Willah Belle Schenck

1904, Leon, Iowa area

Willah Belle Schenck was born Nov. 22, 1877, at Decatur City, Iowa, and died at Leon, Iowa, Dec. 25, 1904, being 27 years and one month old at the time of her death. She joined the M. E. church when she was 15 years of age. For several years she was an active member of the Epworth League and Sunday School, and at last after great suffering her work is done and she has gained the majority.

This third death of the children of Brother and Sister Schenck within two years from the dread disease that has taken them away, falls upon them with a peculiar weight of sorrow. Desolation naturally comes upon the family. Gloom, grief, helplessness against the grim destroyer seizes the soul until pent up grief finds relief in tears, yet not relief for tears do not give relief but temporary ease. God only can give relief and consolation. The whole community, bound by a sense of brotherhood of man begs to be permitted to bear a share of the sorrow that has come to this home. Seven weeks ago the other daughter was carried to the grave and today made doubly gloomy by the disagreeable weather, we place the remains of Willah beside her brother and sister. What is left? Vacant chairs, voices loud in their silence. But memory is immortal; and these cannot be forgotten. We leave them with God, who doeth all things well.


Earlier article

Mrs. T. H. Schenck and daughters, Willah, Jennie and Mrs. M. H. Flinn, returned last Thursday from Lamar, Colo., where they spent the greater part of the past winter for the benefit of Miss Willah's health. Her friends will be glad to know that her health is much improved.


Earlier article

On last Friday Mrs. Fred L. Conrey entertained a party of young ladies in honor of Miss Willah Schenck, at a 12 o'clock dinner. It might more properly have been called a talking party, for those present indulged in a social view of old times. The guests were: Misses Willah Schenck, Ida Hebener, Maude Metier, of Leon, Miss Myrta Howell, of Davis City, and Mrs. Nannie Warrington, of Garden Grove.

Will J. Edwards Dead - 1904, Leon, Iowa area Obituary

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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.

1898, Leon, Iowa area

Large Class of Young Ladies and Gentlemen Complete Their School Work.

The class of '98 is the largest in the history of the Leon schools, numbering twenty five members. The large class again obviates the delivering of addresses by each member and arrangements have been completed, engaging Hon. Henry Sabin, ex state superintendent, to deliver the address. Mr. Sabin is not a gifted orator, but his reputation as being one of the leading educators west of the Mississippi will prove an attraction. The plan of having some noted man deliver an address was adopted last year and met with much favor. With all due consideration to the abilities of the young graduates we may say that with such a large class there would be a surfeit of learned dissertations which is bound to pall on the crowd and it is quite an inconvenience to be compelled to extend the exercises over two evenings. The exercises will occur on Thursday evening, June 16, at the opera house. The following young ladies and gentlemen compose the class:

Robert Dye, Willah Schenck, Ellen Waight, Mame Smith, Nina Detrick, Nelle Ledgerwood, Louie Lindsey, Vera Hebener, Lou Harris, Geo. Penniwell, Blanche Cochran, Lelah Osborne, Rolla Alexander, Louise Waight, May Waight, Bertha Hamilton, Vivian Allen, Harry Mayer, Mary Gates, Sue Bell, Harry Bradfield, Fannie Evans, Mirt Sanders, Cora Chastain.

Note: Article from Leon, Iowa area scrapbook. The list of names was in smaller print and two columns, with Rolla Alexander starting the top of the second column.

Miss Cora Chastain Died, 1900

1900, Leon, Iowa area

Miss Cora Chastain died yesterday noon at the home of her mother, southeast of Leon, after a long illness from consumption. She was a member of the graduating class of '98 and a lovable young lady whose friends are numbered by the score. The funeral will be held today at the family residence at 1 o'clock. Interment in the Chastain cemetery.


Cora Chastain.

The funeral of Miss Cora Chastain at the family residence, southeast of Leon, last Thursday, was largely attended, many schoolmates and other friends from Leon showing the last tribute of respect to one they loved. Elder R. W. Castor of the Leon Christian church conducted the services at 1 p. m. and the remains were interred in the Chastain cemetery.

Cora Nyna Chastain was born December 17, 1878, at her home near Leon and died December 19, 1900, aged 22 years and 2 days. She leaves a mother, four brothers, and two sisters to mourn her loss. The father, one brother and two sisters have gone before. Cora was a graduate of the Leon High School class of '98.

Note: These two articles are from an old scrapbook from the Leon, Iowa area.

Alldrede is Defeated

Jas. H. Alldredge of Leon was defeated by "Doc" Fillmore of Rockford, Illinois, at the Mirror Theatre in Des Moines, Friday night of last week. The Des Moines Daily Capital has the following to say of the match:

"Doc" Fillmore of Rockford, Ill. conquered the Iowa wonder last night in a wrestling match. The match was to have gone to the winner of the three out of five falls, but Aldredge after the second fall, which he won, became sick and after going one more bout which Fillmore won, threw up the sponge.

The first bout lasted eighteen minutes and was nearly all play, neither man doing much but watch the other. Fillmore took the aggressive throughout the entire match and won the first bout by breaking the Iowan's head bridge and forced his shoulders to the floor.

The second bout was not quite so long, but there was more action in it. Alldredge won this bout in five minutes on a half Nelson. After this second bout was when Alldredge began to show signs of weaking though the man was in no condition to go into this match in the first place. He was fat and his lungs were in a poor condition on account of a bad cold. The third bout was easily Fillmore's; in two minutes it was over and the announcement was made that Alldredge would give the match to Fillmore as he was unable to do any more.

