COTTON, John

COTTON

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:30

From The Clinton Age, Jan. 28, 1870, Page 5

DIED. At his home in De Witt, Jan. 20th, 1870, at 1 o'clock P. M. of congestive chills, after a brief illness, John Cotton; aged 79 years and 20 days.
John Cotton was one of the pioneers of the West, having arrived at Davenport, Iowa, on the 5th of May, 1844, and at De Witt June 23rd of the same year. His father owned the old Plymouth Farm -- the landing place of the Pilgrims -- at which place the deceased was born Dec. 31st, 1791. At the age of nine he moved with his father to Belfry, Ohio, and soon after to Austin, Ohio, and still later to Iowa, as stated. The deceased was a member of the first society of Christians, or Disciples, ever organized, had for 45 years been a member of the Church, died in the faith, and has gone to the reward of the faithful.
His funeral sermon was preached at the new Christian Chapel Sunday afternoon, 23rd inst., by Rev. Nones Harizel of Davenport, a veteran of the Cross and a lifelong friend of the deceased; at which time the house was densely packed and then did not contain more than one half of those who went to the place to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had honored.
Mr. Cotton was a highly esteemed citizen, and his sudden death took everybody by surprise. He will be missed by the community and especially by the Church of which he was a member. It was mainly through his effort and largely by his means that the new Church -- now completed, swept and garnished, ready to be dedicated -- was erected. His funeral was the first service held therein.
Hon. A. R. Cotton, son of the deceased, was called from his post as Speaker of the House, at Des Moines, to attend the funeral, but has now returned. -- Observer.