Woodruff, Lewis A. 1830-1898

WOODRUFF, WILLISON, NOEL, COWLES

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 12/29/2004 at 15:58:52

Death of Lewis A. Woodruff End of a Long and Useful Life
An Influence which will Live forever
Impressive Funeral Services Sunday.

Lewis A. Woodruff died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D. W. Noel, in Rockwell City, at 10:45 o’clock on Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, 1898, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.

The telegram that brought the news to Newton of the death of Mr. Woodruff, while it touched many hearts with a feeling of personal sorrow for the loss of a dear friend, it was not unexpected, and the sorrow was tempered by the consideration that the sufferings which had racked his body for so many years were at last ended and he was at rest. His disease was heart trouble, the commencement of which dates to a severe illness he had some sixteen years ago, while living on his farm near Metz. Since then he has been a constant sufferer, but most patient and uncomplaining one. Last fall he was brought very near to death’s door, and for weeks his life hung in the balance. He rallied, however, and in October, accompanied by his wife, he went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. D. W. Noel in Rockwell City, hoping that the change might benefit him. Most of the time he was able to be up and about, attending church quite frequently which was always a source of great pleasure to him. His final illness was attended by great suffering, but the grace, which had sustained him so long, did not fail nor waver for a moment. He was conscious to the last and while able to speak continued to praise the name of the Savior. The remains were brought to Newton on Friday evening, accompanied by his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Noel, and were taken to their home on West McDonald street.

Mr. Woodruff was a good man, in the fullest sense of the term; a Christian whose life had been as near spotless as it is possible for mortal’s to be. In the church of his choice he was a shining light, giving of his means and his best efforts to the uplifting of its best interests. In public service, the classroom and the Sabbath school his place was never vacant unless unavoidably so. He always had a pleasant greeting for everybody, young and old, and every body was his friend. He was liberal with the means, which God had given him, and his money aided in the building of every church in Newton. It was late in life when he became a Christian, and his theory was that it would require hard work and diligent service for the Master to make up for the many years wasted in sin.

Mr. Woodruff was born near Newark, Ohio, July 28, 1830, where he grew to manhood, and on April 15, 1852, was united in marriage to Miss Esther Willison, who for nearly forty-six years has shared his struggles and triumphs, and is now left to travel alone the remainder of life’s journey.

In 1854, the came to Jasper County and settled on the old home farm in Sherman Township, where Metz now stands. His health having failed, they came to town about twelve years ago, soon afterward purchased their beautiful home on McDonald Street, and settled down to enjoy the competence with which Providence had abundantly blessed them, and the rest which they so much needed.

Six children were born to them, only two of whom are living, Mrs. Myrtle Noel, of Rockwell City, and Mrs. Victoria Cowles, wife of Charles Cowles, of Maxwell. ~ The Newton Record Thursday, February 24, 1898