Obituary - March 18 1898 Vol VII #11, Fairfield News-Herald, pg 8

Lester L Bratcher was born in Nodaway? County, Mo, July 15, 1875. Died near Fairfield, Neb, Mar 4th 1898. He was one of a family of seven children, four girls, and three boys, he being the youngest, the joy and comfort of the family. In 18?? with his .............. family, he settled in Clay county, Neb., where he remained until death overtook him. ............ .... was well ..... favorably known by that name, was a lively young businessman. Not having a robust constitution, the livery business which he was engaged in, and his business and energetic nature was to much for him and he was stricken down with pneumonia the 28th day of Dec and until the last few days of his life, he tried every way to regain his strength and remain here with loving friends, but at the last yielded to his afflictions and fell asleep in Jesus as peacefully as a babe slumbers on its mother's arms. He leaves a father and mother, a sister and two brothers to bitterly mourn his loss; but their loss in him eternal gain. The sister, Mrs Emma Wilson, of Clay Center, was prevented by sickness from seeing her brother before he died and from attending the funeral. The deceased was a member of the M. W. A. The entire community sympathize with the family for all feel the loss keenly. The funeral services took place at the home on Saturday at 1 o'clock and were conducted by Rev. Orrill, of Fairfield after which the remains were laid to rest in Harvard cemetery.