"Bill" Gatewood Dead

     A telegram was received in this city yesterday afternoon stating that William A. Gatewood, well known in this city died at Old Orchard beach, Me., after a short illness, from dropsy.  The deceased was 23 years old and was one of the best known colored persons in this city.

     He was an athlete of great ability and while a student at the local High School from 1898 to 1902 he was a central figure in baseball and football circles.  He was one of the best guards the local High school football team ever possessed and his prowess on the diamond was recognized throughout this part of New England.  

     His mother survives.  The remains will arrive in this city today or tomorrow and interment will take place in this city. 

Obsequies  July 5 1911 

William A. Gatewood

     The funeral of William A. Gatewood, who died suddenly at Old Orchard beach, Me., Monday where he is employed every summer was held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock.  The body arrived here Tuesday afternoon and was immediately removed to the home of his mother, 82 Gilbert Street.  Tuesday night and Wednesday morning the remains were viewed by hundreds of the friends of the young man including a large number of his former classmates. As the body lay in the mahogany casket few if any could believe that it contained the remains of "Bill" Gatewood, who had earned such an enviable reputation as an athlete and to pass away so young and when everything looked so bright.  His mother is heart stricken over the loss of such a good son.   The inscription on the casket was : "William A. Gatewood, 23 years five months 28 days."   Rev. C. C. Earle conducted the services and there was a large number of mourners present.  

    The floral pieces, beautiful tokens of respect to the deceased were very numerous and included the following:

     Pillow inscribed "Son." from mother

    A large mound inscirbed "Workmate" employees of Boston & Maine station at Old Orchard Beach, Me.

    Bouquet of roses Alice N. Franklin, Portland Me.

    23 pinks Mrs. F. B. Emery, North Berwick Me

    Baskets, Mrs. S. Booth North Andover and Mrs. Thomas Barry

    Spray Miss C. Williams

    The pallbearers were Harry Hood, William Evans, T. Evans,Archibald Hood, Jr, F. B. Emery of North Berwick Me.

    The body was laid to rest in Bellevue Cemetery.  

                                                             July 5, 1911 Eagle Tribune

The above were transcribed by MET from Lawrence Eagle Tribune July 5, 1911, on November 29, 2005