Leete, Robert D. 1826 - 1909

LEETE, CHARTER, GOODIN, CHAPMAN, ALDERSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/4/2021 at 20:46:12

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 16 Dec. 1909. Volga column.

Robert D. Leete was born at Cold Harbor, Cambridgeshire, England, Oct. 26, 1826. He died at his home in Volga December 12, 1909. He was one of a family of twelve children. On Sept. 4, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Charter. They embarked to America in the fall of 1854, arriving at Lockport, N.Y., on October 26, of that year. The next year in May of 1855 they moved west and settled on a farm in Highland township.

To them were born nine children, six boys and three girls. One boy died in infancy, and a son, Hugh Fossy, died June 12th, 1891, aged 39 years. The remaining children are Edwin T. Leete, of Anamosa, Iowa, Charles C. Leete, of Volga, S.D., William C. Leete, George A. Leete, Mrs. Jane Goodin and Mrs. Julia Chapman, all living at Volga, Ia., and Mrs. Hannah Alderson, of Strawberry Point.

In 1882 Mr. Leete and his good wife took a trip to the home land, spending several months visiting relatives and friends in England and other places. After their family was grown up and having acquired a competency, Mr. and Mrs. Leete moved to Volga in 1891 to spend the closing years of their lives quietly and to enjoy a well earned rest.

Mr. Leete gave his heart to God and joined the Methodist church under the ministry of Rev. A. D. Cooley, in February, 1896. His religion was a joy and comfort to him in his declining years.

His life was a consistent one, honest, honorable, kind, a good neighbor respected by all. He was faithful in his attendance at church as long as physically able, and until the end was interested and helpful in every good work. He leaves besides the family mentioned, twenty-nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren to mourn his loss; also a loving wife , whose companionship of over sixty years has cheered and helped him along life's journey; and not only him, but she has been a benediction to the family and to all who have come into contact with her. May the All Wise Heavenly Father sustain her and hers in this their hour of separation. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Rev. 14-13.