| History and Genealogy |
Obituaries of Decatur County, Iowa | |
Aaron Kimble Aten II Died: July 04, 1914 High Point, Decatur County, Iowa The community was greatly shocked the latter part of last week when word was received from Des Moines that A. K. Aten had passed away. A few weeks ago Mr. Aten underwent an operation for cancer of the bowels and was recovering from the operation nicely, having been about town quite frequently. It was necessary for him to return for what was considered a minor operation in completing the previous one, which occurred on Saturday. It seems that he was not able to withstand the shock and died about one o'clock Sunday morning.From his low condition at first he seemed to rally and it was thought for a time all would be well, but he passed away as above stated, however, not until his family were able to reach his bedside by auto.Mr. Aten was a man of exceptionally strong character and highly respected by a large circle of friends. A few years ago he engaged in the mercantile business in Garden Grove and his courteous manner and honorable business dealings won him the respect of all, and in his death the community has lost a valuable citizen and merchant. In respect to him all the business houses were closed during the funeral and the majority of the business men attended the funeral. The community extend their sincere sympathy to the sorrowing family. Aaron Kimble Aten was born in Stark County, Illinois, May 11, 1856. He came with his parents to High Point Township, Iowa, in 1871, and was married in 1877, to Henrietta Woolley, who lived but about a month after their marriage.He was married a second time, November 16, 1882, to Winnie Woolley. To this union were born three sons: Russell, Abner and Ray, all of whom survive their father and were present at the funeral. During his lifetime he engaged in farming and also in the mercantile business. For the past two years he conducted a general store at Garden Grove, where he made many friends by his genial and obliging manner.He was converted and united with the church at High Point in February, 1903, and has remained a faithful member of the same ever since. He was prominent in church and social life.He leaves his wife, three sons named above, who all live in and near Garden Grove and High Point. He also leaves three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Martha Robinson, of Victoria, Illinois; Mrs. Ellen Robinson, of Fullerton, California; Mrs. Luella Rilea, Fullerton, California; also Edward Aten, of Chicago, Illinois and Reverend Thomas Aten, of Linden, Iowa. Reverend Thomas Aten was the only one of them who was able to be present at the funeral.Mr. Aten was a useful citizen wherever you put him. He will be missed among the business men, among his friends and in his home. He was a good husband, a kind father, a faithful Christian and a loyal friend.The funeral services were conducted from the home Monday afternoon at two o'clock by J. G. Duling, his Pastor. The body was laid to rest in the High Point Cemetery. The Humeston, Iowa, New Era, Wednesday, July 8, 1914A. K. Aten, aged fifty-five years, of Garden Grove, died in a Des Moines hospital Sunday, following an operation. The funeral was held at High Point Monday. He was a farmer and merchant. He conducted a store at High Point for several years and was in business in Garden Grove at the time of his death. He was a good man and well known in Decatur and Wayne counties. Garden Grove Express, unknown date Samuel Elba Dale FUNERAL RITES FOR REV. ELBA DALE Funeral services for Rev. Elba Dale of Davis City were held Oct. 11 at the New Salem Baptist Church. Rev. Mr. Dale retired a few years ago after 46 years of serving the ministry in Decatur County, Iowa and northern Missouri. He was the father of Mrs. Tommie Silcott of Cambria [Source: clipping, unknown newspaper, October 1959, submitted by A Friend of Free Genealogy] John Samuel Decker John Samuel Decker, son of John and Rachel (Millage) Decker was born December 5, 1864 in Henry County, Illinois and departed this life October 20, 1944 at his home near Garden Grove, Iowa, at the age of 78 years 10 months 15 days. On November 8, 1885 he was united in marriage to Iva Delia Hobbs who passed away August 13, 1936. To this union ten children were born: Gertie who passed away at an early age; Bertha Kennedy of Des Moines, Iowa; Ray Decker of Des Moines, Iowa; Foster Decker of Garden Grove, Iowa; Walter Decker of Lincoln, Nebraska; Edna Montgomery of New Virginia, Iowa; Delia Barlean of Leon, Iowa; Ben Decker who is stationed in Washington State; Forest Decker who is somewhere in England and Minnie Decker, at home. He also leaves 31 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Walter Taylor of Sheridan, Missouri. He moved to Iowa at an early age and spent the rest of his life in this state, where he was engaged in farming. In early life he was baptized into the Christian Church. He has always been an honest, upright citizen, a very kind and loving father, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. Although he had been in poor health for a number of years, he never complained. He will be sadly missed by all of his loved ones. His youngest son, Forest, who is in England, was the only one unable to be present at his service. Funeral services, in charge of the Leonard Funeral Service, were conducted from the Garden Grove Methodist Church by Rev Miles Taber on Sunday, October 22, 1944 at 2:30 pm. Burial was in the Garden Grove cemetery. [Submitted by Roxanne Riggan] Rachel Millage Decker Rachel Millage, daughter of Samuel and Cynthia