Andrew Macumber

GREER, HARTSOOK, MACUMBER, MCKIBBAN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/20/2006 at 11:43:30

The Winterset Madisonia
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, November 24, 1915

Andrew Macumber was born in Gallia county, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1841 and died at his home Nov. 20, 1915, aged 73 years, 11 months, 16 days.

In Oct. 1853 when about 12 years of age, he moved with his parents to Lincoln township, Madison county, Iowa. He was the son of John A. and Emily Macumber. His mother died in 1846 and his father was subsequently married to Miss Sarah Hartsook. Andrew was the oldest of 12 children of whom Alexander, Lindsey A., George, John, Edward L., Ellsworth E., and Mrs. Esther A. Greer survive him.

On Oct. 24, 1861, when not quite 20 years of age, he enlisted for three years in Company I 4th Iowa U. S. Cavalry, and again enlisted as a veteran for a second three years, and served to the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged.

On Sept. 20, 1866 he was married to Miss Elizabeth McKibban, also a native of Ohio, but then a resident of Madison county, Iowa. In December following they established a home in Lincoln township, where they have remained for more than 49 years. Of this union were born four children: Wm. E. and Mary E., twins; Elwood and Ora, all of whom are married and have also established homes in Lincoln township. These and 14 grandchildren survive him, his death being the first in this entire family of 24.

Brother Macumber was a member of Pitzer Post No. 55 of the Grand Army of the Republic, and also a member of the Masonic order, having been raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on Aug. 22, 1875 and holding his membership in Lodge No. 43, A. F. & A. M. of Winterset, Iowa.

He was ever a champion of righteousness in government affairs, national, state or local and he loved his country's flag as he loved his life. Those who knew him best recognized him as a public spirited citizen of unchallenged integrity. His friendship for the church was manifested by a liberal financial and moral support, and he was proudest when his children were most zealous in this work. With his family he was of the patriarchal order and the harmonious and considerate co-operation of Father, Mother and children in the business or material relations of life might well be emulated as ideal.

On Monday, Nov. 22d at 11 o'clock a.m., funeral services were conducted at the local church by Rev. A. C. Thomas of Milo, assisted by Rev. C. W. Stewart of Indianola, Iowa, both former pastors. Brother Thomas preached from Job 14:14. The music was well chosen and well rendered by a local male quartet. The floral tokens and flag drapery were very beautiful. The pall bearers were former G. A. R. comrades. All the children and grandchildren, two brothers and one sister were present and a large concourse of other relatives, neighbors and friends.

The interment was at the Clark cemetery, where the Masonic brethren took charge of the exercises; and the ritual service of the order was beautifully rendered. The large delegation contributing to this part of the service was a tribute to his memory, that will ever be cherished by his family. As a solemn and impressive finale, while the vast assemblage stood with uncovered heads, a soldier in uniform sounded the bugle call to rest.

The subject of this sketch was a pioneer, and truly the Macumbers, the Hartsooks and the Bertholfs were inseparably part of the unwritten history of that fascinating period of Iowas development. They all will soon have passed, but the force of their lives cannot be lost on the generations which follow.

Andrew Macumber was a farmer and except when absent in the service of his country, was seldom far from his home. His practical and systematic industry was amply rewarded by almost phenomenal prosperity. His patriotism reached from his hearthstone, the school house and the church to the utmost borders of his country. But he needs no eulogy here; and his family is not alone in this bereavement, for many other hearts have felt the purpose of his life. We earnestly commend them all to our dear Heavenly Father, the only source of "grace sufficient."

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen