Samuel F. Watts, county surveyor and one of the early pioneers of West Nebraska, died suddenly at the residence of M. H. Clifford, near Stockville, Frontier county. Mr. Watts had not been feeling customary good health, yet he apprehended nothing serious, and on Christmas morning he and his young friend Harry Kramph started on his customary annual visit to the home of his old friend and companion Mont Clifford to spend the holidays. On Saturday he complained of a severe pain in the right breast and on Sunday it became so bad that a mustard draft was applied, but little if any relief resulted. At dinner, which was 3 o’clock, he felt somewhat better and ate quite heartily. Still the pain continued and at times it was agonizing, yet he continued in his usual cheerful mood. Retiring at 9 o’clock, it was about fifteen minutes afterward Mr. Clifford heard as he supposed an unusual snoring in Watts’ room and immediately went to the bedside. It was not snoring Mont. ahd heard but the death struggle, and a few more gasps and the breath of Samuel F. Watts forever ceased in death. The body was brought to this city, arriving Tuesday, and from the testimony of those present at death, the physicians decided that apoplexy was the cause. The funeral took place Wednesday from the Methodist church, under the direction of the Knights of Honor, of which deceased was a member.

Mr. Watts settled in Lincoln county as early as 1861, and had resided here most of the intervening time, having represented the county in the legislature two different terms. At the time of his death he was county surveyor, a position he had filled for a long series of years. He was about 53 years old and leaves no relatives in this country, his life insurance being placed to the benefit of George McDonald.

Lincoln County Tribune 1(50):3 Saturday, January 2, 1886