William G. Elder
William G. Elder (Will) was born 11 Mar 1861 at Black Lick, Indiana, PA. He was the second child of George W. and Margaret C. Elder and the 7th child of George W. Elder. Will traveled west with his family in 1864 to Avery Township, Hancock County, Iowa. According to the 1870 and 1880 Federal Census, Will remained on the farm with his family. Eight other siblings still lived at home as well as Margaret’s father, William McNutt who was 71. Will was listed as going to school. According to the 1885 Iowa State Census, William is living at Concord, Hancock County with his uncle James Marion Elder. He is listed as employed as a laborer. In 1895, Will is living in Goodell , perhaps with his parents who have moved to town from the farm. Per the 1900 Federal Census and the 1905 Iowa State Census, Will is living with his mother, Margaret in Goodell with an adopted sister, Lizzie. Will is listed as a day laborer for the railroad. According to his obituary, Will moved to Oklahoma City in 1908. Per the 1910 Census, he is a lodger, still single and his occupation is listed as a laborer. According to the 1920 Census, Will is still in Oklahoma City working as a laborer at a packing house. Per Will’s obituary, he died at Oklahoma City on December 28th, 1924 at age 63 years. His remains were shipped to Goodell and internment was at the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell. The cemetery records report he died of heart trouble. Will never married.
Knapper & Trumbell Family History 