Charles Eugene Sullivan 1869-1920

SULLIVAN, ROCKLIFFE, RACKLIFF

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 5/7/2014 at 10:50:37

C.E. Sullivan died very suddenly Friday [August 13, 1920] evening from a stroke of apoplexy. Funeral from the home Sunday afternoon. The body laid to rest in the Dolliver cemetery. The family have the sympathy of the entire community. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, August 18, 1920)

Charles Eugene Sullivan
Charles Eugene Sullivan was born in Nora Spring, Floyd County, Iowa, April 28, 1869 and died at his home in Dolliver, Emmet County, Iowa, August 13, 1920, aged fifty one years, three months and fifteen days.

His childhood and youth was spent in Nora Springs, where he attended the public schools, securing his education, the preparation for his life work.

When about eighteen years of age, he secured a position in a General Merchandise Store in Livermore where by industry and integrity he soon won the esteem of his employees and the community. Later he was employed in a Clothing Store in Emmetsburg, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with every department of the Merchandise trade.

When the Railroad was extended into Northern Emmet County, and the town of Dolliver was established he was quick to see the opportunity and was one of the first men to establish his home and his business in the new and flourishing town of Dolliver, coming with his family in September 1900. Since which time he has been a continual resident of the town, being engaged in General Merchandising in which he has been eminently successful.

He was united in marriage June 5, 1895, to Miss Lonie R. Rockliffe [Rackliff] at Livermore, Iowa. And to them were born two sons both of whom survive and were with their father at the time of his death. They are Everret N. Sullivan and Howard E. Sullivan, both of Dolliver, Iowa, who together with their mother are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and husband.

The deceased was a man held very high in the esteem of his fellow townsmen. In his death the community suffered a great loss, tears were glistening in many strong men eyes as they speak of his departure. In his long residence here he had not only made many acquaintances, but by his faithful service to the interests of the community he had cemented their acquaintances into strong and lasting friendship. As a Christian gentleman he stood high in the community and will be greatly missed in the Church and Sunday School to which he was very loyal and devoted. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Dolliver, a member of the Board of Trustees and Stewards and was also Chairman of the Building Committee of the New Community House annex of the Church Building in which he will be greatly missed. Among the Fraternal Orders, he was a member of the Masonic Order, holding a membership in Emmet Lodge No. 533, Armstrong, Iowa. He was also a member of the Royal Arch Masons, Jeptha Chapter No. 128 Estherville, Iowa and of the Modern Woodsmen in Dolliver.

During the World War he was one of the most loyal of the loyal, selected to act as Chairman of the War Board in Lincoln township. He participated in every Red Cross, Liberty Loan or other War Activity and was liberal in supporting every good cause. During his residence of nearly twenty years, his voice, vote and influence has been continually exerted towards the things that are for the betterment of the Community and Town.

His death came without a moments warning. He died as he had lived, with his face toward the Shining Path.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon from the residence by Rev. Allen Bishop, his pastor, and the body laid to rest in the Dolliver cemetery with the beautiful and impressive Masonic Ritual.

Farewell:
A little time and we who knew thee well and loved Thee here
One after one shall follow thee
As pilgrims through the gates of fear
Which opens on Eternity.
Yet shall we cherish not the less
All that is left our hearts meanwhile
And all thou lovest of Earth and Sky
Seems seared to thy memory.
(Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, August 18, 1920 / Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 18, 1920/ Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 18, 1920)