RHODES, Henry (1847-1915)

RHODES, SEAGRIST, SUHUMSKIE, BRAUND

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 2/1/2020 at 18:46:42

Henry Rhodes Dead

The community was shocked to hear that Henry Rhodes was dead. He was loading a car load of onions he had raised this summer and while at work he fell over dead. It is supposed to be heart failure and over exertion. He was born in Rochester, New York and is 69 years old. He served in the Civil was for the cause of the Union. Obituary will be published next week. Funeral Thursday.

source: Garner Signal, 13 Oct 1915, page 4, column 4

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Henry Rhodes Dies Suddenly Monday Morning

On Monday morning at about ten o'clock Mr. Henry Rhodes, while working at his home in the south part of town loading onions which he was going to ship over the Milwaukee, died suddenly. He was not feeling well and a severe shock, perhaps heart trouble, caused his sudden death.

Mr. Rhodes was a soldier in the Civil War and was born in Rochester, New York, being 75 years old.

We will have more particulars for you in next week's issue as we are unable to learn more about it at this writing. The funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 at the Congregational Church.

source: Hancock Democrat, 14 Oct 1915, page 1, column 5

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Obituary

"Sunset and Evening Bell,
And one clear call for me;
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I put out to sea"

The call was clear; the answer prompt, and of sad farewell, there was none.

Henry Rhodes was born in Rochester, New York, January first, 1847. He lived sixty and eight years, nine months and ten days and begot sons and daughters. On the eleventh day of October, 1915 he was not, for death claimed him.

A single sentence; Life is a battle epitomizes the life of the deceased. Left an orphan at the tender age of four years, the battle was early set in array for this a cold cold world for a child without father or mother. A guardianship was established for the child, but unworthy foster parents provided, whose one ambition was to get all possible out of this child, caring little or nothing for his own welfare and future; his early education being entirely neglected, he never having gone to school but a few days. Not until he became a young man, and personal ambition impelled, did he ever learn to read. Servitude and unreasonable, even unmerciful labor being required of him by his guardian, life became a burden, and he sought the liberty of the wide, wide world and became a rover at about the age of twelve years.

When eighteen years of age he heard his Country's call for volunteers to preserve the Union and enlisted in the 188th New York Volunteer Infantry early in the year 1865, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He was always very proud of his soldier record, and to him the Flag of his Country had a sacredness second only the Holy Bible.

On February 14, 1867, he was married to Mary Ann Seagrist at Rochester, New York, where a home was established. Later residences were had in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, from which state the family came to Iowa in 1882, where they have since made their home, residing in and near Garner for more than twenty years, at which place the departed passed away on the above date. Seven children were born to this union, all of whom, with the mother, survive the father. In order of their age, the children are as follows; Cloey J. Suhumskie, Lisbon, North Dakota; George H., Waukon, Iowa; Viola M. Braund, Forest City, Iowa; Bert J., Ottumwa, Iowa; Louis W., Pasadena, Cal.; Warren S., Garner, Iowa; Perry W., Lead, South Dakota.

Henry Rhodes will be remembered as a man of strong mind and deep convictions; unflinchingly loyal to the right, as he saw right. A lover of home and ardent lover of his family, even to as fault. A hater of shames, he preferred to stand alone rather than compromise, even for the sake of harmony. He leaves a legacy to his wife and family that will be priceless. His name will stand as a synonym for honor; devotion to family, home and country. His devotion to his help mate and life companion, the "Little Mother," was most exemplary.

He died at the post of duty, and like Moses of old, his physical strength was unabated, and his eye undimmed. Peace to his dust, and blessings upon his memory.

The funeral was held from the Congregational church on Thursday afternoon, October 14th, conducted by the pastor, Rev. P. C. Packer, in the presence of a large company of friends and neighbors. His remains were laid to rest in the Concord Cemetery. - communicated.

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank, most sincerely all who assisted in out bereavement incident to the sudden death and burial of our husband and father; also those who presented flowers; the G.A.R. for their services, and the musicians.

Mrs. Henry Rhodes and Children

source: Garner Signal, 20 Oct 1915, page 4, column 5/6

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The same obituary was published in the Hancock Democrat,21 Oct 1915, page 1, column 4