The Brockton Times
Friday, January 2, 1920
Page 3
LITTLE BILLY GLEASON DIES
Mayor and Wife Bereft of Son on New Year's
YOUNGSTER HAD BEEN ILL BUT FIVE DAYS
Prayers and Medical Skill Prove of No Avail.
William L. Gleason, Jr., young son of Mayor and Mrs. William L. Gleason, died at 8 the morning of New Year's day at the Massachusetts Children's hospital, Boston.
The sympathy of the entire city is extended Mayor and Mrs. Gleason in the loss of their son, especially from the many to whom "Billy" had endeared himself.
For the five days of his illness "Billy," two and one-half years old, occupied a prominent share in the thoughts of Brockton people, and prayers were added to medical skill in an effort to save the little life.
"Billy" was an unusually bright child, with a smile always ready, and a natural boyish instinct to investigate. On a recent visit to his daddy's office in City hall, Billy sat in the executive chair of the city and tried to feel the dignity of the position.
On the three occasions of his election to office Mayor Gleason always gave little "Billy" first choice to congratulate him.
Naturally robust and healthy, "Billy" took an active part in the National Better Babies' campaign, conducted in Brockton in May, 1918, by the board of health. At that time he was weighed and measured with a score of other babies at the campaign headquarters, and had his picture taken in the scales with his parents standing on either side of him.
He was ill but five days, and was almost immediately taken to the Massachusetts Children's hospital in Boston, where it was announced he was suffering from a form of cerebro-spinal meningitis. Every effort was put forth to save the child, but to no avail.
He leaves, besides his parents, a sister, Esther Gleason.
The funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 at the home, 29 Florence street. Rev. Fr. Alexander J. Hamilton, pastor of St. Margaret's church, will officiate.
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Copyright ©2022, David J. McRae
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