CULBERTSON, John Welch 1807 - 1883

CULBERTSON, EAGLE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/5/2021 at 22:38:59

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, May 9, 1883
Page 3, Columns 6 and 7

Death of Col. CULBERTSON

In the death of John W. CULBERTSON, which occurred at his home just south of this city yesterday morning, Fairfield is again called upon to mourn the loss of an old citizen. Mr. CULBERTSON has been in failing health for several years. In 1881 he began to decline repidly, but still has been able to sit in his chair until April 27th, when paralysis attacked his right side. His death had been daily expected for some time. Mr. CULBERTSON was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., July 3, 1807. When fifteen years of age he removed with his parents to Wayne county, Ohio. January 28, 1834, he was married to Elizabeth EAGLE, who still survives him, and in the same year removed to Wood county, O., where he engaged in mercantile business, and was also postmaster at Gilead, under Van Buren. Later the family removed to Illinois, where they resided but a short time. In those days Iowa was a much talked about state, and thither Mr. CULBERTSON turned. He landed where Fairfield now stands on the 6th of Feb., 1840, and has made it his home ever since.

In politics Col. CULBERTSON was always a democrat of pronounced type. In earlier days, when that party dominated in this county, he was one of its aolest (sic) and most trusted advisers. He was a member of the first territorial legislature of Iowa, and served two terms in that body, in 1842-3, first representing Jefferson county and afterwards the dsitrict composed of Wapello, Jefferson and Monroe counties. He also held several minor places of trust in township and county government. In 1853 he was appointed receiver of public moneys at Fairfield by President Pierce, and held that office until its discontinuance in 1856. He also served for two or three terms as clerk of the courts of Jefferson county.

To Mr. and Mrs. CULBERTSON two children were born, Edward, whose tragic death by drowning in Cedar creek many of our people will remember, and W. B. CULBERTSON, who now resides in Burlington. During his later years Mr. CULBERTSON has devoted his time to his fine farm near town, a body of 500 or 600 acres of land, and has always held a good share of this world's goods. He was a kindly, neighborly man, and one who formed many warm friendships. Although he had attained the years allotted most men, his death may still be regarded as untimely, and is deeply regretted.

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"The Fairfield Tribune"
Thursday Morning, May 10, 1883.
Page 3, Column 4

DEATH OF COL. CULBERTSON.
Another of the Early Pioneers of Jefferson County Departed.

The death of Col. J. CULBERTSON, one of the oldest residents of Jefferson county, occurred at his home just south of this city Tuesday morning. For a long time he had been steadly declining in strength, and it can not be said that his dissolution was unexpected, yet when the news of his decease was heard it seemed difficult for many of our citizens, especially those of advanced years, to realize that the man whom they had known so long was no more. For more than forty years he has lived either in Fairfield or on his farm near the city, and being a man of strong affections, one to cherish friendships, it is but natural that he should have such a warm place in the feelings of those who associated with him during the active years of his life.

Mr. CULBERTSON was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was born July 3d, 1807. In his fourteenth year he removed to Wayne county, Ohio, which was then comparatively a new country. Here he resided until his marriage to Elizabeth EAGLE in 1834, after which he removed to Wood county and engaged in merchandising. During Van Buren's administration he served a short time as postmaster at Giliad, Illinois. His next move was still further westward, to what was then Iowa territory, arriving in Jefferson county, February 6th, 1840. Here he has remained ever since, making his home part of the time in the city, part of the time at his farm.

Although Mr. CULBERTSON was not a man of notority (sic), but on the contraty was of a modest, rather retiring disposition, yet his real worth called him at various times to places of public trust and responsibility. In the years '42 and '43 he was a member of the territorial legislature, representing the first year Jefferson county, the second, the district composed of Jefferson, Wapello and Monroe counties. When the state government was organized he became the first clerk of Jefferson county. Mr. CULBERTSON was also a member of the state legislature between the years 1846 and 1850, or for a period of two terms. He was again called to public life in 1853, when under President Pierce he became receiver of the land office at Fairfield holding that position until the office was removed to Chariton. Since that time Mr. CULBERTSON has been on his farm, where he has acquired a very handsome property. Two or three years since his health began to decline very rapidly, and since then he has been a patient sufferer. An attack of paralysis some weeks since hastened his departure. From the position the deceased filled at various periods it will be seen that the was a democrat in politics. He was an excellent representation of what is known as old school democracy; yet was more inclined to conservatism than many of his political associates. His belief in the vital principles of democracy remained unshaken during life.

Mr. CULBERTSON was the father of two children, W. B. CULBERTSON, now of Burlington, and known as a leading lawyer, and Edward B. CULBERTSON, who died in 1862. He is survived by his wife, who is now called upon to mourn the loss of one who had been a most kind companion for a period of nearly fifty years.

As mentioned above, Mr. CULBERTSON was a man of strong friendships. His unassuming manner, coupled with sterling good qualities, attracted the confidence and esteem of those who associated with him, and the good will of such was something that he highly prized. One of the most notable features of the funeral occasion was the presence of many people of advanced years, whom it would have seemed that the unsettled weather would have deterred from venturing out, but who chose in this manner to show their respect and esteem.

The funeral occurred yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at 3 o'clock, the remains being interred in the Evergreen cemetery. Appropriate funeral services were conducted at the house by the M. E. minster in this city, Rev. Robinson. The pall bearers were Messrs. James F. Wilson, James Eckert, Geo. D. Temple, Geo. Shriner, James F. Crawford, A. S. Jordan, Geo. A. Wells and W. K. Alexander. An afternoon of storm reduced greatly the number who otherwise would have attended the funeral, many people of the city who had not gone out to the residence, but who intended going to the cemetery being compelled to remain indoors.

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

Note: Buried in Lot Old.P.083. Wife Elizabeth died in 1896 and is buried with him.