Charles Carroll Doolittle 1833-1916

DOOLITTLE, COON, GROOM, STAUFFER, STEELE, STEEL, RIDLEY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/26/2010 at 01:08:45

Charles C. Doolittle
Chas. C. Doolittle at the ripe old age of eighty-two years, one month and six days has finished his labors on earth and is now clothed in the habiliments of death. The dissolution came Monday afternoon, January 24.

The deceased was born at New Haven, Oswego county, New York, December 18, 1833, and early in life he learned the printers trade at which he worked until 1870. He came to Iowa in October 1857 and worked at his trade in Mason City. In 1860 he worked on the first newspaper in Hancock county published n Ellington township by Tucker & Tobin. He was married to Melissa Coon on January 18, 1859, and to this union six children were born: Harry who lives at Cedar Rapids, L. C. of This city, Mrs. W. S. Groom of Sharpsburg, Mrs. E. D. Stauffer of Leadville, Colorado, Mrs. S. W. Steel, deceased, and Mrs. R. J. Ridley of this city. In 1870 he moved to Hancock county and was clerk of courts in that county for twenty years.

In 1870 he became affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and it was the teaching of this order which proved the inspiration of his life and he has since been an active laborer with the craft and his life has been dedicated to the exemplification of the tenets of the institution. Coming to Emmet county in 1891 he affiliated with the North Star Lodge No. 447, in this city and this lodge he served as master in 1893, and as secretary for eight years since that time. He was a charter member of Jeptha Chapter 128, R.A.M. of Estherville and was the first secretary this lodge elected and held this office for six years. His Masonic record is unusual and probably unequalled by few members of the craft throughout the entire land. Twenty-six years in active discharge of the duties of elective offices attest a confidence and esteem on the part of his brethren not often accorded one individual.
In 1895 and ’96 he was on the census board in Des Moines after which he returned to Estherville and has since held various positions of trust and responsibility. He was deputy clerk under Mr. Heffelfinger three years ago, has been justice of the peace for several successive years and held that office when he died. He was a man of sterling integrity, of strong personality and those who knew him best loved him most.

He was a very active man throughout life and even last week he went to the polls and voted on the gas franchise proposition. Saturday he was stricken with decline, but Sunday was able to sit up in his chair. Monday, however, he began to fail and in the afternoon dropped into a sleep that knows no awakening.

Funeral services were held from the Baptist church this (Wednesday) afternoon at 3:00 p.m., in charge of Rev. Catlin, and the remains were then taken in charge by sorrowing brethren of the Masonic Order, who in conformity to the established custom of the fraternity performed the last sad rites of burial. He was laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery by the side of his beloved wife who preceded him six years ago. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, January 26, 1916)

“Dad” Has Gone to His Reward
C. C. Doolittle Died Monday Afternoon After a Very Brief Illness
Deceased Was 81 Years Old
Was a Well Known and Highly Respected Citizen

Charles C. Doolittle, an old and familiar resident, known to us all as “Dad” Doolittle, passed away at the home of his son, L. C. Doolittle, on last Monday evening at five o’clock. The fact that he was so familiarly know to us all as to be termed “Dad” is one of the best indications of the favors he had shown, and had been shown in the community. He has so long served the public in an official capacity that practically every one knew him.

Mr. Doolittle was a printer by trade, having entered this field of labors at the age of fifteen, in the state of New York. In October, 1857, he came to Mason City to work at his trade, and he has the distinction of being on the first paper issued in both Cerro Gordo and Hancock counties. In 1870 he moved to Hancock county, and was elected to the office of Clerk of Courts in that county soon thereafter. This position of trust was held by him for more than twenty years.

Mr. Doolittle was a firm believer in Masonry. He has been a very active member since he entered the order in 1870, having united with Truth Lodge of Forest City at that early date. He has served in an official capacity in that order for twenty-four years of that time he has been a member. He was also a charter member of Jeptha Chapter No. 128 of this city, and acted in the capacity of secretary for a period of six years.

Mr. Doolittle was born December 18, 1835, in New Haven, Oswego county, N.Y. He moved to Mason City in 1857. On January 18, 1859, he was married to Melissa Coon, at Mason City. To this union there was born two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living, with the exception of Mrs. S. W. Steele. Two reside in Estherville, L. C. Doolittle, and Mrs. R. J. Ridley; H. H. Doolittle, of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. S. W. Groom, of Sharpsburg, and Mrs. E. D. Stauffer, of Leadville, Colorado.

The funeral services were held this afternoon at three o’clock at the Baptist church, the Rev. Catlin officiating. Interment was made at Oak Hill cemetery under the direction of the Masonic order. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, January 26, 1916)