Perry, Edwin 1854-1937

PERRY, JOLLY, JOLLEY, ROUSE, MINARD, MEADOWS, TESSMAN, HUGHES

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 6/4/2015 at 19:49:11

Edwin Perry, Former Colfax Mayor Died Monday

Funeral Services Conducted Wednesday from Methodist Church

Edwin Perry, 82, former Mayor of Colfax, passed away Monday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jolly, following an illness of several weeks.

Mr. Perry had been a resident of Colfax for some 20 years and was ever a booster for the town. It was during his term of office as Mayor and through his influence that a new fire engine and equipment was purchased.

He was a man well versed on the topics of the day and until his last sickness he kept a keen interest in (one line is torn off the obituary)
friends were numbered by many acquaintances and his council was ever sought on matters of importance.

Mr. Perry served for several years as Secretary of the United Mine Workers of America with headquarters at Indianapolis, Ind., and through this work visited many parts of the United States and formed a wide acquaintance.

He was a member of the Masonic and Knight of Pythias Lodges and of the Methodist Church at Oskaloosa.

Edwin Perry was born November 17, 1854 at Brymo, North Wales. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jolley, of Colfax, Iowa, February 22, 1937, Age 82 years, 3 months, 5 days.

In 1875, when a young man he came to America and made his home at Pittsburg, Pa., where for a time he was employed in the anthracite coal mines. Later, he moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where the larger part of his life was spent.

In 1905, he was elected International Secretary of the United Mine Workers of America, which office he held for eight years. During this time, he resided in Indianapolis, Ind.

On July 23rd, 1877, he was united in marriage to Ann A. Rouse. To them were born seven children; Wilford H. who died in infancy; Edwin G. who died October 28, 1895; and Lyle J. who died July 22, 1930. Four daughters survive. They are Mrs. J. S. Minard of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Mrs. Albert Meadows of Ottumwa, Iowa, Mrs. Eugene A. Jolley of Colfax, Iowa and Mrs. H. T. Tessman of Palm Beach, Florida.

Following the death of his wife in 1913, Mr. Perry came to Colfax and has since made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Eugene A. Jolley. During this time he manifest an interest in public affairs and served one term as mayor of the city.

Besides the four daughters, Mr. Perry is survived by one half-brother, Charles Hughes of Gary, Ind., a number of nephews and nieces, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon from the Methodist Church with Rev. Russell G. Nye officiating. Interment was in the Oskaloosa Cemetery.

Masonic services were conducted at the church with Dr. Theodore Morning acting as Master for River-lodge No. 389 A. F. & A. M. of Colfax. Final Masonic services were in charge of Triluminar lodge at Oskaloosa.

Music was furnished by Mrs. Earl Plummer, Mrs. Geo. Rinker, Gomer Williams and B. F. Van Dyke with Mrs. Cleo Wall accompanist.

Pall bearers were L. A. Martin, F. Y. Hall, Geo. Weirick, Frank Evans, H. A. Gunn and Wm. Abram. ~ The Colfax Tribune, Colfax, Iowa Thurs 25 Feb 1937.

Transcriber note: Two different spellings of Jolley. Jolly and Jolley.