John King 1852-1928

KING, ROSE, ROSS, MCFADDEN, YOUNG, WHEELER, PRESTON

Posted By: Dorothy (email)
Date: 7/31/2008 at 19:33:50

John King, second youngest son of Thomas King and
Barbara Rose King, was born in Canada East, Providence Quebec, Canada July 26th, 1852 and died, at his home, 220 1st Ave. N. E., Oelwein, Iowa, October 4th, 1928 at the age of 70 years, 2 months and 8 days. He grew to manhood in the place of his birth,growing up on a poor farm with his parents and seven brothers and sisters. He learned the trade of carpenter which he followed for about 25 years. He was essentially self-educated for the rural Canadian community in which he grew up had only very, meager school opportunities. But being energetic and studious as the demands of life increased upon him he reached out farther and farther, training himself for his tasks and social responsibilities.

When he was twenty-one years of age he came with is parents to Iowa and settled on a farm in Scott township, Fayette county. July 4th, 1978 at Wadena he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Ross. They established their home on a farm near by the parental homes of both of them in Putnam township. Two years later they moved to Strawberry Point which continued to their home until they became residents of Oelwein. To this union six children were born, Alexander, deceased in 1918, Barbara, now Mrs. J. N. McFadden of Oelwein, Margaret now Mrs. L. H. Young of Osage, Iowa, Jessie now Mrs. T. L. Wheeler of Waterloo,
Iowa; Ethel, now Mrs. W. L. Preston of Oelwein and James. W. King of Oelwein.

Upon moving to Strawberry Point he formed a partnership with Ira Cole in a combination business, operating a lumber yard and contracting and building. He carried on the contracting and building end of the busines. While engaged thus the railroad came through Oelwein and Mr. King began to carry on extensive contracting work in the newly established town. Considering Oelwein a
prospective business point, in 1890 he and his partner bought a lumber yard here. The following year his family moved here and three years later he built the family home on First Avenue, N. E. where he continued to live the rest of his life. Shortly after coming to Oelwein he discontinued his contracting business and devoted 'himself entirely to the lumber business which in the process of the years came into his personal possession. Mr. King was a public spirit citizen and throughout his active life made large personal
contributions to the city's upbuilding. He served on the town council, the school board, and in other public capacities and was always a contributor to every cause making for the progress and service in the city.

He was generous to a fault not only with his family but with good causes and people who seemed to need what he had. His interest in the church and its program was personal. He was a close friend to a succession of ministers that came and
went in his city. He was the contractor and builder of the first Methodist Church built in Oelwein and contributed most generously in building their present house of worship and was a regular attendant at the services of worship, his health permitting.
About seven years ago while in California he began to fail in health, high blood pressure developed and since that time he has been gradually
declining. Four weeks before his death he had a slight stroke which was followed by a severe one from which he never regained consciousness.

He leaves mourning his passing his wife wife, the children mentioned above, an only surviving brother, Thomas King of Oelwein, six grandchildren and a large circle of friends. Burial services were held at the family home, 220 1st Ave.N. E. at l:45 and at Grace Methodist Church at 2:00, Saturday, October 6th. 1928 by Rev. Dillman Smith of Des Moines, a former pastor and long time friend of Mr. King. Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelweln, Iowa.

Oelwein Daily Register - 9 Oct 1928