Hammer, Ira L. 1840-1919

HAMMER, PARSONS, SHILL, KUHN, WOODWARD, OLDFIELD

Posted By: Lois J. Hinshaw
Date: 4/27/2011 at 14:31:45

Friday, September 26, 1919

MR. IRA L. HAMMER DIES IN KELLOGG

A Pioneer of this County--Civil War Veteran of Company B, 48th Iowa Infantry

After an illness of several weeks, I. L. Hammer, 79 years old, of Kellogg, died at his home at 3:30 o'clock Thursday morning. Dropsy is assumed as the cause of his death. Mr. Hammer was one of the most prominent citizens of Kellogg and was a highly respected citizen. He was for years, during his more active participation in politics one of the Republican party's most ardent leaders in Jasper county. Particularly in the eastern part of the county he was for many years the leader in all the issues of the day. Mr. Hammer was for two years doorkeeper in the senate chamber at the state house in Des Moines. He occupied this position during the term of Mayor F. L. Maytag of this city as senator from this district.

I. L. Hammer was born in the northern part of Tennessee in July, 1840, and spent his early years there. Later, he came to Jasper county, where he settled on a farm northeast of Newton in the Amboy neighborhood where he resided for many years. He was first married to Mrs. Louisa Oldfield, whose death occurred many years ago. A number of years later, about thirty years ago, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine Parsons, who survives him.

Besides his widow he is survived by four sons, Isaac, Elmer, and Earl Hammer of Acklin and Frank of Kellogg, and one daughter, Mrs. Flo Shill of Des Moines. He also leaves four step daughters and one step son, Mrs. Frank Hammer, Mrs. P. G. Kuhn, and Mrs. C. W. Woodward of Kellogg. One son, Perry Hammer, died a number of years ago. Two brothers, Zachary and Curtis Hammer, residing near Kellogg, survive him and are the last of the family. Four sisters have previously died. There are about twelve grandchildren.

Mr. Hammer and his wife left their farm near Amboy a number of years ago and moved to Kellogg where they have since lived. He has been engaged in several business enterprises during his residence there and has always been successful in his work.

Mr. and Mrs. Hammer have been ardent church members all of their lives and at the time of his death were members of the Christian church at Kellogg. Mr. Hammer was a G. A. R. veteran and was also a prominent Mason.

Arrangements for the funeral have been made for Sunday afternoon at the Christian church at 3 o'clock. The services are to be in charge of the Masons.

Funeral services for I. L. Hammer, of Kellogg, were held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Farnum, pastor of the church officiating. Following the funeral sermon Rev. Farnum gave the Masonic burial service. On account of the inclement weather the Masonic services were given in the church instead of at the cemetery as is usual when the weather permits.

A large crowd of friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to a man who had lived in the county for many years and had proven to be one of the substantial citizens of the community.

Interment was made in the Kellogg cemetery.

Buried in Block 2 Lot 58
The date is wrong on his stone.
It should be 1840-1919