H. M. Webster(1829-1903)

WEBSTER

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 4/23/2008 at 23:02:19

Maquoketa Excelsior
June 19, 1903

Remarks of Rev. Shepherd Concerning H. M. Webster.

Another of Maquoketa’s honored citizens has reached that destination of the life journey about which we have been speaking. The places that knew Hiram M. Webster so well will know him no more forever. He was born in Onondaga county, New York, Dec. 27th, 1829. When about nine years of age he moved with the family to Illinois where he resided fourteen years. His next move was to Clinton county, Iowa, where he worked at the tinner’s trade in Camanche, about three years. From Camanche he went to Welton, where he purchased land and was a tiller of the soil for many years, conquering his way to substantial success, so that, a number of years ago, he was able to retire and come to Maquoketa where he resided until the day of his death, last Sunday, June 7th. A wife, one daughter, one brother and two sisters are among the near of kin who survive him and mourn his death.

One of Mr. Webster’s characteristics was his industry. He was contented and happy in going the way of honest hard work. He belonged to that class of substantial thrifty toilers who constitute in so large a degree, the bone and sinew of the nation.

He was a man whose integrity was never questioned. No man ever lost a penny through failure on his part to meet his obligations. His word was thought to be as good as his bond. Citizens thus incorruptibly honest are their country’s strength and glory. They are underneath her as the rock of Adamant.

Mr. Webster was a reader and thinker. Though quiet and unassuming, you soon learned, on engaging in conversation with him, that he was a man with opinion of his own, opinions that he was not slow in expressing and defending. When he had once settled it in his mind that a thing was right or that it was wrong, you might as well try to move the rock of Gibraltar as to change him. One soon learned that his habit of much reading kept him well informed. Through intelligent perusal of the daily papers he followed with deep interest the course of public events. He was never indifferent to the questions of national interest agitating the minds of the people.

Those in position to know best, testify that he was a kind, unselfish, helpful man in his home, he, when in good health, had a quiet but cheerful and contented disposition that helped to make life enjoyable and pleasant. Those living near him testify that he was a kind obliging neighbor. I am told that his old neighbors in Welton among whom he lived so many years, have such a kindly remembrance of him that they have been eager for the chance to honor his memory by doing all possible for the assistance and comfort of those whom his death has bereaved.

Mr. Webster was a man who thought and read much on religious themes and had a deep and sympathetic interest in the gospel and in the churches. Those nearest to him say that he was trusting Christ as his Savior and was trying in a quiet way to live in accord with His teachings. It is the judgment of all who knew him that a good man has gone to his Eternal Home. May God comfort the bereaved. May they lean heavily on the arm of Him who has promised to be a Husband to the widow and a Father to the fatherless.