The audience did not seem to like this turn of affairs and made the fact immediately known, therefore it was up to some one to square it with them. Alldredge immediately came to the front of the stage and said: "Gentlemen, I am in no condition to go any farther in this match, so I must be excused. I have done no training for the past month and was totally unprepared for this match, but I am willing to meet Mr. Fillmore in four weeks from today at any place he may choose and I feel confident that the match will run to its full limit and I will give him all he is looking for. I thank you for the support you have given me this evening and hope to be able to arrange a match with Mr. Fillmore for some time next month."

"Doc" Fillmore then came forward and gave his challenge to any man his weight in the world, bar no one, for any amount forfeit they name. In reply to some remark made in the audience he said: "Mr. Alldredge is a good man. In fact he is much better than I thought he would be, but I knew he was not in the proper condition when he first stepped on the mat. There are now two challenges waiting for me in this city and the first man to put up his forfeit money will be the first to get a match. I will take on any wrestler my weight, bar none. Burns, McLeod, Jenkins or any other wrestler, I do not care how good he is. I am very sorry this match could not go the limit, but if my opponent cannot stand any more I am willing to let it go at that."

Item from Leon, Iowa, scrapbook, page 56, found at this link.

The Death of John Merwin

Leon, Iowa area, no date given

Iolan Succumbed in Hospital in Clarinda, Iowa

Mrs. John Merwin, of 901 East street, received the sad news in a telegram from Clarinda, Iowa, this afternoon, that her husband died there this morning at 1 o'clock. She will leave tonight for Iowa and escort the remains to the old home at Leon, Iowa, where the funeral will be held.

Mr. Merwin was for five years employed as a carriage builder at the McCarty carriage works on South street, but broke down and went to a hospital in Iowa to take treatment for paresis. His recovery was always doubtful and the end was not unexpected.

He was a man twenty-nine years old, and is survived by his widow and three children, the oldest five years and the youngest a babe four months of age. He had many warm friends in Iola who will be sincerely grieved to learn of his death.

Mills-McKee United in Marriage

Leon, Iowa area, 1894

Miss Tilda Mills, of Leon, and Mr. McKee, of Garden Grove, were united in marriage at the Presbyterian parsonage Wednesday Nov. 28th, 1894, Rev. Gurley officiating. This couple is well known, especially the bride, who is the daughter of W. H. Mills, one of the successful farmers of Eden township.

Miss Tilda is one of Eden's most exemplary young ladies and will be greatly missed by the young people as a leader of the society. She is one of Decatur county's most popular school teachers. During her time in the field she put forth such efforts that the good example she put before the public in her school room will be hard to fill. She finished the course of Decatur County Institute, in June 1894. By her modest and pleasant manner she has won many friends.

Mr. McKee, although not personally acquainted with him, we understand is a young man of good habits, an industrious farmer and a successful stock raiser. He is the owner of a valuable farm near Garden Grove where the happy couple will make their future home. May they live a long happy life together.


Visiting Parents

Allie Merwin, who is a druggist at Tulsa, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Merwin, and other relatives.

Judge F. S. Gardner

Leon, Iowa area, no date given

One of the best known citizens of Decatur county, passed away at the home of his son Frank A. Gardner five miles northwest of Leon last Saturday.

Judge Gardner was born in Syracuse, New York, April 10, 1821, where he lived with his parents until manhood, when he came west. In 1850 he went to California and spent several years in the far west, returning to Chicago where he engaged in the wholesale lumber business and amassed a fortune, but it was swept away in the great Chicago fire. He then came to Decatur county and purchased several hundred acres of land and engaged successfully in farming and stock raising.

He was married to Miss Maria E. Reynolds on Jan. 26, 1847, and to this union were born three children, one daughter and two sons, the eldest son dying in infancy. Mrs. Gardner died in 1887, the surviving children being Frank A. Gardner who lives on the home farm and Mrs. Ellen Perry.

Funeral services were held at the home on Saturday, March 18th, at 11 o'clock, conducted by A. M. Pilcher, pastor of the Leon M. E. Church, interment being in the Leon cemetery.

Judge Gardner was loved and respected by all who knew him and he was a polished gentleman of the old school. He loved to gather his friends around his home, and until the death of his wife, "Ocean Farm," as he named his beautiful country home, was the scene of many pleasant social gatherings. A few years ago he was severely injured by his horse falling on him and of late years has been in quite feeble health.

Note: The article had Marie E. Reynold, without an 's'.

Mamie Dale Sylvester (Mrs. F. A. Bowman)

Leon, Iowa area, 1905

Mamie Dale Sylvester, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Sylvester, was born in New Buda township, Decatur county, Iowa, Feb. 4th, 1874, died at Leon, Iowa, March 10, 1905, aged 31 years, 1 month and six days.

Her last illness dated from Feb. 4th and everything that medical skill and kind hands could do was done, but to no avail. As a last resort an operation was performed on last Thursday by Dr. Ruth, of Keokuk, but the shock was too great and she passed quietly and peacefully away the following morning at 5 o'clock.

She was united in marriage to Dr. Fred A. Bowman at Davis City, on June 12, 1894, and their married life was truly an ideal one. She was from a child a member of the Advent church and faithfully did she live the teachings of her religious faith. Thus ends the career of a soul immortal so far as this life is concerned.

