Conover, Thomas J. – 1856-1937

CONOVER, JOHNSON, MCNEEL, MATTHEWS, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:37

Conduct Conover Services Monday
Rites for Former Jasper County Resident Held in Oskaloosa
Funeral services for Thomas J. Conover, 81, of Oskaloosa, former Jasper county resident, were conducted Monday afternoon at the Friends church in Oskaloosa, Rev. Herbert Huffman, pastor of the meeting, and President Henry Edwin McGrew of Penn college were in charge.
A quartet composed of Mrs. Nagler, Miss Mattison, Clarence Craven and Robert Pierson furnished the music, with Miss Rachel Aldrich presiding at the piano.
Interment was made in the Swans cemetery in sight of his boyhood home. Rev. Ed Thompson of Sully was in charge of the graveside service.
Born Near Lynnville
Thomas J. Conover, eldest child of Levi and Mary Matthews Conover, was born near Lynnville, Ia., March 13, 1856, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. S. Williams of Oskaloosa, Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 o’clock, at the age of 81 years, 8 months, 21 days.
He received his education in the rural school near his home and in the Friends Academy at Lynnville.
Born of pioneer parentage, he naturally became interested in agriculture pursuits and in this work spent the active years of his life.
Marriage
On June 8, 1881, he was united in marriage with Louise Johnson, daughter of Caleb and Miriam Johnson. To this union were born four children: Cassa Mae Conover and Mrs. R. S. Williams of Oskaloosa, W. T. Conover of Sully, Ia., and a son who died in infancy.
His wife died in 1903. Four years later he moved with his family to Oskaloosa in order that the children might attend Penn College. His continued interest in the college was evident both by prayerful and financial support.
At an early age he joined the Methodist Protestant church and developed into an active worker in the meeting, serving in the capacity of practically all responsible positions of leadership.
Moved to Oskaloosa
Upon moving to Oskaloosa he reunited with the Friends. Thus, in service for his Master he completed over three score years and ten.
Although in failing health for two years, he manifested a continued interest in the home, in community life, in the Men’s Bible Class and in all religious activities.
He is survived by three children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, five grandchildren, one brother, C. F Conover of Mt. Pleasant, and three sisters, Mrs. W. A. Johnson of Oskaloosa, and Mrs. A. C. McNeel and Miss Lou Etta Conover of Albion.
The death came as in the twinkling of an eye while he sat contentedly in his rocker.
Source: Newton Daily News; Wednesday, December 8, 1937