Ruben Martin Abbott 1860-1923

ABBOTT, PARMER, GRAVES, BORLAND, BROWNELL, DICKENS

Posted By: Dorothy (email)
Date: 6/3/2009 at 09:50:51

Reuben Martin Abbott, son of Peter and Emily, Parmer Abbott was born August 13, 1860 in Bethel Township, Fayette County, Iowa and met accidental death at his work in the Chicago Great Western Railroad yards. Oelwein, Iowa, Saturday afternoon,
March 10, 1923 at the age of 62 years,, 7 months and 27 days. He was a descendant of the oldest American stock for a grandsire George Abbott by name was one of the passengers on the Mayflower. Of this Pilgrim ancestry the family holds bonifide historical record, and of this early American connection Mr. Abbot was justly proud.
He attended district school, grew to manhood, was married and founded his home in the township in which he was born. He was united in marriage with Ruth Esther Graves, January 15, 1885, To the union five children were born, the oldest and the youngest daughter preceding him in death, who survive him are Mrs. Esther Borland, of Oelwein, Julia I. Brownell of Stanley and R. Merle Abbott of Pine River, Minn. In September 1891 he and the family moved from Bethel township to Oelwein and shortly after coming here he entered the employ of the Chicago and Great Western Railroad Company and continued in their employ for over 31 years, during which time he was never injured or hurt in anyway. At the time of his fatal accident he was air-brake inspector and while following his duty in this capacity he met his sudden death.
He leaves mourning his departuer, his step mother Achsah Abbott of Alpha who was 94 years old in December last and whom he regarded and looked up to as to a mother: also one sister, Mrs. Chas. Dickens, living near Alpha Fayette Co.: also two
brothers. Walter Abbott of Alpha and Arthur Platts Abbott of New York City; he leaves also his wife and the three children mentioned above and seven grand children and a large circle of friends and fellow workmen who respected and loved him. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, and belonged to the lodge, The Degree of Honor.
For nearly thirty years he had been a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Oelwein. He was a Christian from childhood, reared after the manner of his Piigrim Fathers in the Congregational Church. He lived in harmony with his upbringing and his Christian convictions. Although he had arrived at the age of retirement, being well an strong he preferred to work. His home and his work were his two great delights and he could almost, always be found, at home when he was not at his work.
He was a good citizen and neighbor, a true, faithful and considerate husband, companion and father.
Burial services were held at Grace Methodist Church, Tuesday, March 12th at 2:30, Rev. A. W. Henke, minister of the church conducting the service. Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.

Oelwein Daily Register - 14 Mar 1923