This undated obituary from and unknown source was copied from newspaper articles in a scrapbook owned by Richard C. Schmal, Lowell Town Historian.
Frederick William Ponto was born in Germany September 9, 1841 and died at the home of his daughter in Lowell, January 9, 1910 at the age of 68 years and 4 months. All that dutiful chidren could do was done but without avail. He came to this country in 1864 where he resided until death. He was married to Matilda Allen, June 20, 1876. To this union were born four children. He was called upon to part with his wife in death January 8, 1903. Through his long and tedious sickness he was always patient and uncomplaining. He was honest and upright in all his dealings, a kind husband, a loving father and a good citizen and will be sadly missed by many outside his immediate family. The funeral occurred from the West Creek church at 11 a.m., Tuesday. Rev. E.E. DeLong, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, preached the funeral discourse. The M.E. church choir, composed of Mrs. J. Will Belshaw, Mrs. Elden Hayhurst and Paul Hathaway, with Miss Merle Hathaway as organist, furnished beautiful and appropriate music. Funeral Director John Castle had charge of the burial service. The following acted as pall-bearers: Fred Hayden, Mahlon Hathaway, Darius Smith, Theo. Hamilton, Silas Starkey, Henry Ohme. Interment beside his wife in the cemetery adjoining the church. He leaves to mourn his loss three sons -- Martin W., of Streator, Ill.. Ben A., of Sherburnville, Ill., and Claud B., of Streator, Ill.; one daughter -- Mrs. Leroy Kelsey, of Lowell; two grandchildren and one sister -- Anna Ludwig, of Ann Arbor, Mich. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of this community in their great bereavement.