The brief words of the above sketch tell the sad story of the passing of a pure soul whom to know was to love. "Dale" as she was familiarly and affectionately called by her friends, possessed the rare combination of child-like beauty of face and form, with a strength of character, where her highest convictions were concerned, unusual for one even of greater years, yet she never obtruded her faith upon the attention of others. She simply lived it and thus gained for it, and for herself the highest respect from her associates.

The funeral was held at the M. E. church at 3:30 o'clock Sunday and the large building was filled to overflowing with those who wished thus to express their love for the departed and their sympathy for the bereaved. The service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Pilcher of the M. E. church and Rev. W. A. Montgomery of the Presbyterian church. Each read from the scriptures words of promise and helpfulness and added such words of comfort and consolation as they were able to draw from their own experiences of life and of Christian faith. The music under the direction of Mrs. C. E. Gardner was very beautiful. A quartette consisting of Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. J. A. Caster, H. J. Vogt and J. S. Warner sang three selections, the first being "The Ninety and Nine," the favorite hymn of the deceased.

The various orders of which Mrs. Bowman was a member, The Eastern Star, The Thirteen Club, of which she was vice-president, and the P. E. O. society were represented by attendance of members and by beautiful floral offerings while the Knights Templars in uniform formed a guard of honor and escorted the cortege to the silent city. The white casket containing the beautiful white robed body was almost hidden beneath its load of sweet flowers.

This was fitting, for no short-lived flower ever shed abroad a sweeter fragrance in the world than did this fair and lovely woman during the short stay she made among the inhabitants of earth. She wore ever "the white flower of a blameless life" the memory of whose fragrance and beauty will linger long with those who knew and loved her and will continue to be an incentive toward all pure, joyous and noble living. Such a life is a benediction, and for the privilege of having been allowed to share and enjoy it, even for so short a time, her friends should now give thanks.

Maria Beavers Paris

Leon, Iowa area, 1906

Maria Beavers was born May 24, 1845, in Highland county, Ohio, died at her home in Leon, Iowa, May 9, 1906, aged 81 years, 11 months 15 days.

The deceased moved with her parents, Joseph and Christina Beavers, to Decatur county, in 1855, where she was united in marriage to William H. Paris, July 12, 1866. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom died in infancy. On April 23, 1897, this happy union was severed by the death of the husband.

The five living children, Mrs. Cora Campbell, of near Leon, Mrs. Etta Rosengrant and Mrs. Nanna Warrington, of near Garden Grove, Mrs. Frank Manning, of near Kellerton and Ralph, of Leon, were present during her sickness. She was suddenly taken with pneumonia May 4th, and lived but five days. All was done for her that kind friends and willing hands could do, but the disease claimed her so far as earthly appearance is concerned, but death is not the victor, for the same Christ who loved her and who conquered death will care for her and take her home to rest. Mrs. Paris united with the Christian church under the pastorate of Elder Hubble about two years ago, remaining a faithful member until death. She was also an esteemed member of the Women's Relief Corps, of Leon.

She was a kind mother and neighbor, and numbered her friends by her acquaintances. Elder D. F. Sellards conducted a short service at the home in Leon and the main service at High Point. The W. R. C. of Leon and Garden Grove assisted at the grave. Services Friday at the home at 11:30 a.m., at High Point 3 p.m.

Centennial Anniversary of William Abbott Holcomb, Ohio

Article from Leon, Iowa area, 1904

Mrs. Helen J. Close has returned to Mt. Pleasant recently from Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, where she attended the family reunion and one hundredth birthday anniversary of her relative, William Abbott Holcomb, which was celebrated on Monday, September 5th. Mrs. Close writes that she has just completed a delightful two weeks' tour through the state of Ohio and after a few days' rest at the home of her sister at Mt. Pleasant she will leave for a brief visit at the St. Louis Exposition.

The Ravenna Republican contains a well written account of the Holcomb reunion and picture of Mr. Holcomb and some of his descendants. From this article we learn that William A. Holcomb was born in Westfield, Conn., Sept. 5, 1804. His great-great-great-great grandfather was Thomas Holcomb born in Devonshire, England, in 1590, and afterwards became one of the founders of Dorchester, Mass. Caroline Holcomb married John G. DeWolf and died in 1891.

When William was 18 years old he set out afoot for the Ohio wilderness carrying on his back an 18 pound package containing all his earthly possessions. He remained one year in the wilderness and then returned on foot to Westfield. He worked as a brick mason and also in the iron works. On Sept. 24, 1826, he married Lydia Olmstead, a demure Quaker maiden. They emigrated to Portage county, Ohio, where Mr. Holcomb engaged in farming and later on as a railroad contractor. He built Hiram College in 1840. In 1865 he moved to Ravenna and purchased residence property. Besides his elegant city home he owns a valuable farm of 205 acres near Ravenna.

Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb were the parents of ten children, only two of whom are living. The wife died in 1894. The living descendants of this remarkable centenarian number two children, 17 grand-children, 25 great-grand-children, and one great-great-grandson.

