Leonard J. Wilson (1921)

WILSON, HOSELTON, SPRAGUE, SMITH

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 2/26/2008 at 13:54:55

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
May 25, 1921

LEONARD J. WILSON

Leonard J. Wilson was the youngest of four children born to Hugh and Sarah Ann Wilson, and the first 16 years of life were spent at Sharon York county, Canada, where he was born April 3, 1830.

In the year 1848 he moved with his parents to Bureau county, Illinois, and at that place he was married to Janette A. Hoselton, Nov. 15, 1855. To this union were born seven children. Those living are: Wm. H. and Clarence of Los Angeles, Calif; Bert J. of Salt Lake City, Utah; Ernest E. of New York City, Stella M. Sprague of Scottsville, Va, and Flora B. Smith of St. Charles who has served as best she could with heart and hands to make the last days of her parents pleasant and comfortable.

In 1858 Mr. Wilsons removed to Adair county, Iowa, and for 21 years resided near Greenfield; later coming to Madison county, where he lived until 1887 in Lincoln township. They then moved to Des Moines, but in later years decided to change their home to St. Charles, that they might be near their daughter at that place in their declining years. The wife and mother passed away only five weeks ago, so they have not long been separated, even by death.

Varied and many have been the experiences of life to this couple as they have journeyed the pathway together, but their brave hearts have cheered the many and encouraged all as they have lived their quiet lives here and there in the different communities.

Grandpa was converted in his home Nov. 19, 1919, during a visit from Rev. Rarick, who at that
time was assisting Rev. Allen in a series of meetings at that place and has ever since enjoyed God's love in his heart. It was his delight to carry to the church his birthday offering and as long as he was able to go up the steps into God's house, he considered it a privilege. His friendly manner and kindliness of heart have won him many friends among all who have known him and during these latter years while weakness and disease were laying low this strong frame, through all has gleamed out the pleasant and cheery disposition of heart that has endeared him to all his acquaintances.

He was comforted by the visit from his son of New York City, who has spent the last weeks with him. Most of the children, living at a great distance, have been denied the privilege of assisting in the care during these days of declining strength, but to them is left the legacy of life lived well and the beautiful hope that they may meet him in the home over there.

The end came in the quiet of the morning following a lingering illness, May 14, 1921, at the age of 91 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church by Rev. Andrews assisted by the pastor of the U.P. church and burial made in the St. Charles cemetery.

Gravestone Photo
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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