John Wilbur Hemphill 1864-1955

HEMPHILL, ANDERSON, SATTERLY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/10/2011 at 23:08:57

Veteran Railroad Conductor Died at Age of 90
John Wilbur Hemphill was born Oct. 17, 1864 at Rock Grove and died July 22, 1955 at the age of 90 years, nine months and five days. He was the second son of J.B. and Julia Ann Hemphill.

He moved with his parents to Rudd in his youth. He attended school and grew to manhood there.

He started as a railroad man with the Milwaukee Railroad when he was 21. He came to Estherville in 1891. In 1892 he was employed with the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. He continued with the company after it was taken over by the Rock Island Railroad. He was promoted to conductor in 1894 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1935.

He married Eromina Anderson in 1895. Four children were born, Lyle of Green Rock, Ill., Mrs. Doris Satterly of Keokuk, Leona Hemphill Anderson of Estherville and Lois Hemphill of Alexandria, Va.

Mr. Hemphill was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. Survivors include his widow, four children, four grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was baptized and united with the Union Baptist church on July 4, 198.

He was a member of the Order of Railway Conductors and the Union Baptist church.

Burial was in Eastside cemetery. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, July 30, 1955)