[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

PENNIWELL, James F.

PENNIWELL, WADSWORTH, WEATHERBY, RUSH, THROCKMORTON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/28/2017 at 05:46:44

Obituary ~ James F. Penniwell
July 27, 1835 ~ August 20, 1914

Leon Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa

James F. Penniwell, son of Solomon and Catherine Penniwell, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, near New Holland, July 27, 1835, and departed this life at his home in Leon, Iowa, August 20, 1914, aged 79 years and 24 days.

Mr. Penniwell came to Decatur county with his parents in the year 1855, and continued to make his home there until the time of his death. He was the eldest of ten children, all of whom have departed this life except one brother, Samuel C. Penniwell, of Leon, Iowa.

In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Wadsworth, who preceded him to the great beyond on August 10, 1910. To this union were born seven children, four boys and three girls: John E., of Vancouver, B.C.; Mrs. Kate Weatherby, of Los Angeles, California; Virgil F. and Mrs. Jennie Rush, of Leon; Mrs. Mayme E. Throckmorton, of Derby, Iowa; James R. and George W., of Leon, Iowa, all of whom survive and were present at the time of their father's death. In addition to the immediate family he is survived by sixteen grandchildren and numerous other relatives.

Mr. Penniwell learned the carpenter's trade, and in the early days was one of the prominent contractors and builders of the county.

He united with the Methodist church in Leon July 7, 1878, and remained a faithful member until death. He was active in the work of the church, having served as Sunday School superintendent member of the Official Board, class leader, member of the choir, in fact, nearly every office in the church was held by him at some time. He was the contractor and builder of the Leon Methodist church, and of the Davis City Methodist church as well.

He was a man of sterling integrity, devoted to his family, and never forgot a friend, or one in need. Being one of the pioneers of the city of Leon, he had alwasy taken an active interest in local affairs, and did much in building up his town and county. He had served on numerous occasions as a member of the Leon school board and on the city council, although he was never an office seeker.

Funeral services were held at the residence on west Commercial street, Sunday afternoon, August 23rd, at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Guy J. Fansher, minister of the Leon Methodist church. The music for the service was furnished by a quartet consisting of Mrs. O. E. Hull, Mrs. J. A. Caster, Dr. J. W. Rowell and W. E. Kemp, with Miss Gretchen Hurst at the piano. Three comforting hymns were sung. Interment was in the Leon cemetery, a large concourse of sorrowing friends being present to pay their final respect to the deceased.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2017


 

Decatur Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen

[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]