Ernst, Jefferson M. 'Jeff' 1844 - 1917

ERNST, EWING

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/23/2021 at 15:58:57

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 20 Dec. 1917. Luana column.

Word came from Charles City, Ia., that our old friend and neighbor, Jeff Ernest*, had passed away. The remains were shipped here Monday for burial in the Luana cemetery.

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Added by S. Ferrall on 10/23/2021:

It is with regret were [sic] record the death of Uncle Jeff Ernst, one of the old and highly respected citizens of this township, having resided at Luana for nearly half a century.

Jefferson Monroe Ernst was born at Warren, Ohio, July 4, 1844, and died at Charles City, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1917; aged 73 years, 5 months and 11 days.

At the age of 18 years, he enlisted as a private in Co. A., 67th, Ill Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. After serving 3 months he contracted a fever, and was mustered out of service, being given an honorable discharge, on account of disability.

In 1863 he was married to Sarah Ann Ewing, who with one son and two daughters, survive him. He is also survived by 19 grand children and 4 great grandchildren. Two sons preceeded him in death, Allan C., in 1872 and Elmer L. in 1898.

He was a member of Harvey Dix Post, G.A.R. of McGregor. He came with his family to Luana in 1873, making that their home until Sept. 4 last, when he moved to Charles City to make their home with their eldest daughter.

His health failed him soon after moving there and for the last month was confined to the house, and since Dec. 10th was unable to leave his bed. Hardening of the arteries was the final cause of his death.

Mr. Ernst's eyesight had been failing him for years, and for the past three years he was practically blind, but in spite of this affliction he was cheerful and seemingly lighthearted, with a hearty word of greeting for all.

He was a man of strictly moral habits, honest to a fault, and generous to an unusual degree. His word was throughly to be relied upon, and no one of his large circle of acquaintances but knew Uncle Jeff to be a man in every sence of the word.

The remains were 'brot to Luana Monday, where funeral services were held in the M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. Hadwin Williams, of Postville, buried in the Monona* cemetery.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, December 20, 1917; pg 1

* Jefferson ERNST (1844-1917) is buried in the Luana cemetery, not in Monona