Edson, Wesley A.

EDSON, SHATTUCK

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/8/2007 at 10:32:25

Jackson Sentinel
July 29, 1927

Sudden Death of Wesley A. Edson

Wesley A. Edson, one of the well known citizens of Maquoketa for many years, was found dead by his bedside, in their home on West Pleasant street, last Wednesday morning. Heart failure is given as the probable cause of his sudden demise. His death was entirely unexpected and was a great shock to the members of his family and all who knew him. Although it is now recalled that he had been unusually languid for some time, and a weariness almost impossible to overcome had taken hold upon him. For this reason he had been sleeping later than usual, and it was about ten thirty in the morning when his wife, entering his room to arouse him, found him lifeless upon the floor. He had evidently attempted to rise to add one more day of work to his many years of useful, active life, but God called him to his eternal rest.

Wesley Arthur Edson was born the third son of Chester and Mary Wilder Edson, Dec. 17, 1856, at Brookfield, Vermont. The parental home was on a farm. The father died when Wesley was a lad of eight, and the mother, with her four boys, came West to give better opportunity to her family. It was the year 1868 when they took up residence in Maquoketa, where Mr. Edson has made his home ever since. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until the failing health of his wife’s father called him to take up the life of a farmer on the well known Shattuck farm on West Platt street. Here the family resided until 1917 when they retired and moved to their new house on West Pleasant street. It was here that Mr. Edson passed away.

He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Shattuck, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sewall A. Shattuck, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sewall A. Shattuck, on Jan. 1, 1880. To them three daughters were born, all of whom are living. These are Mrs. Marta R. Gilfillian of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Bessie M. Luckiesh and Mrs. Laura M. Michael of Maquoketa. There are also four grandchildren and of Mr. Edson’s own family, two brothers, Frank E. Edson of Maquoketa and Herbert C. Edson of Fortune, Calif., surviving.

Mr. Edson was a man of quiet disposition, faithful to his old place and part as a citizen in all things. He was held in esteem and honor by all who knew him, and may be said to have counted his friends by his acquaintances. He ever stood and lived for the highest and best in life. He loved his home, his family, his church and his fellow men. And he leaves to those who loved him happy memories and a blessed hope to sustain them in their sorrow.

Mr. Edson was a member of the Congregational church, which he joined in his early manhood. It is there that his funeral service will be held on Friday afternoon, at 2:30, the pastor, Rev. A. W. Sinden, having charge. He was also a member of the Maquoketa Odd Fellows lodge and of the