Sad Death — Emma Osborn, Leon, Iowa — Clothing Caught on Fire

Leon, Iowa area (no date given)

The school-house two miles east of Leon, where Miss Alice Dilsaver is teacher, was the scene, Friday morning last, of one of those startling accidents, so chilling and saddening to those who happen to be eye witnesses. Emma, the ten year old daughter of Mrs. Lydia Osborn, whose husband, Joel Osborn, it will be remembered by many, died very suddenly on the 29th of August last, went to school as usual, arriving at the school house at about half past eight o'clock. No other children were in the room when Emma got there and Miss Dilsaver was at her boarding place close by, not having yet [gone] to open school, though two or three [—] were playing near the house. Her clothes caught fire either by her standing against the stove or opening the stove door to stir the fire (Miss Dilsaver thinks the latter,) and the first any one knew of it was when she came out in the sight of those boys, she being badly frightened, the flames reaching upward and around her, presenting at once a pitiable and horrid spectacle. Orin Wilson, a scholar in the same school began to do all he could to subdue the flames, burning his hands considerably in the attempt, and though working like a hero, he made poor headway until Mr. High Manchester and his sister Lydia, came along the road, joined in the effort to save the child. They tore what clothing was not burned off of her and thus stopped the fire, but alas, too late. The fire had already done deadly work and it became at once apparent that the life of the unfortunate little one was doomed. However, she talked quite cheerfully when rescued from the flames. The Manchesters wrapped her up in a comforter and took her speedily to her mother and family whose feelings on beholding her condition may be imagined but not described.

Dr. Van Werden was called and he did all that could be done to relieve the awful agonies of the little sufferer but to no avail. She talked hopefully to Dr. who says she was quite heroic for one of her years. Her sufferings were terrible until midday, about which time the vital powers appeared to fail quite rapidly and from then onward it was apparent that the last ray of life would soon flicker; and that she was not conscious of pain. She had the closest attention of a goodly number of sympathising friends throughout the day, but with all they could do they were powerless to assuage one pang or to prolong her young life by even one breath. She rested quietly the last six hours and ceased to breathe at seven o'clock in the evening, ten and one-half hours after she was burned.

The funeral was set for Sunday last at Welcome school house, where a large concourse of people assembled to show their sympathy and to listen to a well timed and beautiful funeral service by Elder S. A. Garber, on the death of Emma and also that of her father from the text of Scripture: "What is your life." At the close of the services the people filed around in a solemn procession to look for the last time on the calm features of the loved and lost one, who in her serene calmness, accompanied by her own beautiful doll, which had been placed beside her by a tender hand, creating as it were a delusion; for it did not seem so much like death, only we all knew it was death.

Thus passed swiftly away as a meteor one of earth's beautiful and bright gems. Had little Emma stayed to witness the coming of the 6th day of another spring time, or the daisies bloom again, or another return of the song birds, the music of the rills, the awakening to life of the leaves and flowers, all the emblems of childhood, she would have reached the [*1 - tenth mile] stone on the precarious and uncertain road of this earth life.

Who would dispute a mother's trust that her child dwells [*2 - in a land] where the bright and beautiful [*3 - ones reside]?

X.

Notes:

[*1] A piece missing, and faded letters. But it looks like her birthday, not stated anywhere else, must have been the 6th day after the first day of spring. It looks like it must say "reached the tenth mile stone" but the article already says she was 10. Maybe they meant she was in her 10th year or virtually 10.

[*2] Letters between 'e' of 'dwells' and 'and' of 'land' are missing.

[*3] Letters between 'beautiful' and 'ide?' are missing.

The other brackets cover a small piece missing and filled in. The phrase "two or three — were playing near" has room for "kids," if that was a word they used.

There is an Emma C. Osborn to be found on the internet from the area. But she was 20 years old when she died.

Obituary — Mrs. Mary Gassett, 1884, Iowa

Leon, Iowa area, 1884

Died, at her home in Eden township, July 17, 1884, at 5:30 A. M., after a lingering illness, Mrs. Mary Gassett.

Her maiden name was Mary Hodgman and was born Nov. 19, 1823, in Townsend, Middlesex Co., Mass., and was married to G. W. Gassett Jan. 7, 1847. She became a Christian at the age of 14, and united with the Baptist Church at Nashua, New Hampshire, which faith she maintained until the day of her death. Her first home after marriage was at Monticello, Jones Co., Iowa. In the spring of 1853, she, with her husband and two children, removed to Eden township, Decatur county, Iowa, where she resided until death called her to a home up higher. Death, however, for her had no terrors.

Mrs. Gassett was cherished by a large and devoted circle of friends and fondly beloved in all the relations of life. She was the mother of seven children — three sons and four daughters — all of whom, with the husband, except one son, were permitted to follow her to her last resting place in the beautiful cemetery in Leon, where she was lovingly laid by the side of her beloved son.

She was a sufferer for many weary months, but bore it all with rare fortitude and Christian resignation that she might ease, if possible, the heart pangs of her family, whom she had reared with such tender solicitude, and who in return did everything within human power to sooth the pain of a suffering mother. When she realized that she was near the "dark river" she kissed and bade the loved ones good bye tenderly, and said I am ready to go.

Thus passed away Mrs. Mary Gassett, who adorned every relation of life, but devoted her greatest energies and fondest affections to the holy duties of a Christian wife and mother, and has erected in the hearts of her household a throne of love that will ever remain consecrated to her memory, yielding to their broken affections a fragrance redolent of Heaven, whither she has gone.

"Thus star by star declines,
Till all are passed away.
As morning higher and higher shines
To pure and perfect day;
Nor sink those stars in empty night,
But hide themselves in Heaven's own light."

