Charles Edward Straw

  General Notes:

per Sue Phaneuf:
Notes for CHARLES E STRAW:The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin, published: Chicago: Western Historical Company. 1879.
CHARLES E. STRAW, engineer of Phoenix Fire Company; born Oct. 21, 1851, in Watertown; was educated here, and worked for his father in the painting business till 1869, when he entered the employ of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. as fireman; served in that capacity for three and one-half years, when he was promoted to engineer, and acted as such for two years and one month; Oct. 9, 1874, he left the employ of the railroad company and accepted the position of book-keeper for Straw & Murphy, and was appointed to his present position of engineer of Phoenix Steamer No. 2, June 5, 1876. He is a member of B. of L. E., Division No. 66, of Milwaukee; member of Lodge No. 49, Masons.

Obit:
Charles E. Straw, prominent citizen and former well known railroad man, died at his residence, 306 North Washington Street, at 3:45 on 4 October 1912, following an attempt upon his life the previous evening. He had become despondent over a protracted sickness and was found at 7:40 in the evening on a couch in his home with a bullet wound in his head which proved fatal.
Mr Straw was a son of the late Mr and Mrs Drew Straw and was born in Watertown October 21, 1861. He received his education in Watertown and was employed by his father as a painter until 1869 wneh he entered the employ of the Milwaukee Railroad as fireman. He became an engineer which occupation he followed until 1874, when he accepted a position as book keeper for the painting firm of STRAW and MURPHY, which he continued for many years.
When the fire steamers were purchased in 1876 Mr. Straw was given charge of the Silsby engine and helped fight most of the big fires from that time for many years, finally retiring from the position and from the business as well.
"Paddy" Straw, as he was familiarly called, was a general favorite with the volunteer firemen and was never found lacking when the No. 2 was in demand at fires.
He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and a member of Watertown Lodge No. 49, F. and A. M.
In the death of Mr. Straw, Watertown loses one of its most respected citizens, and a man of kind impulses who did many acts of kindness and charity which were not paraded to the world. He was public spirited and always was found ready to assist financially in anything that tended toward the betterment of the community. He always took a great interest in the local newspapers and was ever on the alert to furnish editors with "copy" which he had gleaned from the many technical and other periodicals which he subscribed for. He was a familiar figure in the printing office for years and was always welcome.
He never aspired to political honors but served one term as alderman of the Fourth Ward and also served for a time as a member of the board of park commissioners.
Mr. Straw was an engineer of no mean ability and kept abreast of all the improvements in steam engineering, and his advice was much sought after in late years after he had retired from active business pursuits. He made a study of fuel and the best methods whereby to get the best results and most power from its consumption and his advice was usually followed. He took particular pride in the fire engines, the Silsby being his pet, and saved the city many dollars by using the knowledge he possessed when repairs were to be made. He was kind and thoughtful to others and many former Watertown friends will miss the many rememberances which he sent them on various occasions.
The body was taken to the undertaking rooms of Schmultzler and Oestreich and the funeral took place under Masonic auspices. The services were held in the Masonic Temple. The burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
A coroner's jury was impaneled to inquire into the cause of death of Mr. Straw. The inquest was held before Justice W. D. stacy and a verdict of death by his own hand by shooting himself with a pistol was rendered.

Watertown Public Library
The library has been fortunate in receiving bequests of public-spirited citizens. Mr. Charles Straw $2,000,

Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Jefferson Co., WI

Charles E. Straw (s/o Drew Straw) in hisLast Will and Testament named the following as cousins and heirs: [died 1912]
Alonzo W. Straw (son of Nathaniel Straw)
Jennie Wyckoff (daughter of Nathaniel Straw)
Amelia Seaman (daughter of Nathaniel Straw)
Sara Sears (daughter of David Harpster/Rachel Hall)
Ivy Harpster Bones (daughter of David Harpster/Rachel Hall)
Stafford M. Bay (s/o Amos Bay/Aurelia West [sister of his mother Rosina West])
Sallie Bay Vance (d/o Amos Bay/Aurelia West [sister of his mother Rosina West])
Artemus Straw (S/o Charles Straw/Maria Hastings)
Mrs. S. B. Cobb (Mary Straw d/o Alvin Straw)
Bert Straw (s/o Alvinzy T. Straw)

Find A Grave Memorial# 7308780

Charles married on 16 May 1898 in Taylor County, IA.