Oliver Perry Hitch

Elgin Echo, Thursday, 19 September 1918.

Death came with terrifying suddenness to the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Hitch Monday, September 9, taking therefrom its support and protection '96 the loving and beloved husband. Mr. Hitch had not felt as well as usual for several days. At noon on Monday neuralgia of the heart attacked him and he was found by Mrs. Hitch unconscious on the lounge. He rallied sufficiently to talk a little, but soon sank again. The sad and sudden end came at 2 o'clock. Oliver Perry Hitch was born near West Union, Iowa, January 25, 1857, and was aged 61 years seven months and 15 days at the time of his death. When he was 10 years old he came with his parents and lived on a farm in the east part of New Hampton Township. He was united in marriage with Miss Ida Belle Utley, November 23, 1904, and they resided on their farm for eight years, then, six years ago, built and occupied their cozy home on Walter Ave., South. Mr. Hitch is survived by his wife, three brothers and two sisters. These are S. L. Hitch, of New Hampton; W. B. Hitch, of West Union; John Hitch of Port Angeles, Washington; Mrs. Mary Monnahan, of Elgin, and Mrs. Sophia Morton of this city. The funeral will be held this afternoon (Wednesday, September 11) at 2 o'clock at the Congregational church, services being conducted by Rev. B. E. Marsh, and burial will be in Graceland. Mr. Hitch was a member of the Odd Fellows, the Rebekah's and the Woodmen. The Odd Fellows will have charge of the funeral. The deceased lived a life of industry, dealing honorably with all people, and earning the high respect of all. His wife and brothers and sisters have the sympathy of all in this community. '96 New Hampton Gazette.

Oliver married Ida Belle Utley, daughter of Marcus Montgomery Utley and Elizabeth Lucille Pierce, on 23 Nov 1904 in IA. (Ida Belle Utley was born in Aug 1869 in Chickasaw Co., IA, died on 05 Oct 1961 in IA and was buried about 08 Oct 1861 in Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery, Pierce Co., WA.)