Fussell, Martin H. 1852 - 1923

FUSSELL, KINGSBURY, PRESTON, STANBURY, WILEY, PRESTON, OBRIEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/13/2014 at 14:06:07

Fayette County Leader, 12 April 1923.

Martin H. Fussell was born Jan. 15, 1852, and was called hence suddenly in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 4, 1923.

The home in which he was born, the child of David and Rachel Fussell, notable pioneers in this portion of Iowa, is that now occupied by Joe Dickson east of Fayette. When Martin was eight years old the family moved to the beautiful spot where now reside Mr. and Mrs. John Hastings, and near the spring, what might be thought of as a mansion for that time was erected, to remain a choice memory with the family for all after life.

In addition to his education in the public schools Mr. Fussell was a student of Upper Iowa University, receiving his training in Commercial preparation from Prof. H. E. Hurd; and at the age of twenty-one he came to Fayette and engaged in the hardware business.

He was married Sept. 24, 1874, to Mary L. Kingsbury, who, with three children and three grandchildren, survives him.

In 1876 they moved to the farm where O. Holtzman now lives; here they remained seventeen years; for ten years thereafter they were upon the farm a mile east of town, now the home of Roy Fussell, and for twenty years their residence has been in East Fayette.

A bronchial trouble which had affected Mr. Fussell required that he should spend a portion of his time in a mild climate, and nine winters have been spent in California. From Long Beach he with Mrs. Fussell and their daughter, Alma, returned home but a few days when the final summons came to him, as the heart ceased its wonted action.

He was third in a family of twelve children: four sisters and two brothers have preceded him to the other word. His son, Roy, and family and daughter, Alma, reside at Fayette, while Mae (Mrs. E. C. Preston) lives at Homedale, Idaho.

Since his life has been spent with the exception of these temporary sojourns to the coast, here in his native place extended comment upon his character would be superfluous. It is not necessary to speak of his industry and thrift, his integrity and capacity; all these and other distinguishing qualities of his personality are well known. He was active in affairs of interest and moment as related to enterprises of creamery and bank. He was genial and neighborly and will be missed by many.

The spiritual had made its appeal to him and he had manifested his response by a Christian profession and fealty and by membership in the Methodist church, confirming thereby the training received in his early years in the United Brethren church of which his parents were members.

Their are now living of those who in their childhood in the old home were sharers of the same influences: Mrs. Dorcas Stanbury, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Ophella Wiley, Mason City, Iowa; Pomeroy B., Uplands, California; Elias C., of Fayette, and O. G., of Redlands, California.

The funeral was held Sunday in the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. D. M. Parker.

Relatives present from out of town were: Mae Fussell Preston, Homedale, Idaho; Helen Preston, Moline, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wiley, Mason City, Iowa; Mrs. Nellie Fussell, Charles City, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Kingbury, Osage, Iowa; Mrs. Hazel O'Brien, Donnan, Iowa.

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Note: See the biography of David E. Fussell on the Fayette Co. web site.

Submitter is not related.

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