WATERMAN, John W. (1869-1924)

WATERMAN, CULLINAN, BOEHM, BUCH, BEHRENS

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 1/24/2021 at 14:39:06

J. W. Waterman Passed Away At Belmond Wednesday Morning

Funeral Services Will Be Held In Klemme Saturday Afternoon
Had Been In Business Here For Many Years
Recently Sold Store At Clarion As His Health Was Failing

The people of Klemme and community were greatly shocked when the sad news passed out that Mr. John Waterman former Klemme business man had passed away at the Belmond hospital at six o'clock yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

For several months Mr. Waterman's health had been failing and about a month ago he sold his cash grocery store at Clarion, which he had purchased last spring, at which time he moved away from Klemme with his wife. Since they sold their Clarion store they had moved to Belmond, where they hoped to spend the winter and with a long rest, hoped Mr. Waterman's health would be restored. His condition became worse and last week became serious so that he was taken to the Belmond hospital where his death occurred yesterday morning.

Mr. Waterman came to this city with his family a number of years ago. For eleven years he conducted a general store and then sold the business to J. N. Day. He was then out of active business for two years, but during that time he was auto salesman for Fred Ridder and later became manager of the Farmers Garage, and after a few months resigned this position to become postmaster. Mr. Waterman served as postmaster for Klemme nine years. During that time he had increased the business of the post office, built a fine brick building which now houses the post office. As a postmaster he worked hard to please. It was through his efforts that the foundation was laid for a rural route, which was later completed under the present administration. Shortly after Mr. Waterman was appointed postmaster here he built the double store where he conducted a general business for nine years and then sold out to G. W. Kluckhohn & Sons, who are conduction the store.

Mr. Waterman has done a lot for Klemme. He was always a livewire business man, always ready to boost for the betterment of Klemme. He put up two fine brick buildings and was the owner of a fine modern house.

Mr. Waterman was only fifty-five years old at the time of his death. Besides his wife, he leaves to mourn his death, his son, Clarence, of this place, and his daughter, Mrs. Chester Cullinan, of Belmond, and many other relatives.

The remains were brought to Klemme this morning. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at the Reformed Church and interment will be made in the Klemme cemetery.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 9 Oct 1924, page 1, column 1

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John William Waterman

John William Waterman was born September 21, 1869 in Volga township, Clayton county, Iowa. He was the oldest son of Henry and Pauline Waterman who belonged to the early settlers of that community. His parents were members of the Lutheran Church and John was confirmed in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Elkport, Iowa on April 6, 1884. He was united in marriage to Mary Boehm of the same place on May 27 1896. They made their home on a farm in Benton county for a number of years and then came to Klemme, Iowa in 1902. Mr. Waterman soon engaged in business and conducted a general store for eleven years selling out to John N. Day in the spring of 1913. In 1914 he was appointed Postmaster and for nine years served the public of this community in a most satisfactory manner. In the same year he built the large double store now occupied by G. W. Kluckhohn and sons selling to them in 1919. He also erected the present post office building. In April of this year he moved to Clarion, Iowa, where he conducted a cash store until failing health necessitated his retiring from business.

He and his wife then located in Belmond where the deceased hoped to build up his system and regain his health, but a wise providence willed otherwise. Two weeks ago his condition changed for the worse. He was taken to the hospital where he passed away Wednesday, October 8th at the age of 55 years and 17 days of a chronic Bright's disease and unusual high blood pressure.

Their home was blessed with two children; a son, Clarence of Klemme and a daughter Mabel, now Mrs. Chester Cullinan of Belmond. Besides his bereaved wife and children he leaves one grandchild, Marion Lucille, daughter of Clarence; six brothers and two sisters, George, William and Martin of Sanborn, Minnesota, Henry and Charles of Luverne, Iowa, August of Rockford, Illinois, Mrs. Emma Buch of Keystone, Iowa, and Mrs. Charles Behrens of Springfield, Minnesota and a host of friends.

Mr. Waterman was of a quiet and reserved temperament, thoughtful and upright in dealings, manly and firm in his convictions, a gentleman with high respect for others. He remained loyal to the Church in which he was reared, but supported other churches in which he worshiped. A good man has gone from us. His being taken away from us so suddenly in the prime of life should be an earnest call to us to work while it is yet day as the night cometh when we can work no more.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 16 Oct 1924, page 1, column 3