N. M. Letts 1818-1894

LETTS, GROVE, BROCKWAY, HOLDERMAN, WATERS, SAWYER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 1/8/2021 at 10:27:14

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Wednesday, May 16, 1894
page 4

N. M. Letts died at his home in Grandview township, Sunday, May 13, 1894. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1818, consequently had attained tot he mature age of seventy-six years. Mr. Letts came with his father from Ohio and settled near Ottowa, Illinois, in 1830. In 1838 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Grove, who died in 1854. To them were born two children, the late David Letts of Washington county and Mrs. E. F. Brockway of the same locality. In 1852 Mr. Letts was married to Miss Jane Holderman. To them were born five children, all of whom survive their parents. These are Wm., James H., Hilton M and Noah R. all residents of Louisa county. and Mrs. Emma S. Waters, of San Antonia, Texas. The mother of these children died in 1863. In November 1864 Mr. Letts was again united in marriage to Mrs. A. P. Sawyer who died in March 1892. Mr. Letts came to Iowa and settled on the homestead in Grandview township in 1854. His first purchase was 400 acres of land. To this he added until he was the owner of one of the largest landed estates in Iowa. About 1889 he became interested in valuable ranch property near San Anonio, Texas, since which time he has spent his winters in San Antonio and his summers in this county. He had been sick some weeks before his death. All that medical skill or unremitting care could do for him was done, but of no avail. The funeral occurred Tuesday afternoon an immense concourse of friends attending and thus attesting their respect for the dead. Mr. Letts was not a member of any church.