Sallaz, William Mansfield

Passed: 1940-07-10

Age: 84

Source: Jackson Herald

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1940-07-12

Information: W. M. SALLAZ, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT, DEAD - W. M. Sallaz, blind since boyhood, died at Weston Wednesday morning, relatives here were informed.   The body is being returned to Ripley for funeral services and burial but complete arrangements have not yet been made.  He was a former county superintendent of schools.   SALLAZ RITES HELD FRIDAY - Funeral services for W. M. Sallaz, former county superintendent of schools, were held from the Ripley United Brethren church Friday afternoon with Rev. Fred Slaughter, of Weston, in charge and he was assisted by Rev. L. R. Mahoney.  The Vail mortuary had charge of the funeral plans.  Mr. Salaz died at the home of a relative at Freemansburg, Lewis county on Wednesday.  He had been staying with the relative there for the past several weeks.  He was the last of a family of nine children to meet death.  At the age of five years while playing with his brothers at the home in Union district, he was struck in the eye with a rock.  The blow caused the loss of that eye and within a short time the infection spread to the other and from that day during the remainder of his eighty-four years of life he walked in darkness, yet he never seemed to be discouraged about the condition and lived a useful and an inspiring life.      At the funeral service the following obituary was read:  William Mansfield Sallaz was born in Jackson county, April 13, 1856.  He was the son of Ferdenand and Sarah Sallaz.  At the early age of five he had the misfortune to lose his eyesight.  He later entered the Romney school for the deaf and blind and received training which qualified him for a public school teacher, which profession he followed for many years.  He also served as county superintendent of Jackson county public schools for two terms.  He was married twice, first to Miss Clara Naylor, and the second marriage to Miss Mary Ferguson, both of his home county. No children were born to either marriage.  Both wives preceded him in death several years ago.  He retired from his teaching profession some years ago and since that time has been living on his farm near Sidneyville.  He was a member of a family of nine children, all of whom have preceded him in death.  He was a member of the Sidneyville United Brethren church where he attended Sunday school and worship.  He has been in failing health for two or more years.  He died at the home of his niece, Mrs. O. E. White, where he had been making his home for the past few months, near Freemansburg, W. Va.  The end came Wednesday morning at 9:25 when he passed peacefully to his eternal reward.  All hope of ever recovering from his illness had been surrendered by him and he had for months been looking forward to the time when he would be released from this old body that was worn with age and the weight of service and years and join the spirits of the redeemed and blood washed of the ages.  Peace and good will to his memory.