LYMAN L. SHOWERS

SHOWERS, BASH, WOODRUFF

Posted By: Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert (email)
Date: 5/4/2002 at 21:59:30

Decatur County Journal
Thursday, August l9, l920

LYMAN L. SHOWERS, son of ALVAH and MARY (BASH) SHOWERS, was born in Muskingum County, O., July l4, l844, and died at his late home in Weldon, Iowa, August ll, l920, aged 76 years and 27 days. He was left motherless while yet too young to know a mother's love and care. He was reared to manhood on the farm on which he was born. After his father's death several years ago, he was the oldest of the family name so far as is known. He was married to MARY WOODRUFF, January l0, l869. He and his young wife left their native state directly after marriage to build a home in Iowa. They lived in Clarke County until l88l when they moved to Weldon. Four children were born to them: MERTON M., CHESTER A., MABEL and WILBUR. The last named two died in infancy.

He was a Civil War veteran and a charter member of the Weldon Post G.A.R. Having patriotism and loyalty to his country instilled into his young mind all through his boyhood days, he did not hesitate when the call to arms was sounded, although only l8 years of age, to volunteer in the service to do a soldier's part toward saving the country from enemies. He enlisted in the 97th Regiment O.V.I. and was severely wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge, and for that disability he received an honorable discharge from the service.

He united with the Weldon Christian Church twenty-six years ago. He lived his religion in his every day life, believing sincerely that it was something which could not be cast off and on like a garment. He was always ready to do for the cause of Christ in any capacity so far as he was capable. It was always a pleasure for him to do church work and was always found at his post of duty. His generosity amounted to almost a fault. No empty hand was ever outstretched to him that was not filled so far as his means would allow. He loved children always and they responded to his kindness in many ways. During his illness they came many times with their little hands filled with fruit or flowers to offer him and to him it was a pleasure to greet them.

Death came just as the sun went down. He had no fears and as the spark of life went out, he closed his eyes and passed away as peacefully as a child going to sleep. The funeral was held at l:30 Friday afternoon from the Christian Church. The abundance of flowers and church decorations were indeed beautiful. As a tribute of respect the business men of the town closed the doors of their business places during the services. The sermon was preached by the Pastor, Rev. Lewis S.C. Smythe. Interment was made in the beautiful Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Iowa.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
May l, 2002