D.

Country Correspondence — Mount Tabor (Iowa)

Leon, Iowa area (Mt. Tabor, unknown date)

After an absent of three months ye itemizer has got back to one of the fairest spots of the garden of Eden, and now will try to chronicle the most interesting items of the day.

Mrs. Undine Ross formerly Smith and baby Pauline, of Girard, Kansas, is visiting her many friends in this county. She will remain until Sept. and will then return home, and in company with her husband will attend the great World's Fair in Oct.

Mrs. Geo. Dunn and baby Jennie visited Mrs. Smith's last Thursday.

Mr. O. Bassett is building an addition to his residence which will make it quite comfortable when furnished.

Mrs. S. Webster. Mrs. J. Webster, Mrs. U. Ross and baby, and Miss Nannie Smith were Leon callers last Thursday.

Mrs. Margaret Woolsey and children, of Centerville, Iowa, a sister of D. Lillie, is visiting friends in this county.

Mr. Offield, a former resident of this county but now of Woodland, passed through these parts not long ago.

H. Manchester is helping Lewis Hinket harvest.

Blackberry season is here once more.

Mr. and Mrs. D. Lillie visited in the Brush College vicinity last Sunday.

Mrs. Parrish, of Leon, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Johnson visited at R. H. Johnson's last Sunday.

Miss Mattie Bales departed last Monday for St. Louis, Mo. to visit her cousin and family. She will he absent for some time.

Misses Mollie and Bertha Watsabaugh visited their sister last Sunday, Mrs. Geo. Dunn.

P. F. Johnson is studying law under the auspices of Miss Maud Bullock. P. F. is a first class carpenter. We cannot see why he would not make a good lawyer. Success to him in his new work.

Walter Smith in company with his best girl attended Sunday school and church at High Point last Sunday.

O. Bassett is going the rounds with his twine binder.

Lee-Cartwright Wedding

Leon, Iowa area, 1901

Wednesday evening, February 13, was an ideal beginning for a bright February eve, and its sunshine was in harmony with the spirits of the joyous company of 40 intimate friends, who assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Cartwright to witness the marriage of their lovely and accomplished daughter Carrie, to Mr. Wm. Lee, of Denver, Col. At 7 p. m. the notes of the wedding march filled the room, played by Mrs. L. Richson, the bridal party marched gracefully into the parlor,and were united in marriage by the Rev. Geo. Hughes, repeating the impressive Episcopal ring service. Mr. and Mrs. Lee received the congratulations of those assembled, and then they led the way to the dinning room, where an elegant dinner was prepared by Mrs. Cartwright. The tables were arranged in a hollow square, the bride and groom occupying the seats of honor.

The bride is so well known and so generally a favorite, as to need no words of introduction. She will be sadly missed in our midst. She was arrayed in an elegant robe of crepe and satin, cream colored, arranged with square neck, trimmed with cream lace with slippers to match. Her only ornament was a beautiful diamond ring, a wedding present from the groom.

The groom is an employe of the C. R. I. & P. R. R. and is a young man of the highest moral character, and first-class business ability. He was dressed in a cut-a-way suit of black broadcloth and presented a handsome appearance.

The bridesmaid, the groom's sister, Miss Maud Lee was arrayed in a black satin gown with pink trimmings with pink shoulder mitts and slippers.

Mr. Frank Mendenhall acted as best man, dressed in the convenient black suit.

They received many useful and beautiful presents.

The young people will visit here until March 10, when they will go to their new home at 1113 Larimer St., Denver, Col., where they will be "at home" to their friends after March 15. The congratulations and best wishes go with them from all the public.

ONE WHO WAS THERE.

Mortuary — Cora Bell Cartwright

Leon, Iowa area, 1901

Mortuary.

Cora Bell Cartwright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Cartwright was born in Davis City, Iowa, Jan. 23, 1879, and died of that dread disease, consumption, at her home in High Point township July 7, 1901, aged 22 years, 5 months and 14 days. She left a father, mother, four brothers and three sisters who were all at her bed side except one, Harry who is in Joplin, Mo. She had been a sufferer for the past five months, but in all her suffering she was patient and cheerful. "Co" as she was familiarly known had a kind word for every one, always ready to do her part, and such nerve and presence of mind as she manifested in her last hours is seldom seen. She called each member of the family and friends to her bedside and bade each one a last good, begging them not to grieve for she was ready to go and wanted rest. She leaves a host of friends to mourn her loss.

Dearest sister you have left us,
To mourn thee here alone,
Thou art singing with the Angels,
Before God's shining throne.

—————

The house occupied by Mrs. Sears will be for rent after June 1.
T. E. HORNER.

History of Leon Public School

Leon, Iowa

By Miss Sue E. Bell

Thinking that it would be of some interest to the citizens and old settlers of Leon, I have endeavored to write a history of the Leon public schools. It has been a laborious task to obtain the information necessary. There may be a few facts omitted, but I have done the best I could. I desire to acknowledge the help received from some of the former professors and the old citizens of Leon.

In the year 1853 Humphrey Fullerton taught the first school in Leon in a 16 foot log cabin, where J. A. Caster's grocery store now stands. The following were his pupils: Martha Ellis James, Samuel Ellis, Mary Ellis Coffin, William Tharp, Luticia Wainwright, Belle Tharp Walker, Mattie Tharp Jordan, Martha Jordan Atkins, Charlie Jordan, Benjamin Jordan, Jane Shackelford, Lyman East, Julian East, Albert Tharp, Uz Tharp.