Millage was born in Peoria County, Illinois December 31, 1845 and departed this life at the home of her son, J. S. Decker of Garden Grove, Iowa April 22, 1931 at the age of 85 years 3 months and 27 days. On July 6, 1862 she was united in marriage to J. B. Decker. To this union were born two children who survive her, Mrs. Walter Taylor of Sheridan, Missouri and J. S. Decker of Garden Grove, Iowa. She moved with her family 1877 to what was then known as the western plains. She did her part in paving the way for the wonderful civilization we have today. Her companion having served in the Union army she because acquainted with the privations and hardships of pioneer life. She was always ready to minister kindness and help to anyone in need. She was a member of the Women's Relief Corp in New Virginia, Iowa, an auxiliary organization of the G.A.R. She was a member of the Methodist church at New Virginia having affiliated with that faith in 1908. She remained faithful to her Christ though out the years. She delighted in reading Gods word which was a lamp unto her feet and a light unto her pathway, having selected as her funeral text Matt 25:13. The same text being used at her husband's funeral who passed away Feb 8, 1902. She had made her home with her daughter the last 3 years. Besides her children, she leaves to mourn 10 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren besides a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Isadora Christian Church April 30, 1931 by L. B. Day and the remains laid to rest beside her husband at the Isadora Cemetery. The music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Wake, Mrs. Blanch Welsh and L. B. Day with Mrs. Bernice Wake at the piano. The songs sung were 'In the Sweet Bye and Bye', 'When The Roll is Called Up Yonder' and Mrs. Blanch Welsh sang 'The Home of the Soul' as a solo. The pallbearers were members of the Isadora church board - Ed Martin, Ralph Winemiller, George Allison, Richard Ballou, Fred Rowen and Oliver Long. [Submitted by Roxanne Riggan] George Henry Garber George Henry Garber was born in Center township, Decatur county, Iowa, April 15, 1898, and passed away in Freeport, Ill., July 2, 1938. He was the oldest son of Frank A. and Emma Garber. He attended the public schools in his township and in Leon where he graduated in the class of 1919. He then entered Ashland College in Ohio, where he graduated in 1923. He was married to Miss Louise Stone, Aug. 27, 1923. To this union were born three children, Marguerite Esther, Mary Louise, and David Lee. He taught three years at the Rittman high school in Rittman, Ohio. Later he received a call to a position in the high school at Lanark, Ill., where he taught history and coached athletics for twelve years. At the age of about 14 years he received Christ as his personal savior, and united with the Brethren church at Crown Chapel, near Leon, Iowa. Throughout his life he remained a true and sincere Christian, leaving a testimony for his Lord to all who knew him. For many years he was a teacher in Sunday school. He had an abiding faith in the Word of God which was his constant source of strength. He entertained the blessed hope, which belongs to those who look to the Lord for the future glory. Besides his father and mother, his wife and three children, he is survived by five sisters, Mrs. Grace Cone, of Portis, Kansas; Mrs. Edith Gingrich of Ellet, Ohio; Miss Alice of Cleveland, Ohio; Miss Anga and Miss Esther of Leon, and two brothers, Samuel of Taylor, Neb., and Elmer of South Amherst, Ohio. One sister, Mary Ruth died in infancy. He also leaves a host of other relatives besides a host of sympathizing friends in Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. Funeral services were conducted from the Stewart Funeral Home in Leon by Rev. Miles Taber, with brief remarks by Mr. Wierson, of Lanark, Ill., school superintendent and Mr. Packard, member of the Lanark school board. Burial was in the Leon cemetery. (Leon Journal Record, Leon, Iowa, Published July 14, 1938) Samuel McFarion Hamilton S. M. Hamilton Dies In Denver Former Davis City Resident, Found Dead in His Bed, Lived at Sterling The following item concerning the death of a former Davis City resident appeared in a recent issue of a Sterling, Colo., newspaper: Funeral services for Samuel McFarion Hamilton, 58 years old, formerly of Sterling, will be held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the A. D. Jackson and Son Mortuary. The burial will be at Riverside cemetery. Mr. Hamilton, who had suffered from indigestion for some time, died of acute indigestion sometime during the night in Denver, where he had resided for a number of years. When he did not arise, investigation was made and he was found dead in bed at 7 o'clock this morning. Mr. Hamilton, was born on May 1, 1881, at Davis City, Ia., and was the son of William and Sarah E. Hamilton. He was educated at Davis City and grew to manhood there. In 1900 he was married to Miss Emma Dobozy at Davis City. Selecting railroading as his occupation, Mr. Hamilton served as a fireman for the Burlington railroad at Curtis, Nebr. He came to Sterling in that capacity in 1918 and was employed by the railroad here for some years. After a residence at McCook, Nebr., he moved to Denver in 1925, where for the last eight years he has been engaged in the roofing business. His mother died in Sterling in October, 1923. Surviving Mr. Hamilton are three children, Garland Hamilton of Denver, Mrs. Norma Knighton of Sterling, and Miss Betty Hamilton of Sterling; his father, William Hamilton of Sterling, and one sister, Miss