Samuel A. Falconer

The Wilton News December 24, 1915

Judge Samuel A. Falconer one of Wilton’s most respected citizens died suddenly in the vestibule of the Presbyterian Church of Bismarck Sunday morning, December 19.  He had started up the steps of the church and was about to enter for the morning service, when he was stricken, evidently with heart failure.  He passed away before a physician arrived.

Mr. Falconer had been in Bismarck attending the funeral of his brother-in-law, Robert Macnider of Salem, Oregon, whose body was brought to Bismarck for internment.  While in Bismarck he was the guest of his sister, Mrs. Mary McLean, and was in his usual health.  He intended to return to Wilton the first of the week after a visit with his relatives and numerous friends in the Capital City.

The death of Mr. Falconer was a great shock to the people of Wilton, as he was known to be in excellent health, and although in his 86th year, was a man of remarkable mental and physical activity.  the the past ten years he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Albert L. Swanson and until recently held the position of Justice of the Peace, being eminently qualified for the position on account of his ….nature.

Mr. Falconer was born in Lancaster, county of Glengary, Canada, September 19, 1830, and was a son of James and Mary Hay Falconer. 

During the Grant administration Mr. Falconer was Collector of the Port, at Sitka, “Alaska, and later was the representative of the federal government in looking after the seal fisheries in the various islands adjacent to Alaska.  For eight years he served the government in that territory.  An investigation of alleged irregularities in the seal fisheries during the administration of President Hays, required the presence of Mr. Falconer in Washington City as an expert witness, and while in the Capitol City he met many prominent men, including President Hayes and James G. Blaine.

In 1882 Mr. Falconer settled in North Dakota engaging in the ranching and stock raising business, along the Missouri river, eight miles from Wilton.

At the time of his death Mr. Falconer was an elder in the local Presbyterian church and one of the most loyal supporters of religion in this territory.  He frequently attended the sessions of the Bismarck presbytery and was one of the stalwart advocates of righteousness in North Dakota.

He was a general favorite with young and old alike and his kindly disposition and christian character endeared him to the entire community.  He rarely missed a church service when at home and his life was an example which will long be remembered by the people of this community.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Albert L. Swanson, and four sons.

Alexander, of Vancouver, B.C.; 

Frank of Athabasca Landing, Canada;

Manly of Wilton and Howard of Butte, Montana.  The following brothers and sisters also survive, Mrs. Mary McLean, Bismarck; Mrs. Jean Cameron, Vancouver, B.C.; Mrs. Rober Macnider, Salem, Oregon; Daniel and Norman of Bismarck and Henry of California.

The remains of Judge Falconer were brought to Wilton Wednesday morning and the funeral services were held the same afternoon from the Presbyterian church with Rev. Alexander Douglas spoke most fittingly of the faithfulness of the deceased and was followed by Rev. R.H. Myers, who spoke as a representative of Bismarck presbytery.  G.W. Stewart also made a few remarks.  Internment was in Riverview cemetery west of Wilton.