Wiltbank, John Wesley 1822-1898

WILTBANK, MASTEN, MCMURRAY, REECE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/15/2005 at 16:35:26

Death of Father Wiltbank

Died At the home of his son, north of this city, at 6 o’clock on the morning of Thursday, July 6th, Mr. J. W. Wiltbank at the age of 76 years.

Father Wiltbank had long been a sufferer from a complication of diseases and death was not unexpected by him or his friends to him it came as a release from bodily pain and a happy entrance into a haven of eternal happiness as a reward for a long life of Christian duties well performed.

He had been a member of the M. E. Church for over 50 years his daily walk being a constant index to his pure Christian life. He will be missed in the church where he has so long worshiped, and where his hearty “amens” have been so familiar for nearly a half-century.

John Wesley Wiltbank was born in New Castle County, Delaware, March 26, 1822. He had lived in Iowa since 1854 and in Jasper County since 1860. He was married to Mrs. Rebecca Masten, July 1, 1857, who died nearly four years ago.

The funeral was held at the old homestead on Saturday morning at 10 o’clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. V. Cowan. Relatives from abroad in attendance were: A daughter Mrs. J. W. McMurray, and family of Des Moines; a son, L. W. Wiltbank of Fontanelle; a stepson, J. L. Masten of Greenfield; and two nieces Mesdames Lewis and Isaac Reece of Valley Junction. The youngest son, Frank Wiltbank, resides on the old homestead, where the father has made his home, surrounded by every comfort and the recipient of the tenderest care and attention. ~ The Newton Record Thursday, July 14, 1898