MELENDY, Peter 1823-1901
MELENDY, CODDINGTON, BASSETT, MCFARLAND, WOOLSON, WALKER
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/1/2015 at 00:24:43
[Cedar Falls Semi Weekly Cedar Falls Gazette, Tuesday, October 22, 1901, Cedar Falls, Iowa]
Peter Melendy
A Long and Useful Life
Worthy and widely known, ripe in years, ready and willing to go, prepared by long service and devotion to the Master, retaining his mental vigor to the last, bidding loved ones a tender goodbye, and sending, a parting message to others, Peter Melendy serenely welcomed death at 10.30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 1901.
With the falling leaves, when-the chill comes with the night, trees are losing their golden hues, leaves rustle in the path; when birds take wing for the south land, and stars assume a brighter light, it seems fitting that these who have fought a good fight and finished their course should pass with the lovely autumn. Earthly vision closed, released from care, they enter eternal peace and beauty, happy, indeed, to pass from mortality and gain the golden crown.
As was correctly said by his pastor, no one loved the sanctuary more, none more faithful in public and prayer meetings, and few so welcomed by the little ones of the Sabbath school who received his loving attention for more than a third-of a century. His familiar form and ever faithful assistance will be missed in the home, by church associates, on our streets, by all, while memory recalls the earnest service of his long and beneficial life.
Peter Melendy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1823; was a staunch revolutionary stock. A direct descendent of Miles Standish. In 1850 he moved to Mt. Healthy, Hamilton County, O., and engaged in farming and fine stock raising, coming to Cedar Falls in 1856. He was interested in a stock farm in Butler County four years and for a time engaged in the agricultural implement business. In 1864 he was appointed U. S. Marshal, holding that position eighteen months. He was President of the State Agricultural Society five years, and was connected with the State Agricultural College for fifteen years, being chosen to select the lands donated to that institution, consisting of 240,000 acres.
Mr. Melendy received a second appointment as United States Marshall which he held for four years, under President Grant, the first term of eighteen months under Abraham Lincoln.
His first vote for a President was for Henry Clay in 1844. Was a delegate to the National Conventions when Abraham Lincoln was nominated; also one where Grant was the nominee, and attended many national conventions.
Mr. Melendy was a staunch Republican, taking an active interest in politics. Was chairman of the state central committee, always discharging his duty at caucus and convention. He held an appointment as a claims commissioner in the South a number years; his latest service being as mayor of this city for three terms, six years, to which office he gave close and efficient attention, the duties being well and carefully discharged.
The State Horticultural and Agricultural Societies were organized by him in 1868.
In 1847 he was united in marriage to Martha Coddington, a native of Ohio, who died in 1866, in Cedar Falls, leaving two children, Charles B. and Etta, now Mrs. Dr. Bassett, a widow, of Red Wing, Minnesota, who with two of her sons, was at his bedside in his last hours. A second marriage to Mrs. McFarland, formerly Mary A. Woolson, took place Dec. 1868. She had two children by her first marriage, Clark S. McFarland and Marian (McFarland) Walker.
Mr. Melendy prepared with great care a book entitled "A Historical Record of Cedar Falls." which is in frequent use and demand.
Deceased was a man of iron constitution and physical strength. His last illness continued only about two weeks, seeming to affect his entire system. He possessed great firmness and decision of character. His many, prominent positions in the highest councils of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Synod nine times and General Assembly twice as well us in his many political relations, gave him a wide acquaintance and respect.
Burial services were conducted at 2 p. m. Sabbath,- Oct. 20th, at the Presbyterian church, which was. filled to overflowing, pastors, of the several churches in our city being present. Rev. R. A. Smith read appropriate scripture, his pastor Rev. R. Marquis, giving an interesting historical sketch and Rev. Earhart of the First Presbyterian church Janesville, an old and esteemed friend and acquaintance of thirty years, preaching an appropriate discourse. Both speakers paid high tribute to the service of the deceased to society and the church. Rev; S. Callen, of Waterloo, was detained from being present.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen