John Painter

PAINTER, STRATTON, GILL, ARMS, COFFIN, SECREST

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/18/2018 at 09:51:12

19 November 1931 - West Branch Times

John Painter died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Gill at 11:30 o'clock, Friday, Nov. 13, at the age of 87 years and two days. Mr. Painter came to the Gill home to visit three months ago, and since that time, as his health steadily continued to fail, he was happy to remain there for the care and comfort of his last days.

Born at Paintersville, Ohio, he came when a young man to Iowa, and lived for a time in the vicinity of West Branch and Springdale, teaching school in the rural schools, being engaged for a time at the old brick schoolhouse at North Liberty.

It was in this community he became acquainted with Miss Marianna Stratton, who became his wife, and the young couple moved to northwestern Iowa, settling on a farm near Spencer in the early days. After a short time of wedded life the wife died, leaving one child, a baby daughter, Anna, who afterward became Mrs. Gill, and who died a number of years ago, leaving two children.

Later Mr. Painter left the farm and moved into Spencer, engaging in surveying and in the mercantile business. He was married, again, to Miss Lucy Arms, and a daughter, Hazel, was born. Hazel became Mrs. Charles Coffin and she died several years ago, leaving two children. Mrs. Painter passed away last May, in Florida which has been the winter home of the family for many years.

After the death of his wife Mr. Painter felt that his interests in earthly affairs was failing, and he arranged his business as quickly and efficiently as possible, and came to West Branch to be near his granddaughter. After his death Friday, the body was taken to Spencer for funeral services, which were held Sunday afternoon, from the Congregational church. B. A. Gill, Mrs. Virgil Secrest and Charles Coffin attended the funeral. Burial was made at Spencer.

Mr. Painter is survived by four grandchildren, Lois Secrest of West Branch, Fred Gill of Detroit, Mich., and Lucille and Burton Coffin of Indiana.