Joe C. Porter taught at the same place in 1854. Geo. T. Young in the summer of 1855 taught in the old court house, where Mayer and Hoffhine's stores are now located. One afternoon a wind storm passed over our little village and the walls of the upper story of the school house were blown down, and not one of the eighty pupils were injured. It was afterwards rebuilt and then destroyed by fire on March 31, 1874. In the winter of 1865 Miss Nellie Arnold taught in a log cabin situated on the south-east corner of the property owned by Mrs. A. E. Chase. Miss Arnold taught a summer school in 1857 at the same place.

In the winter of 1857 L. M. Hastings taught in the new school house in the east part of town near T. J. Gibson's residence, the term being only four months. Sarah Patterson Bashaw taught in the summer of 1858 in the east school house, better known to the old settlers as Gospel Ridge. In the winter of that year J. C. Porter taught. In the summer of 1859 Miss Higby Warner taught, and in the winter, Carr Porter. Between the years of 1860 and '64 there were more than one school taught at the same time, one room not being large enough to hold the pupils. Sarah Patterson Bashaw taught in a log cabin, back of Mr. Orslan's shoe shop. Where the Farmers & Traders bank now stands, Sam Sears taught up stairs and Mr. Strong down stairs. They were succeeded by the following teachers: Mr. Adams, Mr. Wainwright, Miss Higby and Sarah Kirkpatrick. Prof. Lewis taught in a small building east of Brown's hotel, and later in a building where Frank Clark's grocery now stands; also in the M. E. church on Commercial street. Miss Sil Jones taught in a frame building west of Teale Wharton's store, Miss Emma Higby taught several terms in a building where Frank Clark's grocery now stands. Andrew Warner taught during this time, and I. P. Martin taught in the M. E. church. During this time the first brick school house was built in the north part of town by John Kirkpatrick. The building was completed in 1864, and the bell that calls us to school now, is the one that was on the old court house, and was placed on the new school house. While the school house was being built L. M. Hastings taught in the M. E. church, Mrs. Hastings and Mrs. Lizzie Simmons Vail being his assistants. At the same time, I. P. Martin had a portion of the school in a building where Frank Clark's grocery store now stands. The schools at this time were not graded and four months was the longest term taught.

In the fall of 1864 only two rooms of the new school house were completed, and Prof. Hastings occupied the south room up stairs and Sarah Kirkpatrick the north room. For the school year of 1865 and 1866, S. P. Newcomb was elected principal, and the following teachers taught in the different departments: Sarah Kirkpatrick Baldwin and Sarah Patterson Bashaw. In '66 and '67 Prof. Abbott was elected principal, and re-elected each year for the next four years. The following taught under him: Gusta Smith, Emma Blair, Mrs. Reed, Linnie Arnold Horner, Eliza Avery, Emma Dawson.

Prof. Frazer graded the schools. There were four rooms and three grades in each room. On June 16, 1871, the first graduating class was sent out. They were as follows: Samuel Gates, T. W. Silvers, A. F. Woodruff, Mrs. Matilda Jordan Critchfield.

This class bought an organ for the school which cost $275. It also started the first library, and bought a globe, a dictionary, a microscope, an electric machine and a history chart. They gave exhibitions and festivals to buy these things. On January 2, 1872, the following teachers were elected for a term of ten weeks: Emma Dawson, Hettie Rogers, Mrs. Reed.

And on March 22, 1872: Mrs. Reed, T. W. Silvers, Emma Dawson.

August 16, 1872, W. S. Domer was elected principal, with the following teachers: Mrs. Reed, Ella Eaton, Mollie Miles.

It was ordered that school commence the second Monday instead of the first. September 27, 1872, the following teachers were elected for a term of twelve weeks, beginning the first Monday in January, 1873: Lucy Black, Emma Dawson, Mollie Miles.

W. S. Domer was re-elected principal on April 4, 1873, with the following teachers: Lucy Corbett, Emma Dawson, Mollie Miles.

On April 10, 1873, a committee was ordered to rent a room for part of the primary department. The basement of the Presbyterian church was rented. Miss Hyatt was elected teacher. In the school years of 1873 and 1874 Aaron Frazier was elected principal. The following teachers taught in that year: Emma Mills, Mollie Miles, J. L. Harvey.

In 1874 the Babbott writing book was adopted as one of the text books of the school. The teachers were: Lucy Corbett, Emma Mills, J. F. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Hyatt, Esther Sanger, Laura Dye, Leota Haywood, Josie Miles, Mettie Pitman.

It was decided December 31, 1874, that five more months be added to the school year, with one week vacation. On July 28, 1875, R. L. Parrish was elected principal, and in 1876 was re-elected. The following teachers taught under him in 1875: Laura Dye, T. J. Hasty, Esther Sanger, Josephine Kellogg, Ellen Gammon.

In 1876 were: Kittie Stone, Josephine Kellogg, Belle Thompson, Laura Dye.

On August 12, 1876, it was ordered that this school year be held for nine months, and commence September 4, 1876. The first term seventeen weeks and two weeks' vacation; the last term nineteen weeks.

