Lawson, Joseph B. 1853-1911

LAWSON, SWEARINGEN, MCCOLLUM, THOMAS, CARPENTER, LANPHIER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/3/2010 at 09:53:56

Jos. B. Lawson at Rest

Passes Away after Many Months of Great Suffering

Mr. Joseph B. Lawson, whose sufferings had for months elicited the tender sympathy of a wide circle of friends, passed away at his home on West Main Street, between Noon and one o’clock, last Friday, November 24th, at the age of 58 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Mr. Lawson had been in failing health for more than a year. Nearly three months ago, while visiting with friends in Oskaloosa, he had a severe attack of sickness, which then threatened his life. He rallied, however, and was brought to his home in this city. Although able to be about the house for awhile, he never recovered from that sickness, but continued to decline-the last few weeks being a great sufferer-until death came as a merciful relief.

Mr. Lawson was a splendid husband and father who idolized his wife and children, and they certainly proved their love for him by their tireless vigils at his bedside during his long illness-rendering every assistance that love could suggest. His excellent character as a man and citizen is evidenced by the wide circle of friends who now sincerely mourn with the wife and children, his death. In early life he was a member of the Christian Church, but in 1882, he transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he remained steadfast until called to the Church Triumphant and the reward of the faithful.

Mr. Lawson was born near Newcastle, Pennsylvania, Sept. 20, 1853, where he grew to manhood. In 1877 he came to Iowa and settled near Killduff, where two years later, Nov. 2, 1879, he was married to Elizabeth Swearingen, who now survives him after 32 years of happy married life.

They came to Newton last February from Sully, where they had been living for a short time. Beside his wife, he is survived by four children, Edward, William J., Mabel and Nellie, all of this city, the sons being married, the daughters still at the parental home. He is also survived by his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Lawson of Wakeeney, Kansas, one brother, William J., of Jewell, Kansas, and four sisters. Mrs. Sadie McCollum of Wakeeney, Kansas; Mrs. Lillus Thomas of Supply, Oklahoma, Mrs. Oren Carpenter of Killduff, Iowa and Mrs. Clare Lanphier of New Sharon, Iowa.

Funeral services were held in the First M. E. Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by his pastor Rev. W. H. Perdew. Music was furnished by the church choir, and Fred W. Hough sang the beautiful solo, “Face to Face,” accompanied by Prof. Max Westphal. The pallbearers were from among Mr. Lawson’s old neighbors-Messrs. W. L. Dennis, C. D. Dennis, W. H. Fisher, Chas. Malmberg, Ed. E. Efnor and Thos. Clark. There was a large attendance filling the auditorium, many coming from Killduff, Sully and the country neighborhoods where for years he had been so well known and highly esteemed. Interment was in Newton Cemetery. ~ Newspaper unknown.

Transcriber note: Death date if 1911 from Newton Union Cemetery Listing.