Demoss, Samuel Willis 1847 - 1935

DEMOSS, MILLS

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 12/4/2006 at 13:53:39

From the Scrapbook of Newspaper Articles by Mrs. Lillian Wheeler

OBITUARY OF SAMUEL W. DEMOSS

Samuel Willis DeMoss, oldest son of Thomas and Electa DeMoss was born on August 5th, 1847, in Darington, Wisonsin, and passed away at his home in Riceville on September 26th, 1935.

In 1854 he came with his parents, to Round Grove in Howard County, Iowa and here he attended school for the first time.

Mary St. John was his teacher and the school the first to be established in the Round Grove neighborhood.

As the years passed, three sisters and two brothers were added to this family of which Mrs. Harry Wells for many years an honored resident of this community, was the youngest.

When about 14 years old, the parents passed on leaving young DeMoss to make his own way in the world.

This meant many hardships and privations all of which were met with courage and good will and with a heart full of gratitude for the health that was always his.

Young DeMoss faced many hard problems, incident to pioneer life and found no task too great for his tremendous courage.

The history of the DeMoss family at this period was closely interwoven with the history of the community, and of these old times Mr. DeMoss loved to talk.

The oldest residents may recall that the father of the family was the first blacksmith in Jenkins township, with a shop where the Crebtree house now stands on the bank of Watson's creek.

For several years, Mr. DeMoss had been in failing health, but these years were marked by great patience, and cheerfulness that commended him to neighbors and friends.

On July 17, 1922 Mr. DeMoss was married to Edith Mills, who with her two sons, and several nephews and nieces survive him.

In July, 1930 Mr. DeMoss united with the Seventh Day Advent church, of which he was a consistent member.

The promises of the Bible he held most dear, and with unfaltering trust met the last enemy like a good soldier.

His familiar form and kindly face will be greatly missed.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of Life and may enter in through the gates into the City."

Elder R. C. Griffin on Nevada, Iowa had charge of the services, and burial was made in Riverside cemetery.

The pall bearers were: Galen Graves, Aaron Wells, John Fritcher, R. B.Crain, Leo Tonn and Arthur Preston.