VAN DUSEN, Martin Sheldon 1827-1909

ACKLEY, INMAN, JOHNSON, MANCHESTER, NEARS, SHULTZ, VAN DUSEN, WORBY

Posted By: Barb (email)
Date: 8/30/2004 at 23:15:51

**Source thought to be the Marble Rock Journal, however unable to verify as the 1909-1910 issues were destroyed or lost.**

Martin Sheldon Van Dusen was born at Keysville, Clinton Co, N.Y. on July 15th, 1827. Died November 20, 1909. Age 82 years, 4 months and 5 days.

When he was fifteen years of age he went to the state of Maine, where he learned the carriage makers trade, where he continued his labor until 1850, when he re-located at Ri[c]hford, Vermont.

He was united in marriage to Eliza Nears, March 25th 1852, moving to Shabbona Grove, Illinois in 1866, removing to Marble Rock, Iowa, in the spring of 1868.

To this union were born eight children, as follows: Melinda, of Plano, Illinois, Lucinda, now Mrs. Gideon Ackley of Marble Rock, Iowa, Oren, Remsen, Iowa; Almon, of Los Angeles, California; Luthera, also of California; George who died in Vermont, Elmer and Lulu, Mrs. Philip Shultz who died at Marble Rock.

Mr. Van Dusen like the well ripened shock of corn came to his grave, ripened in years. Like the lone oak, he stood the severe storms of many summers and frosts of many winters, holding his strength, his senses and an active mind to a marked degree.

Separating from home and kin at a remarkably early age he has made his way alone, thro’ the pains and hardships of life.

He united with the Christian church of Marble Rock about 1889; during his later years, his increasing pleasure was found in reading the Bible and visiting with friends concerning its precious promises.

For many years he engaged in wagon and carriage making and repairing at Marble Rock.

Mr. and Mrs. VanDusen went to Texas in 1900, while there his wife was taken ill with a stroke of paralysis from which she died August 20th, 1901; he returned to Iowa soon after this and during recent years has lived at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ackley, who has ministered untiringly to every need of a kind and appreciating father.

His end came rather unexpectedly Saturday evening, at 9:15, his spirit returning to the “Judge of all the Earth, who shall, surely, do right.”

Funeral services were conducted at the house, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1909. Interment taking place at Marble Rock, West side cemetery, Revs. Manchester and Inman officiating.