July 2, 1877, C. M. Des Islets was elected principal for the following four years. The teachers were as follows — between 1877 and 1881: Ellen Gammon, Emma Wilson, Esther Sanger, T. J. Hasty, William Field, Allie Porter, W. H. Albaugh, Mrs. M. A. Critchfield, I. P. Martin, S. J. Calhoun, Stephen Varga, Miss Davidson, Mrs. Reed.

Miss Pollard was elected to teach music in each department of the school, giving two lessons of fifteen minutes to each department, twice a week. The old school house which was completed in 1864 was torn down and the bricks sold, and a new one built in 1876 and 1877. It was completed September 13, 1877, B. F. Roberts being the contractor. On December 10, 1877, a new department was established in the school and was called the second intermediate department.

May 6, 1878, the school year consisted of ten months. For the school year of 1881 and 1882, A. B. Cornell was elected principal. The following teachers taught under him: Frank Gardner, Eva Kirkpatrick, Georgia Brown,Sarah Johnson, Retta Biddle, Finley Frazee, Merge Jordan, Augustus Roy, assistant principal.

—Decatur County Journal, Leon, Iowa.

Note: The second half of this article may be found at this link.

Gone To Rest — Dr. John P. Finley, Iowa, 1883

Leon, Iowa area, 1883

Gone To Rest

Dr. John P. Finley died at his home in this city, Sunday evening, March 11, 1883, at 9 o'clock. He had been in feeble health for several years, but was able most of the time to attend his patients. He made two trips to the country during the blustery weather of last week, which it is thought hastened his death. His death was unexpected to most of our citizens, very few of whom knew he was sick, until they received the sad intelligence of his death.

Dr. Finley was one of the pioneers of the State. He came to Iowa long before it was made a State, when the Indian and buffalo held undisputed sway over the greater part of its territory. He participated in and contributed to its rapid growth and development. The greater part of his life was spent as a practicing physician. He was careful, laborious and unremitting in his attention to the arduous and responsible duties of the profession he loved, and for which be was eminently fitted, both by natural disposition as well as by careful training and study.

In politics Dr. Finley was an earnest Republican — we may say, a decided partisan — but with no bitterness of feeling. Always courteous, kind and respectful to those who differed from him, he won, as he deserved, friends from all sorts and classes of people. He held but few public trusts, but his ability and integrity were marked in every position he assumed. During the war he accepted a position as a member of the State Board of Enrollment and served until the close of the war. In this important position he endeared himself to thousands of volunteers by his active care for their welfare, while his energy, fairness and scrupulous honesty marked his fitness for the trying position. An exalted public spirit ever animated him, and soldiers in every part of the State remember him kindly for his faithfulness and promptness in responding to every demand made upon him. His kindness of heart was unbounded. Thoughtful of the happiness of others, he endeared himself to all with whom he was intimately associated, and was a marked favorite of all with whom he came in contact. He had ability of no mean order, but it was used less for his own advancement than for the service of others. With all his toil and trials, his life was a happy one, for he consciously contributed to the happiness of others.

Dr. Finley was a man of a high sense of honor, of irreproachable integrity, fine abilities and professional acquirements. He possessed a heart of as tender susceptibilities as a woman. He fully appreciated the responsibilities of life, and met them in a right manly way. There was nothing sordid or mean in his nature; nothing low, base or groveling. In the fullest, widest meaning of the term, he was a gentleman. Now that his life is finished, the testimony is cheerfully borne that he has left to his family and friends the precious heritage of a good name.

This brief tribute we would pay to our loved friend, for he was our friend, sincere, earnest and true. Rest and sleep, sleep and rest! There are many who mourn you — eyes that are dimmed with tears as they remember with grateful hearts your many generous acts of kindness. There are many who feel that your place can never be filled. "The best portions of a good man's life are the little acts of tenderness and love;" and with these Dr. Finley's life was made redolent and glorious. Such men must die, but the world is the better that they have lived.

Dr. John P. Finley was born in Augusta, Kentucky, on the 29th day of August, 1813. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was quite young, he moved to Piqua, Ohio, with his mother and brothers. Here he clerked in a store for some time, and studied medicine. He afterwards engaged in business at Lima, Ohio, and in 1836 was married at Piqua, Ohio, to Maria L. Cheever, who died in Des Moines, Iowa, in January 1865. He came to Iowa in 1839, and settled on a farm near New London, Henry county, where he lived a few years. From New London be moved to Burlington, and from there to Galena, Illinois, where he engaged in the drug business. In 1845 he returned to Iowa, and lived at Bloomfield until 1853, when he moved to Leon, where has been his home ever since, with the exception of two years spent in Des Moines during the war.

Dr. Finley was an active and honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a charter member of Bloomfield lodge, No. 23, and the first charter member of Leon lodge, No. 84, also a member of Decatur Encampment, No. 38.

For many years he was a member of the Methodist church, and Rev. A. Brown conducted a short funeral service at the residence, after which the Odd Fellows took charge of the services. The Decatur County Medical Society, of which the deceased was an active member, attended the funeral in a body. The Odd Fellows turned out in full force, and most of the lodges in the county were represented. A large number of citizens were present, and the deep feeling manifested showed unmistakably the strong hold the deceased had on the affections of the people among whom he had lived and toiled so many years.

The services at the grave were the beautiful ritual of the Odd Fellows, with solemn dirge and impressive obsequies. So was a noble man laid to rest on a beautiful hill, near a large evergreen, in the early spring time, when the springing grass and swelling buds are nature's assurances of the life to come. His good name, his kind disposition, his great ability, and his social qualities, will be remembered long after his body molders to "mother dust."

