Reuben Raney

RANEY, HOUSE, HIATT, GORDON, COMERFORD, WORKMAN, MORRIS

Posted By: Alice Daniels (email)
Date: 2/23/2013 at 06:33:57

Semi Weekly Iowegian
March 24, 1914

REUBEN RANEY WAS
ONE OF COUNTY'S
EARLY PIONEERS
LIVED IN DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP
MANY YEARS AND WAS FATHER OF
FAMILY OF PROMINENCE

Another of the sturdy men of the early days who have seen Appanoose county develop into its present day advancement, passed away Saturday morning, March 21, when Reuben Raney breathed his last about 7:30 a.m. He was 87 years old and had been a resident of the county since l855. He has been in poor health the past few weeks at his home on North Hill, there being little hope for him the past couple of weeks. His death was not looked for so soon, however, his daughter. Mrs. Hiatt, having left for her home in Nebraska, the day before his death. Heart and kidney trouble caused his death.
Reuben Raney was born March 11, 1827, in Indiana, and was married to Charlotte House, Aug. 27, 1844. In 1868 they came to Iowa, locating in Douglas township, this county. Eight children were born to them, six sons and two daughters. Three of the sons have passed away and the wife died June 9, 1874. The children of this union living are G. W., R. J., and John J. Raney, of Centerville; Mrs. J. A. Hiatt, Harvard, Neb; Mrs. J. R. Gordon, Portland, Ore. He was married to Mrs. N. A. Comerford Feb. 25, 1875 and to them were born five children,
two sons and three daughters. Two sons and a daughter are dead. Those living are Mrs. George Workman and Mrs. Pearl Morris, of Centerville. All the children were present at the time of his death except Mrs. Gordon, and Mrs. Hiatt, who had been with him till the day before.
The life of Reuben Raney was one of devotion to his christian principles, to his family, and to his fellowmen. He was a member of the Baptist
church. He was a persistent student of the scriptures, and was able to quote numerous passages. He was greatly respected as a man and a christian. His membership was in the Pleasant drove church in Douglas township. He came down to old age with an unfaltering faith, his life being an example to children, grandchildren and neighbors. He left 23 grand children.
The funeral was held Monday, Mch. 23, at the First Baptist church, Centerville, conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan, a former pastor, and burial was at the Haines cemetery in Douglas township. A large number of friends and former neighbors attended the services, and many floral rememberances spoke of the regard in which he was held. His sons and sons-in-law were pall bearers.