Leaf, John Wilbur (1886-1919)

LEAF, OLSON, STEVENS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:04

Stratford Courier
February 6, 1919

John Wilbur Leaf was born at Stratford December 27, 1886 and passed away at Des Moines, January 28, 1919. He was thus 32 years, 1 month and 2 days of age. He lived here with his parents until 1907 when he enlisted in the United States Navy remaining in the service the full term of four years or until 1911. He then returned to his home here and went back to his trade as barber.

December 9, 1913 he was united in marriage to Miss Mellie Olson of south of Stratford. To this marriage was born three children, two girls and a boy. The son died in infancy.

Last April Mr. Leaf broke down in health and found it necessary to go to Oakdale Sanitarium for treatment. For a time he improved and prospects for health were cheering. The tubercular peritonitis set in and it speedily became apparent that he could not long survive. At Christmas time he left Oakdale and came to the home of his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Olson of Des Moines. He was tenderly cared for during the last weeks of his life. His faithful wife was with him continuously and gave him the tenderest care. Now that he has passed it remains to recognize the wisdom of the Heavenly Father, who thought it best to take him to Himself.

Besides his wife, who deeply mourns the death of her young husband, his two little daughters, Wilma and Frances, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gust Leaf of Stratford, a brother, Arthur Leaf and a sister, Mrs. Pearl Stevens, both of this community, and many friends in this community who have known him from childhood, mourn his early passing.

He was a member of the College M.E. Church at Ames and the last years of his life took a real interest in things religious. When he visited this place last spring he said that he had an earnest desire to have his children reared under the enobling influence of the Church of Christ. To several of his friends he gave clear testimony that he was satisfied to depart, that he rested in Christ and his redeeming work. He literally died with the name of Jesus Christ on his lips and frequently had said that he would like to abide in this life for the sake of wife and children. For himself he realized that it is "far better to be with Christ." Toward the end he prayed that God would take him unto himself that he might not have to endure the severe suffering which attended his illness. We now know that he dwells in a far better clime. Sorrow and sickness have fled away, now is his the life of joy and divine fullness.

The funeral services were held from the South Marion church Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock with Rev. Nels Pearson of Harcourt in charge. A large congregation attended the services and there was an abundance of beautiful flowers. The remains were interred in South Marion cemetery.

Stratford Courier
July 13, 1913

YOUNG MAN IS BADLY INJURED

J.W. Leaf met with quite a serious accident Saturday afternoon about six o'clock while dragging the roads south of Stratford at the J.O. Newman place occupied by Arthur Lander. No one can fully explain how the accident occurred as those who witnessed the accident were not near enough and Mr. Leaf lapsed into unconsciousness shortly after. It is presumed that the drag struck a protruding stone in the road throwing the drag into the air which frightened the team, and Mr. Leaf was thrown from the drag. Emery Lindmark came along shortly afterwards but Mr. Leaf was unable to give any explanation as to the accident although he was trying to get the team back onto the road with Mr. Lindmark's assistance. He soon became unconscious and Chas. Hasselstrom happened along at this time and placing him in his buggy took him to the doctor's office, where he was given a thorough examination. His arms and head were badly bruised and cut and he bled profusely from the ear. It was feared that his skull was fractured at the base and he was placed in an automobile and taken to the hospital at Boone for treatment. He regained consciousness about 10 o'clock Sunday forenoon, but was still unable to give any account of the accident. Dr. Beverly and George Longhenry called on him Monday forenoon and found him getting along nicely and being unable to secure an interview with the physician in charge they could not learn the exact extent of his injuries or the physician's opinion of the outcome, but it is thought that if infection can be kept away he will get along nicely. Mr. Leaf is a young man who is well liked by everyone in this community and all greatly regret the serious accident which befell him, but all join with us in hoping that the outcome will be favorable and that he will soon recover entirely.