Willis Enoch Buck married Keren Sweet. Dr. Buck died in Kingman, Kansas. His daughter Lucy Buck was my Grandmother. Dr. Buck was related to the Jenks and Lawrences. I have a book given to me by my Grandfather, dated 1856. It is a history of the Lawrence family dating back to Sir Robert Lawrence of England in the 1100's. It was authored by Amos Lawrence. It was printed in Boston in 1856. The inscription reads, willis E. Buck, Presented to me by Grandma Jenks, A. D. May 5, 1876. Attached is Dr. Buck's obituary that someone might find helpful in helping me trace this line of Buck's.
- IN MEMORIAM -
Willis Enoch Buck, MD. was born in La Grange County, Indiana, May 5th, 1858, and died in Kingman, Kansas November 7, 1903, aged 45 years, 6 months and 2 days.
He was married at Lincoln, Nebraska July 15, 1885 to Keren H. Sweet, the ceremony being performed by Rev. R. N. Mc Kaig. To this union three children were born, two daughters, Lucy, aged 17 years and Helen, aged 12 years, who with their Mother are bearing the burden of Great sorrow, and one son who died in infancy.
Willis Buck left his home at the early age of sixteen years to make his own way in the world, and with no settled convictions as to what his future business career would be. He left home with no money, labored at whatever honest toil his hands found to do. Earning many times the small sum of fifty cents per week. In course of time he journeyed to Toledo, Ohio, where he found employment and learned the printers t rade in the office of the Toledo Blade. In his young life he became a Christian and shile in Toledo became identified with a small mission sunday school in charge of J Cooper Price. This mission work was very dear to the young man, and to it he gave much of his time. Made many sacrifices and was a teacher in the Sunday School. This mission work is still existing, has a large membership and is very prosperous.
Willis Buck next came to Lawrence, Kansas, where he made his home with his Aunt, Mrs. Deming, doing the housework for his board. While in Lawrence he was afforded the opportunity of attending the Kansas State University in that City, which he availed himself of and attended for two years, secured a first grade certificate and taught several terems of school. His next move was to Lincoln, Nebraska where he secured night work in the printing office of the State Journal, and was also engaged for a short time in teaching. He then entered the Medical Department of the Nebraska State University, from which he graduated in 1885, and from that time on until his death was a practicing physician. While in Lincoln he was closely associated with Dr. B. L. Paine, a practicing physician and an earnest religious worker. Dr Buck was often busy with Dr Paine in YMCA work and other Christian activities.
After graduating from the Nebraska State University, He married and moved with his wife to Minden, Nebraska where they resided for seven years. While in Minden, the Doctor and his Wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, of which church in Kingman he was a member at the time of his death.
In the summer of 1893 the family moved to Kingman. In this city Dr. Buck was associated for a short time with Dr. J. W. Light in practice and then opened an office for himself. Dr. Buck had a large practice a high standing among the professional and other business men of the city, as as a citizen wah highly esteemed for his excellent traits of character as seen in his several relation in life.
The sudden death of Dr. Willis E. Buck which occurred in his office early on Saturday morning and while alone was a great and sorrowful shock to the entire community, and many were the expressions of regret at losing from among our citizens one so good and worthy as he. The funeral service was held at the family residence on Tuesday afternoon November 10, aaty 3 O'clock, conducted by the Pastor Rev C. B. Eby, assisted by Rev F. W. Moboden of the Methodist Church.
Rev C. B. Eby spoke very helpful and strengthening words from the Scripture ISA. 40-1, "Comfort Ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God."
The chois consisted of Mrs. W. M. Wallace, Mr. Oscar Capps, Mr. E. B. Humphrey and Mr. Arthur V. Cooper. They rendered a few helpful and very appropriate selections.
The ceremonies at the cemetery were conducted by members of Ninnescah Lodge 230 AF and AM of which the deceased was a member. The funeral was very largely attended by people from the city and country and surrounding towns as the entire county felt the death of Dr. Buck to be in the nature of a personal loss. The floral tributes were many, both from different societies and individuals, all seeming anxious to contribute and show in every way possible their respect for the deceased and his grief stricken family. Some of the floral offerings were an anchor from the AOUS Lodge, three links from the IOOF Lodge, wreath from the MWA Lodge, sre ath from the Epworth League, wreath from Lucy's sunday school class, wreath from Helen's sunday school class, wreath from Junior ans Senior endeavors, wreath from Knights and Ladies of Security; wreath from Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, Mrs. J W Cookson, Mrs AG Bowron, Mrs Brown and Allen, the SIS Century Club, students of the High School and numerous others. Speaking in unmistakable language the Praise due the deceased from a community in which he had walked and talked with honor in the years of his residence among us - tributes well earned and merited.
In the life of the deceased He studied how best to administer to the wants of the distressed either in body or mind, and was diligent in his efforts to assuage the sorrow and lighten the grief of the afflicted, in public affairs his voice and counsel was on the side of right and good government, never for a moment winking at matters of a questionable nature. In society he was a genial companion and a popular citizen. In his home life he idolized his family and faithfully studied and provided for their every want. Sensitive to a marked degree he studiously avoided saying anything that would mar the feelings of anyone. And so on at great length might be enumerated his many commendable qualities and the community with one accord would give hearty sanction.
Suffice it to say Kingman has lost one of its best citizens in the death of Willis E. Buck and this will be forcibly demonstrated when the people who were nearest to him in private and public life shall attempt to enumerate his worth as a husband, father and citizen. As it will be found his nobler qualities far outweighed his frailities.