STALLMAN, John Warner 1878 – 1954

STALLMAN, HOAGLAND, ZIHLMAN, LYNN, WELCH

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 2/28/2011 at 19:54:31

“The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger”
Tuesday, August 17, 1954
Page 1, Column 6

J. W. STALLMAN, Pioneer Drayman, Dies At Home

J. W. STALLMAN, retired Fairfield drayman who started in business here more than a half century ago, passed away at 2:35 a.m. this morning.

He died at his home, 405 E. Kirkwood street, where he had been in failing health for the past eight years and seriously ill the past three weeks.

“Stally,” as he was known by his many friends, came to Fairfield in 1901 and purchased the dray firm owned by Charles Gilmer. It consisted of one team of horses and a stake, or transfer wagon.

His business continued to grow through the years, he added more equipment, and he purchased his first motor truck in the fall of 1916. At one time he stated he believed it was the first truck in Fairfield.

The veteran drayman operated his business back when board walks encircled the public square, and the streets around the square were unpaved. He watched the first brick pavement being put down in the business district and watched the city grow throughout the yaers (sic).

Because of his health, he was forced to retire in 1946, but he continued to frequent the transfer business office almost daily. He took a keen interest in local sports, took part in civic affairs and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for years. He was also a member of the St. Mary Catholic church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Rites Thursday

Last rites will be held Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Mary Catholic church with the Rev. O. F. DeCoursey in charge. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at the Hoskins funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

John Warner STALLMAN, 75, was born Oct. 7, 1878, in the Richwoods community about 4½ miles northeast of Fairfield in Jefferson county. He was the son of the late Alfred and Sarah Jane HOAGLAND STALLMAN.

Later the family moved to a farm near Libertyville where John Warner STALLMAN was reared and educated. He came to Fairfield in the fall of 1901 and started in business.

He was united in marriage on April 9, 1902, to Mary Charlotte ZIHLMAN who survives. The wedding took place in Fairfield.

They started housekeeping at 507 E. Kirkwood and two years and nine months later they moved to 405 E. Kirkwood, the present family home. They have lived in just two houses since their marriage more than 50 years ago.

Besides his wife, Mr. STALLMAN is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Floyd J. LYNN, Fairfield; and Mrs. H. C. WELCH, Ottumwa. He is also survived by three grandchildren one great grandchild, and a brother, Fred STALLMAN, Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a daughter, Irene.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: His wife Mary Charlotte died barely three months later, in November. They are buried in Lot 3rd.064.