Francis Marion Earp (1921)

EARP, HARDIN, SHIELDS, WEIDNER, MALONE, CLEARWATER, POFFINBARGER, BROOKER, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 2/23/2008 at 11:55:13

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
February 9, 1921

FRANCIS M. EARP

Francis Marion Earp was born in Grinsee county Kentucky, Nov. 16, 1841 and died Jan. 27, 1921, age 79 years, 2 months and 12 days.

When but a child he came with his parents to Monmouth, Ill. where he grew to manhood. He was married Nov. 3, 1865 to Mrs. Melvina Shields Hardin. They were pioneer citizens of Iowa, coming here in 1874, locating in Madison county, where they resided until 11 years ago, when they moved to Van Meter.

To this union were born ten children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Mrs. Edith Weidner, who passed away May 2, 1916. Those left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and companion are his wife, Melvina Earp and three sons and four daughters: Charles F of Waukee; Otis C. of Winston, Mo.; Joseph J., of near Booneville; Mrs. Lucy Malone, who has been making her home with her parents and caring for her father in his illness; Mrs. Annie Clearwater of Booneville; Mrs. Effie Poffinbarger of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Myrtle Brooker of Van Meter; and one stepdaughter, Mrs. Fannie Johnston of Earlham; also 26 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers.

About a year ago his health began to fail, but he was not confined to his bed until Christmas . He was very patient during all his sickness. At the age of 40 he was converted and joined the M. E. church. Later he transferred his membership to the U.B. church, of which he has since been a faithful member.

He was a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted in Co. B. 83d Illinois Volunteers and served in the Union army three years. All of the children were present when he passed away.