Frederic Rufus Lyman 1841-1916

LYMAN, IJAMS, IAMS, MORTON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/22/2010 at 23:11:27

The Passing of Fred R. Lyman
Well Known Citizen Died Sunday, After a Long and Painful Illness
He Was One of the Pioneers
Deceased Came to This Section of the Country as a Young Man, and Developed With It

Frederic Rufus Lyman was born December 24, 1841, at Alexander, Ohio. He passed away at his home in Estherville, Iowa, April 16, 1916, at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 22 days. He grew to manhood in his native state. When twenty-three year old, he came to Minnesota and located on a homestead at Jackson, the present depot being now located on what was then his farm. Being one of the early settlers of this western country, he was prominent in its development. He helped to organize Jackson county, Minnesota and was the first County Treasurer, the treasure’s office being in his cabin. After six years of frontier life, he returned to Ohio, where he lived for thirteen years. He then came to Estherville, where he has since resided, excepting one year spent in Centerville, Iowa.

He was married May 12, 1863, to Mattie E. Ijams (Iams). To this union seven children were born. Two daughters preceded him to the better land. His wife was called away about seven years ago. The remaining sons and daughters are as follows: Judson J. Lyman, of Cleveland, Ohio; George H., of Estherville; Lewis F., of Mandan, N. Dak.; Mrs. J. E. Morton, of Burlington, Iowa, and Miss Kate Lyman, of this city.

Deceased was engaged in business in Estherville for twenty-five years. He retired about five years ago to live a quiet peaceful life. Brother Lyman has been active in Christian service all his life. He was brought up by a religious family and was zealous in his faith. In 1875 he attended a series of meetings held at Hartford, Ohio, by Elder F. D. Garvin, a Christian minister. In this meeting he learned many new things about the Bible. He was so impressed with the plea of these people that he cast his lot with them and was baptized during that meeting. Ever since then he has been an ardent defender of the “Faith once for all delivered unto the Saints.” The Church of Christ of this city was organized with only twelve charter members, and he and his wife and daughter, Kate, were three of the twelve. He thus helped to organize the church here and was one of its office bearers. He has been an Elder of the congregation for many years.

In the passing of F. R. Lyman, Estherville has lost one of her best citizens. Emmet county one of her pioneer settlers, and the church one of its faithful and valued members. His life has been a benediction to this community, and in his character he has left a rich heritage for his family.

Funeral services were conducted at the Church of Christ in this city, Tuesday afternoon, at three o’clock, by the minister, Rev. J. S. Coffin, and the remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery. All the surviving sons and daughters were present at the funeral excepting his son, Judson, of Cleveland, Ohio. The family have the sympathy of the community in this sad hour. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 19, 1916)