Claude Taft

MCCLARAN, JENSEN, KITCH, JOHNSTON, HIXSON

Posted By: Jennifer LeMar (email)
Date: 5/3/2005 at 17:25:30

The First Baptist church was filled for the memorial service of Claude C. Taft Sunday afternoon at 2:00. A brief service for the family and close friends was conducted at the home on South Adams street preceding the service.

Rev. Stanley A. Andersen was in charge of the service assisted by Rev. V. S. Jensen of Des Moines. Mrs. Vernon Larsen sang, "Rock of Ages". Mrs. Will McClaran and Mrs. Stanley B. Niles sang "Jesus Lover of My Soul". Mrs. Max Stein played the organ.

Pallbearers were the members of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Burial was in Forest Home cemetery.

Members of the family and friends from out of town attending the service were Mr. and Mrs. George McClaran of LaGrange, Ill.; Mrs. Emil Leypold of Aurora, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Gable of Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. James Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Iliff Shepherd and Connie. Rev. and Mrs. V. S. Jensen, Mr. and Mrs. Evald Jensen, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Braniff, all of Des Moines; Mrs. Ira Alexander of Wever, Mrs. Clarence Nott, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Elmore and son, Mr. and Mrs. Arlo Elmore, Mr. and Mrs. John Berry and Bobby, all of Burlington; Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Jensen, Mrs. Anna Jensen, Mrs. Nels Belth, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Larsen of Kimballton.

Mr. Taft was a lifetime resident of Mt. Pleasant. Starting as apprentice in his father's business, the E. E. Taft Carriage Works, at the age of fourteen, he continued in this business until his retirement in 1946. He operated the business with his brother, Ralph, and his brother-in-law, R. H. Johnston, and later as sole owner. Since his retirement the business has been operated by his nephews, Edward and Jim Kitch.

Besides conducting his business through the years he was known throughout Henry county as a good neighbor and a thoughtful friend. He held a friendly interest in the people of Mt. Pleasant and was concerned for the town's improvement and growth. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department for almost forty years and for thirty years of this time served in the capacity of Fire Chief. He retired in 1947.

Claude Taft will always be remembered by his many friends for his neighborliness and his kind, generous spirit.

Claude C. Taft, son of Edward and Emma Jane Taft, was born Dec. 9th, 1879 in Mt. Pleasant, Ia. He passed away at his home, May 21st, 1948 at the age of 68 years, 5 months and twelve days.

Dec. 25, 1906 he was married to Mary Berry of Mt. Pleasant. To this union was born one daughter, Rose Emma.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist church of Mt. Pleasant. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F.

During the last years of his life he suffered intense pain, bearing his suffering with sweet patience. His mother, father, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, daughter, son-in-law, Erling Jensen and grand-daughter Mary. Also four sisters, Mrs. Katherine Thompson, and Mrs. Vera Kitch of Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. Hazel Johnston and Mrs. Myra Hixson of California, besides a host of relatives and friends.

"Large Number Present For Rites For Claude Taft," Mt. Pleasant News (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa), 22 May 1948, p. 1, col. 6-7.