Death came Friday morning to Dr. W. H. Stoakes at his home in this city. He had been in failing health for some time.
William H. Stoakes was born on May 21st, 1853 in Van Buren county, Iowa and passed away at his home in Albion, Nebraska, June 28th, 1935, aged 82 years, one month and seven days.
In 1855 with his parents he moved to Tama county, Iowa, settling near the town of Traer, where he grew to manhood.
In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jameyson and they began the making of their home on a farm just east of Traer, Iowa. To this union were born eight children, all of whom survive him. His good wife and companion of more than 57 years, preceded him in death by just a little less than a year.
The children are: Mrs. Irene Maxwell of Albion; Ralph of Mason City, Iowa; Howard of Humboldt, Iowa; Roger of Albion; Mrs. Hazel Cook of Albion; Lee of Anamosa, Iowa; Mrs. Ruby Williamson of Albion; and Mrs. Naomi Manka of Yakima, Washington. Beside the children there are 29 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Dr. Stoakes was the fourth eldest of a family of thirteen children, five of whom survive him. They are Walter, Mason and Edward of Traer, and two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Thomas and Arabella, also of Traer, Iowa.
He began the practice of his profession at Bradgate, Iowa, later going to Humboldt and finally to Albion, Nebraska where he made a host of friends who loved and revered him. Many of his patients owe him a debt of gratitude for many times when the “grim reaper” was near, he would stay by their bedside fighting along with them until the victory was gained. As is the case with all good doctors, when the verdict was against him, he accepted defeat gracefully and with courage to ever face the foe.
Especially was this characteristic noteworthy during the flu epidemic of 1918 during which he did not lose a single case, traveling many miles day and night in the practice of his profession. Many will rise up and call him blessed.
In his early manhood, Dr. Stoakes became a member of the Congregational church at Traer, Iowa. On moving to Bradgate he transferred to the Baptist church in which faith he lived until the end, being at the time of his passing a member of the First Baptist church of Albion.
Always faithful in all of his relationships, Dr. Stoakes was a man to be depended on, never failing when it was at all possible to meet his engagements. He was a devoted Christian, a faithful husband, a loving father and a good citizen. The community will miss his genial smile, his patience, his words of cheer and hope, his family his patient counsel and his intimate companions, a loving friend.
For many years, with all of his other relationships, he was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and stood true to its tenets.
The funeral services were held at the First Baptist church in Albion on Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Oscar Creech, an intimate friend and former pastor, assisted by the present pastor, Rev. E. F. Edmonds. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery by the side of his faithful companion.

(Albion Weekly News – Albion, Nebraska – July 4, 1935)