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Death of William W. Skelton (Williams Township)
Article published January 20, 1883 by the Bay City Tribune newspaper.

Bay City Tribune - January 29, 1883 Death of William Skelton _______________ William W. Skelton of Williams Township, met with a very sad death at this residence on Friday last. He was one of the most prosperous farmers in that locality, and during the past season had raised considerable fruit and vegetables, many of the latter being kept as food for his cattle during the Winter. These he had stored in his cellar, and to prevent their destruction by the late cold weather, placed coal fires in the cellar. There was no stove or furnace used, but he simply had the coal burning in open kettles, keeping the cellar closed as tightly as possible. By this process it was inevitable that a large amount of gas would be generated, and when he went in on the occasion of his fatal visit, he was at once overcome and almost instantly suffocated. When discovered by members of his family, he was to all appearances dead, though every effor to restore life was promptly resorted to Dr. Snyder, of Auburn, was summoned as quickly as possible, but the unfortunate man was beyond all human aid. The occasion of his death and the circumstances attending it were so apparent that a coroner's inquest was deemed unnecessary and was dispensed with. His remains were difficult to keep, because of his having died in a state of perfect health, and the furneral occurred as son as the necessary arrangements could be perfected. The deceased was the first settler in North Williams, having come there in 1855. Since that time he has developed a splendid farm, and was surrounded with the results of his industry and consequent prosperity. He was a man highly respected in the community, and besides a wife and grown up family of children to lament his sudden death, his loss will be sadly felt by all who know him. He was a man fifty-six years of age, and from appearances would have lived many years, had no fatal casualty befallen him.