Charles Robert Mitchell (1869 - 1921)

MITCHELL, KEERAN, CHENOWETH, SMITH

Posted By: Karen Brewer (email)
Date: 11/2/2020 at 05:22:00

The Osceola Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa
June 30, 1921, Page 3

Charles Robert Mitchell was born in Knox County, Illinois, Sept. 17, 1869, and died at his home on the farm in Clarke County, Iowa, June 20, 1921, at the age of 52 years, 9 months and 3 days.

His parents came to Iowa in 1872, when the subject of this sketch was 2 1/2 years of age, and he has lived in the vicinity of Hebron Church and Weldon, with the exception of about four years he was in business in Davis City, Iowa until his death.

He was the fourth child in a family of ten children born to his parents, George E. and Rosetta Mitchell, only four of that number surviving viz. Mrs. Josephine Keeran and Wm. T. Mitchell, of Weldon, Iowa, Mrs. Olive S. Chenoweth, Chesterson, Illinois; S. W. Mitchell, Newton, Iowa.

On the 30th of March, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Lovica Smith and for nearly thirty years they lived in the bonds of that holy union, happy and devoted. To them were born two children, Ora L. Garton, and Clifford, who, with the stricken wife and mother, mourn the passing away of the loved husband and father. Besides the immediate family, he is survived by a host of near and distant relatives, also by many friends, for his friends were limited by his acquaintances. To know him was to be his friend.

In 1883 when but a lad of 14 years, he gave his heart to Christ, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for nearly forty years served his Master with a steady and whole-hearted devotion that was irrefutable evidence of Divine grace to sustain and develop Christian character.

He had his perplexities, problems, temptations and burdens in common with humanity, but he knew whom he had believed and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had committed to Him against that day and that He was able to bring him off more than a conqueror. Brother Mitchell was loyal to the church and gave his time, money, and service gladly that the Kingdom of Christ might prosper. He served the church in various official capacities, and for a number of years was superintendent of the Sunday School and by his constancy in service and leadership in song and otherwise endeared himself to all. Especially the children and young people revere him in affectionate memory. He was a good man and true and his life leaves the sum total of the world better for his having passed through it.

"The stars shall fade away, the sun himself, grows dim with age, and nature sinks in years. But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth, unhurt amidst the war of elements, the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds."

Brief funeral services were held in the home early Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Wolfe, of Hopeville, the music rendered by Lacelle friends and neighbors. The body was then taken to the Methodist Church in Weldon, where Rev. Larrick, assisted by Rev. W. B. Thompson conducted the services and Weldon friends rendered the music. A large gathering attended this service. The decorations and the floral display were indeed beautiful. The business houses were closed during the services, businessmen acting as pallbearers. Interment was made in the Hebron Cemetery.