Hendershot, Dr. John T. 1842-1903

HENDERSHOT, DUNN, VAIL, FISHER, HISKEY, BURROUGHS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/21/2004 at 19:25:43

Dr. John T. Hendershot died at his home in Monroe at five o’clock Sunday morning, April 5th, after an illness extending over several months.

Deceased was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2, 1842. He came to Iowa in 1867, settling at Otley where he lived until 1883, when he moved to Monroe, where his home had ever since been. Dr. Hendershot was married February 8, 1877, to Miss Lucy A. Dunn at Pella, her father being Rev. L. A. Dunn, who was for fourteen years the president of central University at Pella, and who wrote a book entitled “Footprints of the Redeemer” after an extended trip through the Holy Land.

To Dr. and Mrs. Hendershot were born three children; George, died in infancy, Gail and Fred, both of whom are at home, the former having been quite sick for the past fourteen weeks. It would seem that grief is crowding closely in to the bereaved home just now. Mrs. Hendershot’s oldest brother, A. T. Dunn, of Watertown, Me., upon whom she had expected to rely in her widowhood, was a short time ago taken sick and died, his funeral occurring today.

Dr. Hendershot was a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, Mo., having graduated there from in 1889. He was one who took an active interest in all public matters and was a man of advanced thought. He was universally loved and respected. His community was made the better by his having lived in it. In political matters he was a Republican and stood high in the local councils of his party. He rarely missed a convention and was often made chairman of such gatherings, having a good knowledge of parliamentary law. He recently resigned as a member of the board of U. S. pension examiners on account of failing health.

Socially Dr. Hendershot was a member of the A. F. and A. M. No. 194, Monroe, of the Order of Eastern Star, No. 229, Monroe and of Oriental Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar, this city. He was also a prominent member of the Baptist Church and his funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock in the church, his pastor, Rev. L. A. Garrison, president of Central University, Pella, officiating. The Masonic order will have charge of the services. A special train will leave here for Monroe at 12 o’clock tomorrow, a large number of the doctor’s friends desiring to attend the services. ~ The Newton Daily Herald, Monday, April 6, 1903, Page 1, Column 3

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DEATH OF A NOTED CITIZEN

Dr. John T. Hendershot Passes Away

John Thomas Hendershot, son of Thomas and Penina Hendershot was born in Green County, Pennsylvania on December 2, 1842. When he was 9 years old his father died. His mother died at the advanced age of 91 ½ years. He received his early education at the home school after which he attended Waynesburg College, PA. where he proved a true and faithful student. Deciding up-the practice of medicine as his life work he made thorough preparation for that profession. First he read with one of the leading physicians of the county. Later, he attended the Medical Schools of Cleveland, Ohio and Rush Medical College, Chicago.

In February 1860 he united with the South Ten Mile Baptist Church, PA.

In 1867 hr removed to Otley, Iowa for the practice of his profession.

February 11m 1868, he married Miss Eliza J. Vail, who died July 4, 1869 leaving one son, John Dewitt, who died at the age of six months.

On November 16, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Fisher, who died January 28, 1876. Their daughter Lida Grace, died March 5, 1891, aged 17 years and 7 months.

February 8, 1877, he married Miss Lucy A. Dunn of Pella, daughter of Rev. L.A. Dunn, D.D. for 14 years. President of Central College. Three children were born to them, Georgie who died infancy. Gail and Fred survive to mourn with their greatly stricken mother, a devoted husband and father. He is also survived by two sisters and a brother. They are Mrs. John Hiskey of Monroe, Mrs. Parnell Burroughs of Washington, PA and Hon. I.B. Hendershot of Otley.

He had previously lost one brother and one sister.

He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years and at the time of his decease was a member of Fairview Lodge and Order of Eastern Star in Monroe and of the Oriental Commandery, Newton

Tuberculosis the cause of his death made it necessary to give up his practice and seek benefit from change of climate. Not receiving permanent help returned home and has been gradually failing. For the past 15 weeks has been confined to the house and most of the time to the bed. He was a patient sufferer tho wishing to live, felt that he was prepared to go. He passed away Sunday morning, April 5, 1903 at 5:20 surrounded by family and relatives. One very sad circumstance in connection with hid death has been the very serious illness of the daughter, Gail from heart disease.

