GREENFIELD, John 1824-1901

GREENFIELD, FOX

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 10/17/2016 at 13:25:50

Mr. John Greenfield, a highly respected citizen of Grundy Center, died at his home on First and Chestnut Sts., Wednesday morning after a protracted illness. Funeral services will be held at the M.E. church Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock under the direction of Telulah Lodge, No. 285, I.O.O.F., of which deceased was an honored member. The Republican will publish an obituary next week.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 14 November 1901, pg 5

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Obituary of John Greenfield

John Greenfield, the deceased, was born in Manchester, England, May 17, 1824, and died in Grundy Center, Iowa, Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 1901, aged 77 years, 5 months, 26 days. He came to America in 1850 and finally located in Kane, Green county, Ill., from which place he moved to Grundy county, Iowa, locating on a farm. In 1881 he moved to Grundy Center where he has since resided. In 1856 he was married to Mrs. H. C. Fox and to them were born two children, one of whom died in infancy, and the other, Charles Edwin, was present at the death of his father and ministered to his necessities.

When our country was in imminent peril John Greenfield heard the call of President Lincoln for defenders and he responded by recording his name, and for three years he endured the marches, suffered the privations incident in a soldier's life, fought in the battles and obtained an honorable discharge, and came home to his family and friends, not as he went away, but with bodily strength broken and health shattered. Last week, only so short a time ago, he belonged to the Grand Army below, today, he belongs to the Grand Army above. He has heard Uncle Sam say, "Well done good and faithful servant," but that was thirty-five years ago when he honorably discharged him from a soldier's life. Last Wednesday morning he heard it again, spoken this time by the King of Kings, the captain of his salvation, and he was invited then to enter into the joys of his salvation.

Thirty-five years ago John Greenfield united in fraternal relation to a brotherhood, known then as now as the Odd Fellows. Their motto then as now was "Friendship, Love, Truth." Uncle Johnnie, as he was familiarly known among them, was an ardent and faithful Odd Fellow. He loved its principles and teachings, and he faithfully exemplified them in his life. No entertainment was quite complete without Uncle Johnnie's and Auntie's presence.

During the pastorate of Dr. Magee Brother and Sister Greenfield united in membership with the M.E. church, of which they have been faithful members. I remember well a remark Brother Greenfield made when I first became his pastor. He said "I loved all the preachers." and so he did. His seat will be vacant. Who will wear the fallen mantle of the departed saint, this father in Israel?

The funeral was conducted by Rev. J. B. Jones, he using Rev. 14, 13, as a text. His burial was after the Odd Fellows' form. --Rev. J. B. Jones

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 21 November 1901, pg 1