M.C. RHEA

RHEA, COOK, MILTON

Posted By: Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert (email)
Date: 3/19/2002 at 20:22:06

Decatur County Journal
Thursday, February 26, l920

The subject of this sketch, M.C., son of SEBRID and NANCY (COOK) RHEA, was born in White County, Tenn., December l, l836, departed this life after an extended illness at his home in Leon, Iowa, Saturday morning February 2lst, l920, at 4 a.m., aged 83 years, 2 months and 20 days. His parents removed from Tennessee and settled in Mercer County, Mo., when he was a child two years of age. The journey was made with an ox team.

Here he grew to manhood's estate and where he spent the greater part of his life. He was reared on the farm and during the winter months attended school. Later he attended college at Campden Point, Mo., where he received his higher education. For a number of years after leaving school he followed the profession of teaching. He was the youngest child in a family consisting of eight children and the last of the family to succumb to death.

He was united in marriage to MISS MIRANDA MILTON in Mercer County, Mo., January l3, l853. To this union were born ten children, 7 boys and 3 girls, five of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Only two survive the father and are as follows: MISS EVA, of Leon, Iowa, and W.J. RHEA, of Hobart, Oklahoma.

He united with the Church of Christ in early life and during his long and eventful life his faith in Christ as the Son of God and his Savior never faltered. He was honorable and upright in all of his dealings with his fellowmen; sociable, hospitable, kindly disposed toward all and generous hearted even to a fault. The wife and loving mother preceded him in death, having departed this life for the life eternal. September 26th, l886. The home was kept intact for a period of two years following the death of the wife and mother. Then came the giving up of the home. For a number of years following this he made his home with his son, JAMES. Later he resided with his son, W.J., and for the past ten years resided with his daughter, EVA, at Leon, Iowa. During his long life he has enjoyed the best of health until about one year ago when he was very ill with influenza followed by pneumonia. The decline in health dates back to that time. During his illness he was tenderly cared for by loved ones. The writer of these lines visited with him frequently and conversed with him often upon Bible themes. He believed implicitly in God's Word and in Jesus, his Savior.

To him death is the gateway into the larger and serener life. He leaves to mourn his departure the loving children, grandchildren, and nephews and nieces besides other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday morning at l0 a.m.. The body was then taken to Goshen, Mo., where short services were held at the old home church, conducted by Rev. P.H. Green. Interment was made in the Goshen Cemetery. Old familiar and favorite hymns were sung by a quartette as follows: Mrs. Ralph McGinnis, Mrs. J.A. Caster, Doctor Rowell and Ralph McGinnis; pianist, Mrs. Bert Woodard.
The floral offerings by friends were beautiful.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
March l9, 2002