Callison, William 1823-1887

CALLISON, HICKMAN, MERROW

Posted By: Sherry Faidley Healy
Date: 3/13/2012 at 14:11:20

Newton (Iowa) Journal Wed. August 17, 1887

In Memoriam - Died at Rushville, Jasper County, Iowa, in the 64th year of his age, Wm. Callison, who was born in Green Briar County, West Virginia Dec 3rd, 1823. He was married October 3d, 1850, to Martha J. Hickman who died in April 1861, leaving four children. In the year 1862 he removed to Iowa, where in 1864 he was married to Roeltha Merrow who survives him. He was the father of elven children, nine of whom are living. In childhood he was converted and about twenty years ago he became a member of the M. E. Church in whose communion he died. His health has been poor for a number of years and during the past year he failed rapidly and on the evening of a beautiful summer day he sank to the rest that remains for the people of God. He was an upright man, and was highly respected which was evidenced by the large numbers who came to testify their respect for his memory and to sympathize with the stricken family. He will be missed in the church and in the community, but most of all by his family to whom he was a kind and loving father and husband. Among his last words was a quotation from the 55th Psalm: “Oh that I had wings like a dove. For then would I fly away and be at rest.” By a beautiful coincidence these words were chosen by the officiating minister as the text for the funeral discourse. The funeral service took place at the residence, August 11th, and were conducted by Rev. B. M. Shane of Victor, Iowa, who according to the request of the deceased was called to officiate. The interment took place in the beautiful Woodland Cemetery, at Rushville in whose quiet shade the mortal remains were laid to rest until the trumpet of the resurrection day shall call the chosen of Christ to a blissful immortality The bereaved wife and family have the prayers and sympathy of the entire community in their affliction.