Van Meter, Jacob

VAN METER, RODEBAUGH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/10/2007 at 08:49:42

Jacob Van Meter, an old and highly respected citizen of Jackson County, was born August 27, 1819 at Lancaster, Ohio, and died at Andrew, Iowa, at the home of his son, T.J.Van Meter, April 2, 1906, at the age of 67 years. For a number of years "Uncle" Jake as he was familiarly had been called, had been troubled with an ailment from which he seemed quite well at times, but finally gradually failed, dying apparently from kidney trouble and its complications.
Mr. Van Meter was the only son of Col. John Van Meter, a soldier of the War of 1812. He was the youngest of a family of eight children, being the last one to receive the summons to enter the great beyond. The deceased was united in marriage in 1846 to Miss Martha Rodebaugh, who preceded him about six years ago. Twelve children were born to them of whom seven are still living, and feel the loss of a kind and loving father.
Mr. Van Meter immigrated with his family from Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, to Iowa in 1857 and settled on a farm near Andrew. He was one of the pioneers of this county, enduring all the hardships and privations the early settlors contend with, and living to see the county grow and prosper, becoming thickly settled, and cities grow up where once were dense forests and vast prairies. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, a true friend and honest and upright man, and it is believed he has departed this world, without leaving an enemy behind.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Andrew, Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. E.H.Houston, assisted by Rev. Mr. Bretnell with interment in Andrew Cemetery. A large number of his old friends gathered at the church to pay a last tribute of respect to a man they had all loved and who will be greatly missed in their community. (Maquoketa Record, April 11, 1906.)