Rev. Benjamin G. Hankins, 1863-1945

HANKINS, VAN DYKE, RUGG, CATHEY, CLAUSON, BLAKEWAY, WALLOCH, RIDNER, SCHEUERMANN, NILES, HUNT, WARD

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 9/8/2013 at 20:45:24

REV. B.G. HANKINS FUNERAL IS HELD

Benjamin Gilbert Hankins, son of Albert and Mary Van Dyke Hankins, was born in Des Moines county near Burlington, October 18, 1863. Here he grew to manhood and enjoyed the usual educational advantages. On March 1st, he came with his parents to a farm near Winfield, Henry Co., Iowa. Soon afterwards he attended Howe's Academy and Iowa Wesleyan college.

January 12th, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella Rugg of Mt. Pleasant. To this union were born two daughters, Frances Edith, who passed away at the age of 13 years, and Miriam Ethel, an adopted daughter and son, Margaret and Frank. The latter passed away July 12th, 1939.

In September, 1897, he was admitted on trial in the Iowa Annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. Two years later he was received into full membership and ordained elder. He served faithfully various charges in the Iowa conference until his retirement in September, 1936, with the exception of three years in the Idaho conference. After his retirement, he and Mrs. Hankins located in Mt. Pleasant until the close of his earthly career which occurred June 11th, 1945, at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 23 days.

He was a man of strong conviction concerning the cardinal doctrines of Christianity, and had undaunted faith in Jesus Christ whom he faithfully preached. His timely messages and sympathetic spirit soon won for him the confidence and appreciation of his people.

He leaves to mourn their loss, his wife, two daughters, Miriam Ethel Cathey of Mt. Pleasant and Mrs. Margaret Ellen Clauson of Ottumwa, one sister, Mrs. Eva Blakeway of Danville, Iowa, and six grand children, Frances Edith and Miriam Blair Cathey of Mt. Pleasant, Mrs. Richard Walloch of Palo Alto, Calif., Carolyn Sue and Dianna Kay Clauson of Ottumwa, and Jack Ridner of Macon City, Ill.

Appropriate services were held at the Crane Funeral Home, Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Officiating ministers were: Dr. W.M. Scheuermann, district superintendent, Dr. Stanley B. Niles, president of Iowa Wesleyan college, Dr. G.G. Hunt and Rev. J.E. Ward.

Interment was in the Kossuth cemetery near Mediapolis, Ia.

[Unnamed newspaper obituary, dated Thursday, June 14, 1945]