John William May

MAY, WHITE, HATFIELD, WOLFINGTON, ECKERMAN, GILBERSON

Posted By: Victoria A. Johnston (email)
Date: 9/20/2016 at 18:29:19

John William May

John William May, second son of John and Hannah White May was born on a farm near Russell, Iowa, on August 22, 1857 and died at his home in Chariton on December 30, 1939, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 8 days.

As a youth he attended Ragtown rural school and later Simpson's Select Academy in Chariton.

On May 24, 1880 he was married to Miss Mary J. Hatfield, and their first home was established on a farm southeast of Russell, where they lived for twelve years. In 1892, the family moved to a farm south of Chariton, where they resided for twenty-six years. Twelve children were born to them, seven dying in early childhood.

In 1908 he united with the Otterbein United Bretheren Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Yaggy, transferring his membership to the Chariton U.B. Church when the family moved to Chariton in 1920.

Their home was saddened by the death of a greatly beloved daughter, Mrs. Ethel Wolfington, who died January 3, 1923, leaving a young son, Ellsworth Wolfington, in their care.

Besides his aged companion, he is survived by four sons, Ellis E. May of Russell, John F. May of Albia, Chester E. May of Chariton, Floyd D. May of Newton, two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Eckerman of Chariton and Mrs. Amanda Gilberson, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

His parents, three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Mr. May possessed a loving, generous nature and a kind, understanding heart. His daily routine was a lesson in thrift, honesty and justice, his whole life a pattern in right living.

Funeral services, conducted by Rev. F. H. Lathrop, of the U.B. Church, assisted by Rev. Donald McKay, of the Christian Church, were held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock at the Beardsley Funeral Home and burial was in the Russell Cemetery.

Source: The Russell Union-Tribune, Russell, Iowa, Thursday January 11, 1940.