——

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Leon Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F.:

WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from among us our beloved brother Past Grand John P. Finley, senior, it is therefore, by Leon Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F., of Iowa, at their lodge room assembled,

Resolved, That in the death of Brother Past Grand Finley, the community has lost an upright, honest man; society at large a genial and true gentleman; the family a kind and affectionate father, and this lodge one of its most honored and faithful members, whose name is inscribed the first upon the Charter of the lodge, and who has lived for the last two years as the only remaining charter member.

Resolved, That since the 7th day of February, 1856, Brother Past Grand John P. Finley, sr., has been a true and faithful worker in this lodge, and his genial presence in times of despondency, his energy and ability as a worker, and his high appreciation of the tenets of our order, to a great extent has kept alive the fire upon the altar of this lodge, for more than twenty seven years.

Resolved, That while Brother Past Grand Finley will never again sit with us in this lodge, we will ever cherish his manly qualities, emulate his many virtues, and in token of our high esteem for him, we have draped the lodge in mourning, and will wear the fraternal badge for thirty days.

Resolved, That to the family and friends we pledge our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement, reminding them and ourselves, however, that what has been our great loss has proven his eternal gain.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this lodge; that they be published in the Decatur and Davis County Iowa, papers, and that a copy of these be presented to our deceased brother's family.
JOHN L. YOUNG,
C. W. BECK,
C. M. MURRY.

——-

John C. Stockton:

The news of the death of Dr. John P. Finley fell with sadness upon my ears. In December, 1849, I met him at his home in Bloomfield, Iowa. He was then vigorous, brilliant, and versatile. Gentle as a child in his manners, kind as a woman in his devotion to his friend and brave as a lion in defense of his conviction of right. Dr. Finley was of a noble stock of Scotch Irish Presbyterians. My father listened to the ministration of his grandfather, Robert Finley, in western Pennsylvania. Robert Finley was a strong man among strong men. Two of his sons, John P. Finley, the father of our friend Dr. Finley and James B. Finley, were Methodist Ministers.

Rev. John P. Finley was a finished classical scholar and died while he was president of Augusta college, Kentucky. To his widow was left the care of his children, which she raised with honor. The two brothers Dr. William McKendree Finley passed away only a few years ago, his only remaining brother now follows him. Each of these brothers were pioneers in the civilization of Iowa, as their father and brothers had been in Ohio, and their grandfather had been in Western Pennsylvania. With his generation. Dr. Finley has passed away. A nobler heart never beat in the bosom of a man.

I owe this tribute to the memory of these good people that I knew and loved so long.

Yours, HENRY CLAY DEAN,
Leon, Iowa, March 12.

News from Woodland Township, Decatur County, Iowa

Leon, Iowa area, date unknown

Woodland.

T. J. Stephens has his new house nearly completed; it is quite a commodious residence.

Mrs. Knowles is having an addition built to her house.

John and Jim Newlin are home from Charles City visiting their families.

Clyde Rain was an over Sunday visitor at his father's in Woodland.

It is our sad duty this week to report the death of our young friend Evert Stephens, son of James Stephens, of this township which occurred last Sunday evening at 5. p. m. Evert had been sick for three months or more and all was done for him that could be done by kind hands and loving friends; but he had to go. He was born and grew to manhood in Decatur county. He was 18 years 2 months and 15 days old at the time of his death. He was a member of the Advent Christian church. I think I would be safe in saying he had no enemies, but his friends were legion. He leaves father, mother and two sisters to mourn his loss. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

Rev. Foster filled his regular appointment here last Sunday.

Lawyer Jackson, of Mt. Ayr, is visiting his brother Dr. Jackson for a few days.

Chas A. Brannen and Mergie Hatfield Married

Leon, Iowa area, probably 1904 (maybe 1910)

Brannen-Hatfield.

One of the most attractive events of the season took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Hatfield Wednesday, March 7th, at high noon when their only daughter, Miss Mergie Hatfield, and Chas. A. Brannen were united in bonds of holy matrimony by Eld. D. F. Sellards, pastor of the Christian church. Promptly at high noon, while the wedding march was being played by Miss Workman, the bridal party entered the parlor and stood before the beautiful window. Miss Mamie Kimport acted as bride's maid and Milt Manchester as best man, while little Miss Floy Hughes becomingly attired in pink over white silk acted as ring bearer, carrying the ring on a beautiful silver tray. For one so small she performed her part to perfection.

The bride was becomingly attired in blue silk, while the groom wore the conventional black. The bride's maid was attired in a light suit and the best man in black. After the ceremony and congratulations the guests were invited to the dining room to partake of the bountiful repast awaiting them. To say that the table groaned under the good things to eat would be no joke, and when the 23-pound turkey presented by Capt. and Mrs. J. D. Brown was placed on the table it groaned louder than ever. After dinner some very fine selections were played on the organ and then all went into the yard and had their pictures taken in a group. The bride, groom, bride's maid, the best man, little Miss Floy and Eld. Sellards had their pictures taken separately. The guests present numbered about fifty.

The contracting parties were the recipients of many beautiful and useful presents. They will be at home to their friends on the Capt. J. D. Brown farm after March 11th. May the lives of this wedded pair be as bright as their wedding day is the wish of their many friends.

Note: D.F. Sellards, it would appear the exact same one, can be found online, at this link and others.