Eugene R. Littell 1842-1913

LITTELL, HEERMAN, HERMAN, FLEMING

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/19/2011 at 00:47:06

E.R. Littell Dies in Washington
Passed Away at Home of Brother in Mondovi Washington Thursday April 3rd
Pioneer of Emmet County
Came to This County in 1860 and Engaged in Farming, First Pastor of Methodist Episcopal Church
E.R. Littell, one of the pioneers of this county died at the home of his brother, C.H. Littell, at Mondovi Washington April 3d. If he had lived until May 9th he would have been seventy-one years of age.

The body reached here Monday afternoon over the M. & St. L. railroad and was taken to the home of his brother J.P. Littell. Funeral was held from the Methodist Episcopal church Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock conducted by Rev. G. F. Whitfield. Interment was made in East Side cemetery by the side of his wife who passed away five years ago. The pall bearers were Howard Graves, Warren Pullen, John P. Johnston, Chauncey R. Ammon, O. Neville and Henry C. Coon.

Mr. Littell came to Emmet County in the spring of 1869 from Alma, Wisconsin and settled on a homestead in Ellsworth township. A few years later he moved into Estherville and engaged in the mercantile business and continued in that business until about two years ago when he retired on account of failing health and went west, most of the time being spent with his brother at Mondovi, Washington.

He helped organize the First Methodist Episcopal church in this city and was its pastor for a number of years.

Obituary
Eugene R. Little was born in Chenango County, New York, May 9th 1842. In early life he moved with his parents Dr. Aaron Littell to Presqnile Michigan. Here the family lived for some years and then moved to Alma Wisconsin. In the year 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Heerman and to them was born five children, three of whom died in infancy. The two who grew to manhood were Rev. Leslie Littell of Madison, Tenn. And Will E. Littell who died about five years ago in this city.

The deceased moved to Emmet County, Iowa in the early spring of 1869 when this County had few residents and engaged in farming. During this time he suffered with many others the vicissitudes of the loss of crops through the pests that visited the country at that time. He next moved into Estherville and with a company of good Christian people formed the nucleus of the present first Methodist Episcopal Church and became the first pastor and so acted for three years. He entered the business world engaging in business activities and was a faithful man in this work for many years. A few years ago he moved to Washington to enjoy a well deserved rest with his brother C.H. Littell. Here he passed away after a lingering sickness which disclosed the fact that the great body was worn out.

He is survived by three brothers and one sister, John P. Littell of this city, C.H. Littell of Mondovi, Washington, Aaron J. Littell of Pepin Wis., and Mrs. John Fleming, Pepin, Wisconsin.

At the time of his death he was 70 years 10 months and 28 days of age.

E.R. Littell was converted at the age of 17 years and gave himself unreservedly to the Master. Shortly after he found Christ his thought turned to the work of the Saviour and was soon appointed as an exhorter in the Church and later elected and became a local preacher. He early showed a marvelous power in preaching and leading men to Christ. He was a good man, a faithful husband and devoted father. The memory of his good life will long remain a blessing to many who have known his devotion to the Master. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, April 9, 1913)

Death of E.R. Littell
Died at Mondovi, Washington, Thursday, April 3rd
Interment Will Be Here
Was Pastor of Methodist Episcopal Church in Estherville for Years – Built First Church
E.R. Littell, one of the pioneer residents of Estherville, died at the home of his brother at Mondovi, Washington, on Thursday, April 3rd, after an extended illness of arterio-sclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Deceased was born in the state of New York on May 13, 1842, and when a young man took up his residence at Alma, Wisconsin, where he was married to Miss Ollie Herman. They remained there for several years and came to Estherville forty-five years ago. While at Alma Mr. Littell studied for the ministry and when he came to Estherville was pastor of the Methodist church and it was while he was pastor the church building that was recently moved from the site were the new church now stands, was built. After leaving the ministry he engaged in the mercantile business here and continued in same for twenty-five years. Mrs. Littell died six years ago and he disposed of his stock, two years later leaving for Mondovi, Washington, to live with his brother.

Three brothers and one sister are living: John Littell, of this city; Charles Littell at Mondovi, Washington; Aron J. Littell and Mrs. John Fleming at Pepin, Wisconsin. Only one son survives him, Leslie Littell, who resides in Indiana, but was at his bedside when he died. Deceased had many friends in Estherville who will regret to learn of his death.

The remains arrived Monday afternoon from Mondovi and funeral services will be held this afternoon at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. G.F. Whitfield and burial will be in Oak Hill [East Hill] Cemetery. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, April 8, 1913)