Perry, Herbert Leslie 1855 – 1933
PERRY, COUCH, YOUNG, FISH, MCAVINCHEY, RUTHERFORD
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/24/2013 at 10:53:26
Source: Cresco Plain Dealer April 21, 1933, Front Page
Long Time Resident of Community Dies
Rites for Herbert L. Perry Held Tuesday Afternoon
Herbert L. Perry, 78, highly esteemed and long time resident of this county, passed away at his farm home west of Howard Center Saturday afternoon, April 15, following several months of failing health.
Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock with the Rev. John Gammona officiating and Mrs. J. C. Feuling singing “Crossing the Bar.” Burial was made at the Howard Center cemetery, the four sons and two sons-in-law of the deceased serving as pall bearers.
Those from a distance in attendance at the services included: Judge and Mrs. F. L. McAvinchey of Flint, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Perry, Fort Madison, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. McAvinchey, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McAvinchey and family of Oelwein, and Henry Hutton of Hayfield, Minn.
Herbert Leslie Perry was born on the farm of his Quaker grandparents, Daniel and Judith Perry in Glenwild, Sullivan County, New York state, January 30, 1855. In the spring of the following year he came with his parents, Thomas Russell and Eunice Ann (Couch) Perry to Iowa where on the land preempted west of Howard Center the prairie home was established. Here most of his life was spent. As a boy, he attended the country school, participation in neighborhood activities which ranged from that of the writing school to those of literary and debating societies. The only school available in the new land assisted in laying the foundation for his sensitive appreciation of the beautiful and his intense interest in international affairs. He never aspired to public office, yet his last days were alert to the development of current issues.
In 1889 he was united in marriage to Isabelle Young of Elma, Iowa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Young, immigrants from Glasgow, Scotland. Five years were then spent at Fresno, California operating a fruit ranch of an uncle, Dr. Daniel G. Perry. Returning to Iowa, a farm was purchased south of Lime Springs. After his father’s death this property was sold and he bought the land at Howard Center which remained his home until peace came.
A year ago last winter he was stricken with influenza which resulted in a weakened heart. During the summer, autumn and early winter he appeared to regain his health and vigor. A recurrence of his infirmaties came with the Christmas season. Physicians’ help could not avail. He was tenderly cared for through his illness by his devoted wife and other members of his immediate family. Having spent his life on the prairie, it was his request that he might rest on the sunlit hill beside his infant son and his little sister at Howard Center. On the afternoon of April 15 he passed quietly away.
Departing he leaves his wife and eight children who continue striving to attain the ideals for which he lived: Thomas Russell, assistant maintenance engineer for the Iowa Highway Commission; Harrison, farmer near Cresco; Madge, Mrs. Charles F. Fish of Lime Springs; Florence, Mrs. F. L. McAvinchey of Flint, Michigan; Helen, art director of Fort Madison, Iowa; Leslie and Chester, at home; and Edith, teacher in Howard County. There are also eight grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Elsie Rutherford of Cresco; and her three daughters; relatives of New York state; and numerous friends who mourn his loss.
His last message was found on the turned leaf where the following words were indicated, “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from the other.”
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the kind sympathy which was given during our recent bereavement.
Mrs. H. L. Perry and family.
Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.
Howard Center Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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