Bilbo - John Wesley
Dr. JOHN WESLEY BILBO
Source: Waveland Independent newspaper, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana July 29, 1921
Dr. John Wesley Bilbo passed away at his home in Russellville, Sunday July 24. Death came as a result of a paralytic stroke suffered Oct 5, 1920. Dr. Bilbo was the last surviving member of David and Mary Thornton Bilbo, who with three brothers and one sister had preceded him to the great unknown. He was b. three and one-half mi. NW of Waveland Jan 10, 1852 age 69 years, 6 months and 14 days. His early boyhood was spent on the farm. At the age of 18, he became aid to the chief engineer of construction while building what is now the Terre Haute and Logansport Div. of the Penn. RR. He remained with that position for some time after which he came to Waveland entering the Drug firm, of Richard Ball as an assistant. During his leisure time he took up the study of medicine with the late Dr. Thomas Steele. In 1879 he entered the Louisville Med. College, where he took a course of lectures. In 1880 he opened an office at Brazil and pursued his profession for some time finally returning to his farm NE of Russellville, where he practiced for some year, when in 1888 he entered the Indiana Med. College and grad. with honors from that Institution. Returning to his farm location he continued to serve the people far and near, finally after the late Dr. W. Straughan retired from Russellville, Dr. Bilbo took his place and from a moderate practice in the country had become one of enormous proportions his patients being from all part of the county. Dr. Bilbo was united in marr. Oct 22, 1876 to Miss Mille Evans who preceded him in death Dec. 31, 1919. To this union was b. a son, who died in infancy. His only near relations being two nephews and one niece, Frank Bilbo of Ambia, Ind; Donald Bilbo of Beatrice, Ind; and Mrs. Ferrol Loudermill of Waveland. Dr. Bilbo united late in life with the Meth. church and was a devoted member having served as one of the trustees for some year. He also was a member of the Masonic and KP fraternities. Dr. Bilbo was a man of pleasing personality, one who made and kept his friends. In the latter year of his life, his chief aim seemed not only to aid suffering humanity from a physical standpoint but was always ready to stretch forth a helping hand to those who were more unfortunate in the battle of life. The writer having been intimately associated with him for a number of years can bear witness to the many fine traits of character which he possessed and was little known to those who were his associated. Being a man indisposed to exploiting before the world the many deeds of kindness which he showed upon those who were needy and it seemed to be a wonderful pleasure for him to render. In his removal from this earth, Russellville and community has lost a citizen whose works will remain in the hearts of those to whom he has ministered and a lasting remembrance will forever linger in the minds of all with whom he came in contact. And as a last tribute to his memory from those of us who are left behind we can well say, "Well done on this earth," and as thy spirit passeth through the pearly gates may it be greeted by him who setteth as Judge Supreme with the welcome words, "Well done good and faithful servant enter then into the Joy of thy Lord." Funeral services were held at the home Tues 10 a.m. Rev. Mr. Gough of Greencastle officiating burial at Russellville Cemetery. - kbz
Source: Russellville News, July 28, 1921
Dr. John Wesley BILBO was born Jan 10, 1855 northwest of Waveland, Indiana. He was the 3rd child of David and Mary Thornton Bilbo both of whom are deceased. He died at his home in Russellville July 24, 1921 aged 69 years 6 months 14 days. In 1874 he was married to Armilda Evans who preceded him in death Dec 31, 1919. To this union was born one son who died in infancy. Dr. Bilbo is the last of his family. He leaves two nephews, Frank D. Bilbo of Ambia, indiana and Donald Bilbo of Beatrice, Indiana and one niece, Mrs. Ferral Loudermill of Wavlenad. Burial in Russellville Cemetery. - kbz