Elsie Hamilton of Sterling. (Leon Journal Record, Leon, Iowa, Published July 14, 1939) E. W. Haskett E. W. Haskett, of Leon, Decatur County, ex-United States District Attorney for Alaska, was killed art Needles, California, a few days ago by falling from a train. He was on his way from Alaska, having been removed. Jackson Sentinel, Maquoketa, Jackson Co., Iowa, November 18, 1885 --------------------------------- The Late Hon. E. W. Haskett The Salem (Iowa) News, published at the former home of the late district attorney of Alaska, has the following in regard to him: Mr. Haskett, though young, had, by his energy and perseverance in his profession, risen to a position creditable to himself, and that opened up a future for higher honors. He was at one time a resident here, a student at Whittier, and afterwards taught school. He joined the Congregational church March 29, 1868; studied law in the office of Scott Howell, of Keokuk, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. In 1874 he was married to Miss Jennie Lester, and who, with a little daughter, Hattie, still, survives him. He was born in Wabash county, Indiana, October 23, 1848. In 1884 he was appointed by President Arthur U. S. District Attorney of Alaska. The following extract from one of his letters, when just on the eve of leaving Sitka for home, shows the inner workings of his life: "I expect to take the next steamer for Frisco. As I am on the Pacific Slope now, and can take in the sights without much additional expense, I am of the opinion that I had best do so. I have written James Haskett to look up a location for me in Kansas. If I were alone I should never think of leaving the Pacific coast; but taking into consideration that my parents and Jennie's mother are growing old, and that I might contribute to their happiness in their declining days, I will forfeit my pleasure for their comfort. A life is only a life anyway, and so far as I am concerned, I would as soon see others enjoy life as to enjoy it myself." Those of us who can remember him can appreciate his benevolence of heart and bear testimony to his sympathetic nature. In private life he was of a genial and sunny temperament, remarkably social, and devotedly attached to his friends, to whom he was ever true. The cloud of mourning so heavily hanging over the home of the deceased, is felt throughout the entire community, and an outflow of sympathy is manifested toward the bereaved ones, such as this community has not felt in many days. The Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges turned out to his funeral, and after exercises at the residence, conducted by Rev. D. D. Tibbits, Mr. Curry, of Leon, reading an obituary notice from a Leon paper, the large procession proceeded to the grave. The two orders united in conducting the exercises, in accordance with the wish of the deceased, and in response to the desire of lodges at his former home. [Alaskan Newspaper, Sitka, Alaska Territory, Published on December 19, 1885] Nora Martin Mrs. Nora Martin, 77 died unexpectedly at her home in Lamoni, IA on June 2. She was a native of Harrison County, and was the daughter of the late Samuel and Lillie (Lacy) Fish. Survivors include her husband, Emory Martin, of the home; a daughter, Alberta, state of Nevada; five sons, Garland and Rex, state of Colorado, Robert, state of California, Jay, state of Arizona, Raymond, Lamoni Iowa; two sisters, Mrs. Zella Hale, Ridgeway, and Mrs. Lottie Ross, Bethany; five brothers, Dee Fish, Eagleville, Claude Fish and Roy Fish, Bethany, Sherm Fish, Hatfield, and Newton Fish, Lamar, 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Services were June 4 at the United Methodist church. Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery. Source: Personal papers of Clara Fish Ira Foster Robinson Ira Foster Robinson, the youngest of twelve children of Andrew Kendall and Ann Petinger Robertson was born near Confidence, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1879 and passed away at his home in Leon, Iowa, June 25, 1958 at the age of 78 years, 8 months, 14 days. He spent his youth in Wayne County and joined his brother, Jim, in operating a general store in Kellerton, Iowa for eight years. He married to Mae Toney, March 23, 1908. To this union was born two daughters, Pearle Leonard of Lamoni and Cleo Hembry of Van Wert, Iowa. After a brief residence in Texas they farmed near Lamoni, Iowa until his retirement thirteen years ago. Since then, he has resided in Leon. He is survived by his wife, his two daughters, three grandchildren, Bob Leonard and Fern Klein of Des Moines and Glen Hembry of Van Wert; a son-in-law, Leo Hembry; two brothers, Jake of Promise City, Iowa and Jim of Hamilton, Mo.; two half-brothers Rolla of Katy, Texas and Clay of Houston, Texas; and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. [Source: clipping from an unknown newspaper, June 1958, submitted by A Friend of Free Genealogy] Enos Clark Trembly Rites at Davis City for Clark Trembly Clark Trembly, 70, of Davis City, died Saturday, February 27, [1954] at the Decatur County Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Brick Church in Davis City on Wednesday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in charge of the Slade Funeral Home conducted by the Rev. Elba Dale. Burial was in the Hamilton Cemetery. [Enos Clark Trembly was born June 17, 1883 in Decatur County, Iowa.] Mr. Trembly was the father of Bill Trembly and Mrs. Gerald Graham of Humeston. [Clipping, unknown newspaper, submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]
Copyright © Genealogy Trails | |
