It was a mystery what happened to Hattie Belle Grace’s first husband William, but that’s been solved now! The generous woman who sent me the original photo also sent me this: Willie’s obituary.
Willie Hopkins, who died Feb. 21 at West Hopkinton, was brought to New Boston on the 30th of April and buried there. He was 45 years old when he died and was a long and painful sufferer. He is survived by a wife, daughter, mother, one sister and two brothers. At one time he made his home in Milford.
Definitely makes one wonder what exactly he died of at a young age that was so “long and painful.” Rest in Peace Willie.
Possibly tuberculosis. People usually suffered from it for years, coughing up blood.