His the unspeakable privilege of pointing out so plainly and kindly the marvelous meaning and value of human life. Also his the great responsibility of easing the pain of going from earth and soothing the aching hearts of families who are about to lose their best beloved.

We believe Dr. Hendershot experienced the joy and pain of all these things, besides the thousand others which good doctors only knows of and laymen can never hope to fathom.

His life was full of good works he never spared himself. Day or night he went, no matter where or what the call. If anyone was suffering he cared not whether rich or poor, old or young he went as soon as he could and did all he could to relieve misery and prolong life. He was so sympathetic that no poverty or want could make conditions too unfit for him to minister to suffering adults or care for tender infants as gently as their delicate mothers. Many of the older settlers could voice Ian MacLaren’s words about “A doctor of the old school”. “It was michty tae see him come intal the yaird that day, neeburs, the verra look o’ him wes victory.”

Had it not been for this unstinted sacrificing of himself he might not have been cut short either in usefulness or in a measure of man’s days. “For the human system, weary worn below par, gives occasion for the fangs of disease to be first firmly fixed.

He loved his church. He used to make the round of his calls upon his patients and even drive into the country very early Sunday morning in order to be home by church time and lead the choir in praise of the author of all grace. Former pastors unite in tributes to hid devotion to the church. As his present pastor would call upon him recently he often inquired after the welfare of the church. He was eager for signs of prosperity as ever.

Prominent in the matter of erecting the Baptist church building. Like David he has served his generation and has fallen on sleep. He will long be mourned by the circle of relatives, the members of the church, the larger number of friends and especially by those into whose homes he went as their physician.

The funeral service at the Baptist church on Tuesday afternoon April 7, were conducted by the pastor Rev. Richmond A. Smith assisted by Rev. L.A. Garrison acting President of Central College. The interment was by the Masonic fraternity by request of E. W. Henry; the Monroe W.M.O.N. Wagley of Newton conducted the service. The Oriental Commandery Knight Temblors of Newton with band came by special train. Members of “the mystic tie” from Pella, Prairie City etc. also attended. As a token of deep respect all the business houses in Monroe were closed during the funeral services.

The pallbearers selected by the doctor were C.H. Hook, G.W. Coffey, John Vandermas, Sam Worth, Sam Moore, and J.A. McDonald. Owing to sickness the latter was unable to serve, John Offill of Prairie City taking his place.

The funeral attendance ranks among the largest ever held in Monroe. The floral tribute were numerous and beautiful.

In Memoriam

Whereas our esteemed brother Dr. John T. Hendershot has been called from this busy home Life to one of endless rest and happiness. Whereas we are admonished “To mourn with those who mourn and in obedience to a time-honored Masonic custom:

Be it Resolved:

That those of us who are left of Fairview Lodge, No 194, A.F. & A.M. are remained that we too are mortal and will soon join our brother in the sweet bye and bye.

Therefore Resolved:
That in the death of Dr. John T. Hendershot we have lost a faithful brother, ever mindful of our interests, an honorable citizen and his family a loving husband and kind father.

Resolved,
That we commend the bereaved wife and children in this sad hour to the loving kindness of Heavenly Father.

Resolved
That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of our deceased brother and that they be ordered spread upon the records of our lodge and a copy be furnished the Mirror for publication.
E.W. Henry
Geo. C Kipp
John Vandermast Comm.

RESOLUTIONS
Whereas Dr. Hendershot has gone to his finial rest “like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams” therefore be it

Resolved that his death we have lost a faithful friend, a true and tried member and that we will ever remember him for his wise counsel and noble traits of character.

RESOLVED that we the members of Fairview Chapter No. 229 O.E.S. express our deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy to our sisters his estimable wife and daughter and to his in their bereavement.

Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of the order and that they be published in the Monroe Mirror.
J.D. Ellison
Mrs. Alexa McDonald
Cora Moore, Comm.

Newton Obituary Book
1903-1905
Page 47