Witmer, Henry R. 1830-1899

WITMER, KENDIG, JEFFRIES

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/15/2005 at 17:00:12

H. R. Witmer died at his home in this city Thursday, March 30, 1899, aged 69 years.
Deceased was born in Lancaster County, Pa., April 6, 1830. He married Miss Fannie Kendig and in 1866 they moved to Canton, Ohio. In 1868 they came to Greencastle, afterward locating on a farm in Sherman Township. About a year ago they bought a home in Newton, where they had since lived. Mr. Witmer was confined to his bed the past seven months by reason of paralysis. Six children are living and were all present at the funeral, which occurred Saturday at 11 o’clock from the house, Rev. Baumgardner conducting the service. ~ Iowa State Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1899, Page 1, Column 2

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A Good Man Passes Away
Sincerely Mourned by a Large Circle of Friends

Witmer, Henry R.

H. R. Witmer, for many years a citizen of Jasper County, died at his home on South Farmer Street, on Thursday, March 30th, about 11 o’clock. The sixth of the present month would have been his sixty-ninth birthday.

Mr. Witmer had a stroke of paralysis about a year ago which effected the lower part of his body and limbs; but he was able to walk about with the aid of a cane, until about seven months ago when he took to his bed, to which he was confined until death relived him from his sufferings on Thursday last.

Mr. Witmer was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1830, where he grew to manhood. While a young man he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Kendig. In 1866 they moved to Canton, Ohio, where they lived for two years, the came westward to Iowa, and settled in Greencastle, this county, but soon afterward moved to a farm in Sherman Township, which under his management afterward became one of the beautiful farm homes of the county.

His health failing, he was compelled to sell the farm, and purchasing a handsome cottage moved to Newton about a year ago, hoping that a change from the active work of the farm to the quiet life in town would prove beneficial to him.

We have known Mr. Witmer personally for nearly thirty years, and have found him always the same genial, social gentleman who won our friendship at our first meeting. He always had a kind word and cordial greeting for everybody, and impressed one with the sincerity of his friendship.

He had never been connected with any church organization until shortly before his death, when he was baptized and united with the Congregational Church of this city; but his whole life had been one of good deeds and as the end drew near he quietly and peacefully went to sleep knowing that all would be well with him.

Besides his aged companion, he leaves six children all grown to manhood and womanhood. Frank K., a minister of the Friends Church in Clay County; J. L., an attorney of Des Moines; J. E., principal of the schools of Monroe; E. A., principal of the Lynnville schools; Mrs. H. A. Jeffries of Ira and Mary at home. All were present at the funeral, which was held at the home at 11 o’clock on Saturday, conducted by Rev. Baumgardner. The remains were interred in the Newton Cemetery. ~ The Newton Record Thursday, April 6, 1899