William Hopkins Witt (1871–1895)

William Hopkins Witt was born in Henderson on October 23, 1871, the son of Bernard Gratz Witt and Lida G. Hopkins Witt. Known to friends as “Willie,” he grew up in Henderson, attending local public schools and a private school conducted by Professor J. Tevis Cobb.

Witt continued his education at Princeton, where he spent two years before failing eyesight forced him to abandon his studies. Returning home, he became a clerk with the Ohio Valley Banking & Trust Company. His employers remembered him for his dependable work, cheerful manner, and unfailing courtesy.

Despite his youth, Witt held a position of distinction in Henderson’s Masonic community. He served as Worshipful Master of Jerusalem Lodge, and The Gleaner reported that he was the youngest man in the lodge’s history to hold that office.

On September 16, 1895, Witt died following an illness of only eight days from typhoid fever and complications. He was 23 years old. His death brought widespread sorrow among friends and associates, with newspaper accounts recalling his generosity, ready smile, and warm greetings.

His funeral was held at First Presbyterian Church on September 17, followed by burial in Fernwood Cemetery with Masonic rites. Flowers covered his grave, including a broken-column arrangement from Jerusalem Lodge. Two days after his death, the bank’s directors adopted resolutions honoring both his faithful service and the affection he had earned among those who knew him.



Sources: The Gleaner, September 17, 1895; accompanying funeral report; Ohio Valley Banking & Trust Company resolutions dated September 18, 1895; and “The Witts” family history