Henry Netherton

11 February 1924

Henry Netherton was born in Cornwall County, England, February 12th, 1838, and departed this life at his home in Roberts, Illinois, Thursday morning, February 11th, 1924, aged 86 years and 2 days.  His has been a strong and vigorous life, although rather feeble of late, it has only been a short time since he has been able to be around looking after his business affairs.  On the morning of his 86th birthday he was strickened with appoplexy from which he never recovered.
When he was 11 years of age he came with his father's family to Victoria, Ontario, Canada, where his father engaged in farming.  Four years later his father died leaving his mother to carry on the farm and he a boy of fifteen and four younger children to assist.  His mother died in 1865.  Of his family two sisters are yet living at Valentia, Ontario.
In 1866 he left Canada and came to the United States, settling in Grundy County, Illinois, then in Kendal County and from there to Livingston County, Germanville Township where he came in 1869 and he lived for 38 years.  In 1907 he moved to Roberts which has been his home since.
Mr. Netherton married Miss Sarah E. Walley January, 28 1860 (?) and for almost 51 years they traveled life's pathway together.  She died January 18th,1920 (?).  to them were born four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living in this vicinity.  They are William H., Richard F., Samuel W., Arthur, Mrs. John Underwood, Mrs. Joseph Talbot and Miss Bessie.  There are also thirty grand-children and eight great-grand-children.  For many years this family have had its family reunion.
While Mr. Netherton had a only a common school education he was a very efficient and successsful man in his chosen field of work.  Few men knew more of the right farming methods and care of the farm, crop and stock raising.  As he was a pioneer settler of this vicinity he knew much of the struggles and trials of the early settlers.  These were some of the things that formed the stalwart, noble character that was his.  He was a man of principle, honest and upright in all his dealings and benevolent and generous in all causes where these qualities are applicable.  He was a kind and indulgent father and husband and a good neighbor.
The funeral services were held Saturday, February 16th at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. John T. Killip officiating.  The remains were then laid to rest in Lyman cemetery.

--Roberts Herald 20 February 1924