LEFFINGWELL, Wm. E.

LEFFINGWELL, MITCHELL

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 12/13/2023 at 09:50:37

Source: Page 1, The Clinton Age, Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1884
Hon. Wm. E. Leffingwell, one of Clinton county's oldest settlers and a prominent jurist of the Northwest, died at his home in Lyons last Wednesday at the age of 63 years. For over thirty years Judge Leffingwell has been well and favorably known all through the Northwest not only for his brilliant powers as an attorney and statesman but for the many sterling qualities which go to make the man. Since his removal to Clinton county Mr. Leffingwell has held many positions of honor and trust. At the outbreak of the war Mr. Leffingwell was among the first to put his shoulder to the wheel in raising troops.
For many years deceased has been a Free Mason and at one time held the highest state office in the gift of that order. At the time of his death he was a member in good standing of the various higher degrees of Scottish rite masonry and was highly esteemed by all the fraternity.
For a number of years past he has resided in Chicago, but his failing health compelled him to relinquish practice in the courts, and he returned to his home in Lyons in hopes of regaining his health. But it was too late; hard mental work had so thoroughly undermined his constitution that a rally was impossible and he passed quietly away, surrounded by friends and relatives. The entire community are sincere in their sympathy with the bereaved family.
He leaves a widow, two sons, Frank and W. B. and a daughter, Mrs. Dr. Mitchell. The funeral will take place under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity to-day.
Source: Page 1, Clinton Morning News, Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 16, 1884
The funeral of the late W. E. Leffingwell occurred yesterday forenoon at half-past ten o'clock, and was attended by a very large number of relatives, friends and old acquaintances of the deceased. A prayer and a few remarks by Rev. Sidney Crawford, at the residence of the deceased made up the services. Then the procession, led by Delphic Chapter Rose Croix, escorted the remains to Oakland cemetery, where the burial service of the order above named was performed. The escort comprised about fifty members of the order, with badges, and a number of floral tributes were placed on the casket. The ritual services were conducted by G. M. Curtis, master, and the funeral was in charge of W. W. Sanborn. About fifty carriages followed the remains to the cemetery. The following gentlemen officiated as pall bearers: Charles Curtis, H. A. Hart, H. F. Bowers, Z. DeGroat, A. Lamb, J. S. Jenkins, R. A. Lyons and C. W. Warner.