Corlett, Frank John 1856 - 1931

CORLETT, HALL, BIRDSEY, LEAS, MOODY, LANGE, HALLET

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/1/2022 at 23:40:29

Clayton County Register, Thur., 30 Apr. 1931.

Frank John Corlett, who passed from us Friday afternoon, April 24, 1931, at his home near Farmersburg, was born May 08, 1856, on a farm in Farmersburg township, Clayton County, Iowa, the third of twelve children of his parents, John E. and Catherine A. Corlett.

He attended the common schools and acquired a good education, taught school and grew to manhood in the community of his birth.

With the exception of a short residence in Nebraska and in Wyoming, Iowa, he lived his entire life in Clayton county. He was engaged during his active years in farming and in the stock and grain business; in his later years he devoted some time to insurance. He was always active and interested in comunity affairs.

Mr. Corlett was married to Mary L. Hall, in December 1885. To them were born three children, Mattie, who died in infancy, Hale of Farmersburg and Raymond of McGregor. In January, 1894, at McGregor, this young wife and mother passed to the great beyond, leaving motherless her two small sons.

Mr. Corlett was united in marriage with Lillian Birdsey of McGregor on November 27, 1895. Eight children were born to this union: Mary Leas, Cleveland, Ohio; Dr. Donald Corlett, Seattle, Wash.; Helen Moody, Oakland, Calif.; Elton F. Corlett, Des Moines; James E. Corlett, Clarinda; Ralph L. Corlett, McGregor; John E. Corlett, Garnavillo; and Frances C. Corlett, Farmersburg.

On Dec. 13, 1914, through a sad accident, these small children were bereft of their loving mother and Mr. Corlett was left alone to be both father and mother to these little ones. This duty he performed willingly, faithfully and well.

Besides these children there are twenty-one grandchildren, six brothers and sisters: Horace B., Clarion; Mrs. Ella Hallet, Washington, D.C.; Willard B., Wichita Falls, Texas; Nettie C. Lange, St. Paul, Minn.; Cyrus C., Drummond, Mont.; Leroy E., Oskaloosa, besides many friends who mourn his passing.