WATSON, Lyman G. 1814-1889

WATSON, SUMNER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/16/2017 at 12:00:58

Lyman G. Watson died at his home in Melrose, February 8, 1889. He had been ailing some time but was not thought dangerous; and while some liniment was being applied he dropped dead from his chair.

He was born May 3, 1814 in Shaftsbury, Vermont. In early life he went to Genesee county, New York, where he was married to Clarinda Sumner of which union seven children were born, all of whom are now living.

He came to Iowa and settled in Grundy county in the spring of 1866. He was converted at sixteen years of age through a promise given a dying brother. He had an experience of mingled doubt and hope. God shined away all his clouds a week before his death. While on his way to the Melrose church he lost his way and the thought occurred to him, "God can show me where I am here, as well as at church," and kneeling down prayed that God would restore the joys of his salvation. The next night he came to church and declared how God had filled his heart with light. He talked much of his peace with God, and planned of peace and comfort for the summer. But his summer land was to be "beyond the river."

He leaves a crippled wife to mourn his loss, and children and children's children grieve at his departure. A large congregation assembled at the Melrose church February 10, at 1 p.m. and pastor J. N. Blodgett preached from Psalms 73:26 "My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever."

--Eldora Weekly Ledger (Eldora, Iowa), 14 February 1889, pg 7