Moffitt, H. E. – 1872-1952

ANTHONY, GIST, KATING, MOFFITT, O’BANNON, TOEDT

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:41

H. E. Moffitt, 79, Dies; Funeral to be Saturday
Was County Pioneer, Grower of Flowers; Born Near Newton
H. E. Moffitt, 79, Jasper county pioneer and well-known flower grower, died early this morning in Skiff Memorial hospital. He had undergone surgery at the hospital two weeks ago.
Mr. Moffitt lived in both Iowa and Missouri, but recently had been living with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Toedt, Route 2, Newton.
Even at the age of 79, he liked to help with farm work on his son-in-law’s farm and he could frequently be found out in the fields helping with haymaking and other work. He also pursued his hobby of growing gladioli on the Jasper county farm and last summer won a ribbon in the Woman’s Club flower show.
Born Feb. 16, 1872, three miles west of Newton, Mr. Moffitt spent his early years farming near Newton. He was educated in Jasper county schools and attended the Hazel Dell academy in Newton. Later on, he taught school in the county for a time.
On Sept. 25, 1902, he married Nelly O’Bannon, and the couple moved to Missouri where he farmed for nine years.
Returning to Iowa, Mr. Moffitt bought part interest in the general store at Metz and operated that for 29 years. During that time, he and his two sons were commercial gladiolus growers for 18 or 19 years.
After leaving the store, Mr. Moffitt went to Missouri again and finally returned to Newton to live with his daughter.
Mr. Moffitt had been a member of the Grange for 50 years, and at the time of his death was a member of the Palo Alto Grange. He was also a member of The Daily News Three-Quarter Century club.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Leo Toedt and Mrs. Eugene Anthony, both of near Newton; and two sons, Robert of Mitchellville and H. L. of Des Moines. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Brothers and sisters surviving are Mrs. T. J. Kating, Mrs. Charles Gist and Lewis Moffitt, all of Newton, and S. C. Moffitt of Texas.
Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon at two o’clock at the Toland Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. J. Wesley Pierson and burial will be in the Newton Union cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home Friday and Saturday mornings.
Source: Newton Daily News; January 3, 1952

Rites Held Today For H. E. Moffitt, Pioneer Resident
Funeral services for H. E. Moffitt, 79, pioneer resident of Jasper county who died here Thursday, were held this afternoon at Toland Funeral Home.
Rev. J. Wesley Pierson, pastor of the First Congregational church, officiated and burial was in Newton Union cemetery. Graveside rites were conducted by the Palo Alto Grange. Mr. Moffitt was a Grange member for 50 years.
Music at the services was by Dick McKibben, soloist, and Mrs. R. L. Jackson, organist. In charge of flowers were Olive Hoffman, Ella Emmack and Edith Hart.
Pallbearers were George Selbers, Dale Emmack, Carl Clement, George Lind, John Rorabaugh and Lewis Dammeier.
Source: Newton Daily News; January 5, 1952