John H. LaPella (1920)

DEVAULT, EYERLY, LAPELLA, ROSEMAN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 1/10/2009 at 16:21:48

Earlham Library Collection
Earlham, Iowa

Death Claims John H. LaPella

Sudden Passing of One of Community’s Fine Christian Men Mourned by All. G.A.R. Membership Reduced 75 Percent in Five Years.

John H. LaPella was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Nov. 16th, 1844 and died September 24, 1920. When he was nine years old his father moved with his family to Iowa. He was converted at an early age, united with the church and has been a devoted Christian during his entire life.

He acquired his education in Jasper County. He met with a severe trial when about nineteen years of age, in the loss of his mother, but made his home with a sister after his mother’s death.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company E Fortieth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for three years. During that time he was held a prisoner for eight months and also participated in a number of engagements, making a creditable record as a most loyal and faithful soldier and never faltered in the performance of any task assigned him. He was honorably discharged the 2nd of August, 1865 at Fort Gibson, Cherokee Nation and then returned to Jasper County, Ia., where he continued his education for a short time. He came to Madison County and was married to Catherine Eyerly April 24, 1867. To this union were born four children, one son and three daughters.

The wife and mother was called to her Heavenly home March 20, 1918, leaving Mr. LaPella lonely and sad. Since his wife’s going away he has made his home with his children whose doors were always open to welcome him.

Mr. LaPella has lived in Earlham and vicinity continuously for fifty-four years with the exception of two winters spent with a daughter in California, and is well known by a host of friends, who have ever deemed it a privilege and a blessing to be thus associated with him. His life has ever been an inspiration to those about him and the church has had in him a faithful adherent. He leaves to mourn his loss two daughters, Mrs. E. E. Roseman, of Pasadena, Cal., and Mrs. C. C. DeVault, of Earlham, and one son E. E. LaPella, of Earlham. His daughter Elma preceded him to the Heavenly home in her early womanhood. Besides these are five grandchildren and a host of relatives who will ever hold the remembrance of this dear one sacred in their memory.

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