Sousley, John 1819 - 1902

SOUSLEY, GROVE, MATTISON, TARBOX, PUGH, MCKINNIS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/25/2021 at 11:25:50

Elkader Register, Thur., 09 Jan. 1902. Strawberry Point column.

John Sousley was born in Ohio, Oct. 15th, 1819, and died at the home of his son Scott at this place last Wednesday morning. He was united in marriage to Sarah Grove. Six children brightened their home, one dying in infancy. The five remaining are Mrs. Clara Mattison, Mrs. Fowler Tarbox, Mrs. Ann Pugh and Scott Sousley, all of this place, and Mrs. Kate McKinnis of Littleport. His wife preceded him to that bright home beyond, Feb. 15th, 1882. Since then he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Kate McKinnis, until the past month he has resided with his son Scott. He was taken sick some time ago with dropsy of the heart. Loving hands administered to every want, but t'was all in vain. God had called him home and he went without fear. Only one daughter, Mrs. Clara Mattison, was at his bedside when he breathed his last. At an early age he united with the M.E. church. Whenever he spoke of anyone, it was always in the highest terms of esteem, praise and admiration. He was kind and courteous to all, generous to a fault, and a true, fond and devoted father. The peaceful face, painted white and cold by the icy hand of death, speaks no language we can understand. In the presence of death, we should always be sincere. We have no key that fits the lock of the future, no power to turn silence into speech and bring a message back from the lips of death. We can do almost nothing to change the fate of sorrow. All we can offer one another in this sad hour, is the sympathy of helplessness. Winter snow will cover that hallowed grave, and May flowers will decorate it, yet on he will sleep, unmindful of the season's changes or life's uncertainties. May he rest in peace, his life an enviable example, his memory a priceless gem. Funeral services occurred at the home of his son Scott, Friday forenoon, conducted by Rev. De Puy, and the remains were laid to rest in this cemetery. Besides the children mentioned above, he leaves sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, also many friends.