Atkinson, Oscar Edward (1861-1935)

ATKINSON, PETERSON, JOHNSON, METCALF, HALL, WHITEMAN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Dayton Review
April 25, 1935

Obituary

Oscar Edward Atkinson, the son of Edward and Mathilda (Peterson) Atkinson, was born at LaTrobe, California, January 29, 1861, and died at his home in Boone, Iowa, April 10, 1935, at the age of 74 years, 2 months, 11 days. There his early childhood was passed, his parents having shared in the gold rush of early days to the coast. Later his parents moved back to Iowa, and lived a year with their parents northwest of Boone. In the winter of 1867, Mr. Atkinson's father purchased a sawmill on the banks of the Des Moines River, west of Stratford, which through pioneer days was known as "Atkinson's Saw Mill." When his father's health failed, young Oscar Atkinson operated the mill until his father's death. The old home which the father erected of native walnut still stands near the site of the old mill. On July 2, 1882, he united in marriage with Miss Louise Johnson, and they lived near the old mill until 1893, when they moved to Stratford and engaged in business. Here Mrs. Atkinson died. Two sons were born to them, one of whom died in infancy; the other, Dr. B.E. Atkinson, now resides in Boone. His parents and one sister, Mrs. Elna Johnson, preceded him in death. On March 17, 1894, Mr. Atkinson was married to Mrs. Dora E. Metcalf. They continued to live at Stratford until 1925, when they moved to Boone, purchasing a residence at 112 Seventh Street, that city, which has since been their home.

During his boyhood, Mr. Atkinson received a strict and thorough religious training in the Lutheran Church, becoming a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and adhered to this faith to the end of his years. For a number of years he has been in failing health, but bore his sufferings with fortitude and patience, cheerfully expressing a humble assurance in his Saviour as the end of his days approached. Mr. Atkinson loved all, old and young, and his home was open always to his friends, whom he always cherished dearly. He leaves to mourn, his wife and son, and two to whom he had been a father, Mrs. Elmer Hall and Watson Metcalf, both of Des Moines; he also leaves a sister, Mrs. Mary J. Whiteman of Des Moines, a nephew Dr. H.E. Johnson of Dayton, a niece, Mrs. C.E. Peterson of Stratford, four grandchildren, and other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon, April 10th, from Welin funeral parlors in Boone, in charge of Rev. Frank Bean of the First M.E. Church in that city. Burial was made in the South Marion cemetery, southeast of Stratford. He passed a good life, pioneer in spirit, lovable in character and devotion, and the neighbors and friends of an honored lifetime will remember in respect the splendid memory he left in the hearts of all.

Stratford Courier
April 1935

O.E. Atkinson

O.E. Atkinson, for many years a resident of Stratford and community, died in his home in Boone April 10, 1935, after an illness of several weeks. He was 74 years, 2 months, 11 days old at his death.

Oscar Edward Atkinson, son of Edward and Matilda (Peterson) Atkinson, was born at LaTrobe, Calif., Jan. 29, 1861. After living in the west for some time his parents moved back to Iowa, the state which had been their home before they went with gold rush of that early day to the west. They lived for a year with the grandparents, northwest of Boone, and in the winter of 1867 the deceased's father purchased a sawmill located on the banks of the Des Moines river, west of Stratford, which through pioneer days was known as the Atkinson mill. He erected a house of native walnut which is still standing near the site of the old mill. When his father's health failed, Mr. Atkinson operated the mill until his father's death.

On July 2, 1882, Mr. Atkinson married Miss Louise Johnson and they lived near the mill until in 1893 when they moved to Stratford and engaged in business. Here Mrs. Atkinson died. Two sons were born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and the other, Dr. B.E. Atkinson, resides in Boone. His parents and one sister, Mrs. Elma Johnson, preceded him in death. On March 17, 1894 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Dora E. Metcalf. They continued to live here until 19_5 when they moved to Boone, purchasing a dwelling at 112 Seventh street, and which has since been their home.

During his boyhood he received a strict and thorough religious training in the Lutheran church and became a firm believer in Jesus Christ and adhered to this faith until the end. For several years he had been in failing health but during the last month he had failed rapidly but bore his suffering with cheerfulness and patience. When death was near he expressed a humble assurance in his Saviour. He was a man of the kindliest heart, friendly to everyone both old and young and his home was always open to his friends whom he always enjoyed very much.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife and son, and two to whom he had been a father; Mrs. Elmer Hall and Watson Metcalf, both of Des Moines, also a sister, Mrs. Mary J. Whiteman of Stratford, one nephew, Dr. H.E. Johnson of Dayton, one niece Mrs. C.E. Peterson of Stratford, four grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Welin funeral parlors in Boone following a brief service at 1:30 o'clock in the late home of the deceased. The services were in charge of Dr. Frank Bean of the First Methodist church, Boone. Many beautiful floral offerings were in evidence.

Following the services the remains were brought to the South Marion cemetery, southeast of Stratford, for interment.

A large number of friends from Stratford and community attended the services.

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank our neighbors, friends and relatives for their acts of love and sympathy during the recent loss of our beloved husband and father. Mrs. Oscar E. Atkinson and family.