Wooldridge, John Archer 1858-1924

WOOLDRIDGE, BULLIS, BERRY, DOUD, BREWER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 4/1/2015 at 16:35:14

Seldom has our company been more profoundly moved, than on last Thursday, when it was learned that one of its most respected citizens had passed from this earthly life to the eternal verities of a future existence.

John Archer Wooldridge was the eldest son of John A. and Mary E. Wooldridge. He was born near Elkport, Iowa, on July 7th, 1858. The family soon moved to a home several miles north-east of Edgewood, in which vicinity he has since resided.

The family not only experienced the hardships and privations f a pioneer life, but were called to pass through that lonely period, when the father patriotically answered the call of his country, and served as a veteran of the Civil War.

After having lived 65 years and 7 months the subject of this sketch found relief from the intense suffering experienced during the few days of his last illness. From the earthly home, so dear to him, his tired spirit took flight to that sphere of existence, where mortal pain can never enter.

On April 7th, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva A. Bullis. After 44 years of an exceptionally congenial union, the wife will be cheered during her sadness by the memories of past happy experiences.

To this union there came three children to complete its blissful sacredness. Earle of Melvin, Iowa; Mrs. Gertrude Berry of Manchester, Iowa and Raymond of Florence, South Dakota. The sons are successful superintendents of the public schools located at the places named.

Mr. Wooldridge is also survived by his mother Mary E. Wooldridge, now 86 years of age; by four brothers, Frank of Edgewood; Willis of Cedar Rapids; Otis of Clear Lake and Jesse of Highmore, South Dakota. There are two sisters, Mrs. Jane Doud of Quinn, South Dakota and Mrs. Ella Brewer of Waterloo, Iowa. There are two grand-children, Florence and Everett Berry of Manchester.

Ever since his marriage Mr. Wooldridge has lived on the same farm. In an unbroken forest he cleared away the trees to make room for the first humble dwelling. Through his own exertion he has cleared up nearly the entire farm; built all of the buildings as they developed from the primitive requirements to modern conveniences; set out all the fruit and ornamental trees, and in all ways stamped with his personality a real home. Idleness was not his idea of happiness and his labors continued until the last sickness called him from long continued and thoroughly enjoyed activities.

In his religious experience he was 18 years old when converted. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church of Edgewood, remaining a faithful member through all the years. As a trustee of the church, and one of its most loyal members and a faithful attendant of the Sunday School, his presence will be greatly missed and the loss most keenly felt. While faithful to the church with which he was affiliated, he cherished a fraternal spirit toward Christians in their aspirations for higher living of whatever denomination.

Mr. Wooldridge was a patriotic and public spirited citizen. He was interested in the welfare of the entire community. In his years of service as Township Trustee, during the many years when he served as school director and in many other ways he showed his fidelity of purpose to work for the best interests of all.

His devotion to the cause of Temperance was well known. He was an honorary member of the Woman' Christian Temperance Union. During the time when the Good Templars and later when the Sons of Temperance were organized in his neighborhood, he sustained in each an active membership.

A good man has gone from our midst. The community suffers a distinct loss. The example of his faithful service to conviction calls for admiration. Purity of purpose and faithful endeavor is the richest heritage that one can leave to posterity.

The funeral service in charge of the Rev. H.W. Artmann, was held Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church and the interment was in the Edgewood Cemetery. - Edgewood Journal

~The Elkader Register, Thursday, February 21, 1924