ALCORN, James Wesley 1876-1938

ALCORN, LE FEVER, SCHACHERER, SHERMAN, KNICKERBOCKER, SMITH, ROBINSON, BEDDOW

Posted By: Monica
Date: 10/31/2012 at 13:48:28

am not related and have no further information. Taken from an old scrapbook of Mrs. Clara (Jones) McCartney

May 1938

Wesley Alcorn Answers Summons at Age of 62
The birthplace of James Wesley Alcorn, is on the farm northeast of Edgewood, Iowa, now owned by Mrs. Worthy Robinson and occupied by the family of Mr. Dewey Beddow. His parents were Mr. Henry Alcorn and Mrs. Emily Le Fever Alcorn, both natives of the state of Pennsylvania. The date of his nativity was March 19, 1876. The closing page of his life history, bears the date of May 3, 1938. He had lived 62 years, one month and 14 days. The sudden closing of the chapter, was a shock to the entire community, as well as to the family members.

The subject of this sketch had three brothers and two sisters. The older brother, Lew Alcorn was accidentally killed at his home in Graettinger, Ia.; De Forest Alcorn has his home in Roscoe, South Dakota, while H. R. Alcorn is a well known citizen of Edgewood. His sisters are Mrs. Annie Schacherer of Madison, Minn., and Mrs. Eva Sherman of Smithland, Ia., deceased.

Mr. Alcorn developed a sturdy manhood in the vicinity of his birth. His education was started at number one school near his home, and further progressed as a student of Edgewood high school. He assisted his father and other farmers in agriculture and its kindred pursuits.
On the annual Thanksgiving Day of 1899, a wedding ceremony was arranged, in which J. W. Alcorn and Miss Lucy Knickerbocker, appeared as the happy contracting parties. Three sons were born to this union, Howard and twin sons, Don and Dean. Following along the lines of experience and education, they engaged in farming. For years they leased of J. W. Forward his farm and located on the road leading to Littleport. It was while there that their first born son, Howard, at the tender age of three years, was by death taken from their embrace. The other sons, Don Wesley Alcorn of Duluth, Minn. and Dean Laurence Alcorn of Gilmore City, Ia. are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father.

On the 22nd day of July, 1925, the marriage ceremony uniting the lives of James Wesley Alcorn and Mrs. Ella A. Smith, was solemnized. This action brought to the circle, a group of three stepsons, and two stepdaughters. Without the least friction these individuals joined with the sons mentioned, in a filial affection laudable and praiseworthy.

After the marriage of this respected couple, a residence of one year was made on the home farm. Removal was then made ro a home purchased in Edgewood, since then their dwelling place. For two years Mr. Alcorn engaged in road work. He was employed for three years by F. H. Hatch and for about five years by Spahn & Rose Lumber Company. In all these various positions, he proved capable, efficient and trustworthy. Without doubt the most useful period has been the last three years as school janitor. His genial disposition, happy manner and attractive personality, while evident at all times, was given free scope in that important position. Love of students, a mutual understanding with instructors and cinfidence of patrons, were his to a marked degree.
The departed was held in high esteem by fellow members in both the order Knights of Pythias and that of the Pythian Sisters.

His feloow citizens will regret the sudden termination of an honorable and usefull career, when only slightly past the age of 62 years.

In order for a restful change, and to make a delayed vist to friends, he had with his wife entered upon plans for a auto trip. this was to have been made soon after the school vacation. Maps were consulted and plans arranged. Providence rearranged human plans, substituting there for a voage over an uncharted sea.
He had not beem feeling very well but was able to carry on. However disease had been stealthily at work. A condition had been reached where prescription of physician and scapel of surgeon, were equally unavailing.

Besides the sorrowing wife and family members, many persons are today cherishing feelings of a distinct personal loss.

the following out-of-town relatives and friends attended the funeral services: Mrs. Anna Schacherer and son Henry of Madison, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Clay of Montevideo, Minn.; Don Alcorn of Duluth, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Dean Alcorn of Gilmore City, Iowa; De Forest Alcorn of Roscoe, S. D. ; A. L. Smith, Harley and Mary Reynolds of Marion, Iowa; Bernice Reynolds of Mt. Vernon, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Everett Smith, son, Merlin and daughters, Letha and Zelda, Keith Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Wood and Mrs. Cecil Smith of Oelwein, Ia.; Mrs. Lew Fry, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Fry of Greeley; the Misses Bernita and Velma Alcorn of Cedar Rapids; Mrs. Donald Davis and Mrs. Mary Brown of Clarksville, Ia.; Fred Galer of Earlville; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hamlett and son Jesse, Mr. and Mrs. Worthy Robinson, Miss Jessie Miller, Mrs Fred Kroog, Mrs. Clark Durham, Mrs and Mrs. Charles Robison of Manchester; Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Norris, Mr. and Mrs. George Baar, Mrs. John Leonard of Strawberry Point; Mr. and Mrs. Worthy Smith, son, Merwyn, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Schomock, James Baar, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Knickerbocker, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Halibut, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Knickerbocker, Mrs. Marcus Fitzpatrick, and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Knickbocker.