John F. Saunders 1823-1910

SAUNDERS, BLANCK, TAYLOR, JACKSON, CHAPMAN

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 12/14/2024 at 05:54:15

The Wapello Republican, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, November 3, 1910
Page 1

John F. Saunders, one of Wapello's pioneer residents died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Blanck, near Yarmouth, last Sunday. He had been in failing health for some time and his death, came as a great shock to his relatives and many friends. Mr. Saunders was born in Frederick county, Virginia, July 22, 1823 and was at the time of his death 87 years, three months and eight days. He was the son of J. F. and Susan Taylor Saunders. In 1826, his father decided to try the west and leaving the state of his nativity traveled west to a point near Huntington, West Va. Here he made a raft of logs and loading all the family goods thereon, traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio. Here the family resided until the year 1836, when they left Ohio and came west to Maine county, Indiana.

Four years later they came to Mercer county, Illinois. It was at this place that Mr. Saunders married Eliza Jackson, on the 26th day of December 1844. In 1856, Mr. Saunders accompanied by his wife and children, came to Iowa, locating at Wapello, Mrs. Saunders died about twenty years ago and of a family of seven children, only four survive the father, Mr. W. C. Saunders, of Wapello, Mrs. Kate Chapman, of near Morning Sun, Mrs. Anna Blanck, of near Yarmouth and John Saunders, of St. Joseph, Mo.

After Mr. Saunders arrival in Wapello, he followed teaming for a short time and was then appointed deputy sheriff under sheriff Taylor, a position which he held for five years, after which he received the appointment as mail carrier and this work he continued for about twenty-five years, He was also justice of the peace for several years.

A few years ago he left Wapello to make his home with his daughters. He had been gradually declining in health for several years. He spoke often of his old friends in Wapello, where his home had been for so many yeas, wishing he could spend the last few remaining days of his life there. That wish was denied him. On Sunday morning about two o'clock, surrounded by loved ones, he passed away. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in this city Monday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.E. Newsom. Interment in the Wapello cemetery.