MESSER, Josephus, 1841-1914

MESSER, HUFFMAN, FIELDS, CALDWELL, SCARFF, FLANDERS, BEABER

Posted By: Betty Hootman (email)
Date: 2/17/2012 at 17:57:11

Mount. Pleasant (IA) News
16 August 1914

Josephus Messer Passes Away

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Another Old Soldier Called After Useful Life, Buried at White Oak

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Josephus Messer, well known and highly esteemed among many, died at his old home about four miles north of Rome, Iowa, on Saturday, August 22, after a long illness. He was the son of John and Rhoda Miller Messer, and was born in Henry Co., Iowa, Sept. 19, 1841. With his brothers and sisters he grew up in this county. When his country needed his services in the dark days of the war, he enlisted in the 4th Iowa calvary, Nov. 25, 1861. He was honorably discharged Dec. 5, 1864. His regiment is holding a reunion in Indianola this week. July 9, 1855 he and Rebecca Huffman, who remains to mourn, were united in marriage. Eleven children were born to them. Two, Rhoda and Alice, died in infancy. Nine are living. They are Jim, Freeman, Sheridan, Joe, Mrs. Florence Fields, Mrs. Emma Jane Caldwell, Mrs. Azuba Scarff, Mrs. Lavina Flanders and Mrs. Sarah Beaber. They were all by his side at his death. He also leaves five brothers, three sisters, thirty-four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, besides many warm friends.

Funeral services, conducted by Pastor Frank Westou, were held in the chapel at White Oak on Monday afternoon at two o'clock. An immense crowd was there. The local choir sang suitable hymns. The pastor spoke from Job 5:26. Interment was in the cemetery adjoining the chapel. The pall bearers were old comrades of the war: Matt Paxton, David Myers, John Shumaker, Rev. Thos. Olinger, Lem Baldwin, and Zeph Turner.

Mr. Messer was a good neighbor and friend. In his family he was a loving husband and father. His life was spent in industry and quietness. He had a great many friends to weep over his remains. Much sympathy is extended to his family.