LEANDER CLIFTON RAWSON 1871-1929

RAWSON, TRUESDELL, BELDING, CURTIS, RICHARDS

Posted By: Jeanie Belding (email)
Date: 1/22/2014 at 22:05:31

source: Oelwein Daily Register, December 31, 1929 pg. 6

Leander Clifton Rawson was born October 17, 1871 at Springfield, South Dakota and passed from this life on December 24, 1929 at Iowa City, Iowa. He was one of a family of four boys, Charles being the only survivor now. Early in his life he started learning his chosen work and before he had reached the age of twenty-one years had become an expert telegraphist, learning at Arlington. Following this occupation as helper and relief man, he was in time given the position as station agent at Waucoma. From there he went to Arlington to a like position, and nine years ago came to Fayette. Here he served as agent until his last illness caused him to seek medical aid. For some time Mr. Rawson had been in poor health, having sought relief at Rochester but did not have to give up his work entirely until a couple of weeks before his death. Upon going to Iowa City, they decided to operate, but after making the incision it was thought that an operation would not be wise. After this time he remained in a critical condition and passed away last Tuesday.
On November 11, 1897, he married Miss Ollie Truesdell and five children were born to bless this home, all of whom were present with their mother at the funeral. The wife and these children, Leta, now Mrs. Bert Belding of Waucoma; Verdine of Chicago; Leroy of Cleveland, Ohio; Nadine, now Mrs. Allyn Curtis of Cleveland, Ohio; and Leola, at home; and one brother, Charles of Pettibone, North Dakota are left to mourn his passing.
Mr. Rawson was a member of the Congregational church and he and his family joined that church in Fayette when they moved here. Later upon the closing of that church, they became affiliated with the M.E. church. Mr. Rawson and his family had made many friends here in the past nine years and much sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.
A short service was held last Thursday at 1:30 at the home, followed by a service at the M.E. church. Dr. J.D. Clinton was in charge of the service, with a prayer by Dr. D.M. Parker. Two beautiful songs, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought" and "My Jesus, As Thou Wilt", were sung by Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Crain, Mrs. Henry Hettler and Prof. W.C. Van Ness with Miss Azalia Knight at the organ. Following the sermon, the Masonic service was held at the church. Interment was made at the Grandview cemetery, with Messrs. E.A. Billings, F.B. Claxton, J.E. Dorman, E.N. Hartman, R.B. McCormick and O.W. Stevenson acting as casket bearers for this brother Mason.
Some of the relatives who were present at the funeral services for the late L.C. Rawson were Mr. and Mrs. Verdine Rawson of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Rawson and Mr. and Mrs. Allyn Curtis of Cleveland, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rawson of Pettibone, North Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Belding and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Truesdell of Waucoma; Mr. S.F. Truesdell and son of Archer, Iowa; and Mrs. E.C. Richards of Cleveland, Ohio.