RODIFER, George W. 1831-1903

RODIFER, FERGUSON, SEWELL, PATTERSON

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 2/15/2013 at 23:18:08

[Waterloo Daily Reporter, Thursday, November 5, 1903]

AN OLD PIONEER GONE

George Rodifer, for Thirty-eight years a Waterloo Resident, passes away of Pneumonia

At 6:00 o'clock last evening another Waterloo pioneer was called to his reward, and this time George Rodifer, of 726 Franklin Street, answered the summons. Death was caused by pneumonia, which attacked him Saturday. On account of his advanced age, 72 years, his constitution was too frail to withstand the onslaught of the disease, and he sank rapidly until death relieved him yesterday.

The late Mr. Rodifer was well-known on the streets of Waterloo, and during his nearly forty years residence in this city had cultivated a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who were greatly surprised to learn of his death. Friday he complained of feeling unwell, but was still able to be down town on Saturday. At noon, however, the disease had taken a firm hold, and he was obliged to take to his bed. For some time he has been living at Mrs. Stephen's boarding house, on the corner of East Sixth and Franklin Streets, and death claimed him at that place after a five days illness.

Mr. Rodifer was identified with Waterloo in the early days, having come to this city in 1865 or 1866, when the city was nothing but a village. For a number of years, he was employed as carpenter and contracting builder. He assisted in the erection of a large number of residences in this city, many of which are in good condition today. Mr. Rodifer had the contract for the erection of the Logan House, on the corner of East Fourth and Sycamore streets, and also built the foundation of Grace M.E. Church. Both pieces of work are yet in excellent condition and speak well for his skill and workmanship. For several years past, however, he has not been actively engaged at his trade, owing to a defect in his eyesight and on account of his advanced age.

Geo. Rodifer was a native of England, and was born in the year 1831. When he came to America he settled in West Virginia, where he resided for a number of years. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he shouldered a musket and for four years fought for the stars and stripes of his country. At the close of the war he moved to Waterloo, and there began his occupation as carpenter. Since that time, with the exception of a short period about five years ago he has resided in this city continually. A son and a daughter also make their home in this city.

His wife preceded him to the grave several years ago; but two sons and six daughters still survive their father. They are Frank Rodifer, of 535 Riehl street; George Rodifer of Tacoma, Wash.; Mrs. A.R. Ferguson of 150 Harrison street; Louise and Minnie of London, Eng.; Della and Ida, of Chicago, and Mrs. Grace Sewell, of Carroll, Iowa.

The funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A.R. Ferguson, 150 Harrison Street. Rev. H. G. Beeman, of the Walnut Street Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be made in Fairview Cemetery.

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His wife's obit gives his middle initial as "W"
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The following family research credit to L. Bowman
Spouse: Mary Harrod Rodifer 1833 - 1886
Some of the children:
Minnie Rodifer Patterson 1862 - 1942
Myrtle Masetta Rodifer Ferguson 1873 - 1954
Grace B. Rodifer Sewell 1875 - 1967