Wesley Munn

MUNN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/10/2009 at 10:14:58

Wesley Munn, was connected with the operative department of the railroad service in this portion of Iowa, making his home in Boone, where he has many warm friends. He was born July 24, 1849, in Utica, New York, a son of James an Abigail (Patterson) Munn. In the schools of the Empire state he pursued his education and after putting aside his text books he turned his attention to the butchering business, in De Kalb, Illinois, and about 1870 became connected with the employ of the railroad service in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company as a brakeman. There his fidelity to duty, combined with his capability, won him promotion and he was made a conductor on a freight train and later became a passenger conductor, serving in that capacity with credit to himself and satisfaction to the company until his death. He was killed in an accident caused by an open switch which allowed his engine and thirteen cars to fun off the track. He was on the engine at the time and was killed. This accident occurred September 1, 1883, and was the cause of deep and wide-spread regret amid his large circle of friends and acquaintances.
On November 7, 1878, Mr Munn was untied in marriage to Miss Ellen Mitchell, a daughter of George Washington and Lydia (Inman) Mitchell. She was born in Belvidere, Illinois, and by her marriage became the mother of two interesting daughters, Alice Josephine and Ida May. The family was an old one of the east, having been established in Delaware at an early day. Her father was born in that state, while the mother of Mrs Mitchell was a native of the Empire state. The death of Mr Munn came as a telling blow to his wife and daughters, for he was a devoted husband and father and counted no personal sacrifice too great that would increase the happiness of his family. He attended the service of the Presbyterian church and molded his life in accordance with honorable, manly principles. In politics he was a Democrat and held some public offices, but the greater part of his attention was given to his business affairs. His family reside in their pleasant home at No 1004 Fifth Street, in Boone. The mother and daughters are widely and favorably known in the city and the hospitality of the best homes is extended to them. Mr Munn left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and for years to come his memory will be cherished by those who knew him.

1902 Boone County History Book