, Alfred, Saturday
night almost seven o'clock.  Mr. Dresser had reached the advanced age of 84,
and was unusually active for a man his years.  Funeral services are to be in
charge of the Odd Fellows tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 from the Baptist
church, Rev. W. R. Yard officiating at the church.  The fraternal service
will be at the grave in Fairview.

William J. Dresser was born in Chemung, N. Y., January 25, 1838, the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Dresser.  February 5, 1861 he was united in marriage to
Rosetta Grover, and a few years later, in 1868, the family moved to DeKalb
county, where they have since resided.

Mr. Dresser was a farmer by calling and the old homestead near this city was
the pride of his heart while he was engaged in active work.  Upon the death
of Mrs. Dresser about nine years ago, Mr. Dresser could not content himself
with farm work and moved to DeKalb enjoying the sundown of life as he
desired.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dresser were born three children, one Mary, dying in
infancy.  Mrs. Cora Scott of Burdette, N. Y., who was with her father during
his last illness, and Alfred Dresser survive.  Alfred is in charge of the
old home farm and the patient was removed to the farm upon his affliction
about three weeks ago.

Mr. Dresser also leaves on[e] sister, Mrs. William Knapp of Burdette, N. Y.,
and a brother, Jacob S. Dresser of Spencer, N. Y., and seven grand children.
These are in addition to innumerable friends about the community who will
miss the kindly greetings of the old gentleman, as he came to town every
morning.

The deceased was a long time member of the Odd Fellows organization, a
charter member of the Rebekah lodge, and also a member of the Encampment and
Cantonment of the three links order.  Mr. Dresser always made it a point to
attend the meetings of the Odd Fellows and its subsidiary organizations.
Even when the weather was cold, one could always find him near one of the
radiators, and regardless of how lengthy the session, he would remain until
the last drop of the gavel.  He will be greatly missed in the organization.

Funeral services will be in charge of the Odd Fellows tomorrow afternoon at
two o'clock at the farm home and 2:30 from the Baptist church with Rev. W.
R. Yard in charge.  The beautiful Odd Fellows burial service will be given
at Fairview.