The Morning Star, Saturday 23 September 1899
(Illinois)

William Best Dead
William Best died yesterday noon after an illness of a few days, of heart trouble. He had been an invalid the past eight years following an attack of grip which left him in a weakened state from which he never rallied. During this time he had been unable to do any work and lived practically a retired life.
He was one of the prominent stone masons of this vicinity for a score of years and many of the public works of the city and surrounding towns were constructed by him.
He was born in Cardynham, Cornwall, England, in 1821. He came to this country in 1871 and settled in Rockford. One year of the time since then he was at work in Chicago but the rest was spent in Rockford.
Mr. Best was a good citizen and before his invalidism commenced was an active participant in the public movements of the time. He was a strong prohibitionist and temperance worker. His associates and friends mourn his loss and the members of the family are inconsolable.
The funeral arrangements have not been made but if the relatives can reach the city in time he will be buried Sunday. He is survived by his wife and the following children: Mrs. George F. Rohn, Mrs. Charles Hudson, Mrs. Wm. Gardner, Mrs. Gilbert Ostrom and Mrs. Harry Puterbaugh of Belvidere; Earnest E. Best, George D. Best, Will G. Best and Charles C. Best of Parkesburg, W. Va. Two sisters also survive, Mrs. Mutton, living in England, and Mrs. Boyle in Australia.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho