DeWolf, Henry C. 1843-1897

DE WOLF, TIBBALS, TIBBLES

Posted By: Barbara Hug
Date: 3/18/2005 at 18:12:24

In Memoriam

Henry C. DeWolf was born in Vernon, Ohio, November 11, 1843, and died at his home in Prairie City August 25, 1897. Some one has said, “In the study of every man’s life we find some mainspring of action; something he lives for.”

In Mr. DeWolf it seems to have been an ambition to make the best use of his natural and acquired powers, and to develop in himself a true manhood. Dark clouds of sorrow often enveloped his life even from a mere child. Bereft of both parents before he was ten years old, he was thus early taught to be self-reliant. While attending Hiram Collage in Portage County, O., the rebellion broke out and in November 1863, he enlisted in Company F, 6th Ohio Cavalry, and was with Gen. Grant all through the Virginia campaign. He was, during the two years of service, promoted to second lieutenant, which position he held till the close of the war. In August 1866, he came to Prairie City, engaging in the mercantile business with Messers. Bartlett and Sheldon. His continuous connections with the different business firms have been of thirty-two years’ duration. In 1868 Mr. DeWolf was united in marriage to Miss L. Tibbals. This ideal home was blest with four daughters; the two eldest died when just budding into young womanhood ­ one at eighteen, the other at seventeen. February 9, 1893, Mrs. DeWolf went to the home beyond to join the daughters that had just preceded her, and now at the tender age of thirteen and ten respectively, the remaining daughters are left, as was their father to battle with life’s problems alone. May the strong arm of their father’s God ever be around them is the prayer of every praying heart that knows these young orphans.

Mr. DeWolf was an official member of the M. E. Church and had been superintendent of the Sunday school seventeen years, until last years his health was such that he was obliged to resign. He was a member of the G. A. R., also a Knight Templar. The funeral obsequies were in charge of the Masons. Rev. A. M. Shea, assisted by the pastors of the city, conducting the service. The church was draped around the altar with lovely flowers was tastily arranged, beneath which rested the casket containing the remains of this honored and respected man whose life has been a benediction to all who knew him. Rev. Shea preached impressively. The choir, of which deceased had for years been a member, sang with tremulous voices the songs so dear to him in life and which together they so often sang. The funeral procession was led by the K.T. band of Newton, Knights and Masons from adjoining cities and our own, the Eastern Star, G. A. R. and W. R. C.’s and a large concourse of friends marched to Waveland Cemetery, where by the side of wife and daughters, all that remained of this comrade was laid to rest. His last message to his pastor and church were, “It is all right.” ~ The Newton [IA] Record Friday, September 3, 1897
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Prairie City (IA) News, 1897

Henry C. De Wolf was born in Vernon, Ohio, November 11, 1843 and died at his home in Prairie City, August 25, 1897.

He was left an orphan at the age of ten years. His father dying when he was one year old and his mother when he was ten.

He then made his home with his Grandfather De Wolf, who sent him to Hiram College.

In November, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Ohio Cavalry.

He located in Prairie City in 1866 and was one of the firm of Bartlett, Sheldon & De Wolf in the merchandising business. This firm later being H. C. De Wolf & Co.

He was married in 1868 to Miss L. Tibbles. They had four children. Clara died at age 18 and Laura at the age of 17. His wife died February 9, 1893. Two daughters, Leeta and Elsie are left behind. He had been superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school for seventeen years. Burial in the Waveland Cemetery.

Transcriber note: Two spellings of wife's last name Tibbals and Tibbles.