RODMAN, Leroy C., Mrs. (1847-1932)

RODMAN, MACKEY

Posted By: Elaine Harrington (email)
Date: 11/25/2006 at 06:49:13

GLENWOOD OPINION-TRIBUNE
DATED JULY 28, 1932:

Death called another pioneer of the Fairview community, north of Tabor, when it summoned Mrs. Leroy C. Rodman, Thursday of last week. She was a pioneer of two states. Her birth in Gentry county, Mo., Nov. 22, 1847, more than 84 year ago, made her a pioneer of that commonwealth. She lived there until she was a maid of 16. As a child she was familiar with the exciting scenes that preceded the Civil war. She was 13 when that great conflict broke out. It was in 1863, during the war, that her family came to Iowa. Her residence in Iowa extends over a period of more than 69 years. As the daughter of James and Eliza Ann Mackey she first lived on a farm near Randolph. In 1864 the family moved to a farm west of Tabor.

Nov. 14, 1867, she and Leroy C. Rodman were married. The following spring as a bride she began her home life on the farm where she died. Sixty-four years of continuous residence on the same place probably made her the oldest of the pioneers still living in the community. Mrs. Rodman was one of 11 children, four of whom are living, three brothers, John Mackey of Glenwood, Jim Mackey of Hamburg, Charley Mackey of Tabor; one sister, Miss Elizabeth Mackey of Tabor. She was a mother of seven children, all of whom have grown to manhood and womanhood. This is an unusual family in which the home ties are most marked. All of the sons and daughters live at home but one, Leroy Jr., whose home is nearby. July 4, 1924, her husband died suddenly after they had journeyed lifes path together for more than 50 years. The sons in this family were William, Luther, Melvin, Leroy Jr., and the daughters are Eliza, Effa and Rose. There is but one grandchild, Margaret Rose Rodman.

Mrs. Rodman gave the fullness of her life’s devotion to her home. Quiet, unassuming, she found her largest field of service in ministering to her loved ones. Patient in her suffering, grateful for the tender ministry of her own and for the kindness and thoughtfulness of her neighbors and friends, she peacefully fell asleep. The Rodman home was one of the most highly respected homes in the community. As pioneers they maintained that sincerity, hospitality and integrity that contributed so much to the community life.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, July 23, at the family home at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Peter Jacobs of Shenandoah, a former pastor of the family. The male quartet, Ralph Soule, Henry Parkinson, Ben Hall and Walter Reeves form Tabor sang three hymns, Crossing the Bar, Safe In the Arms of Jesus, and One Sweetly Solemn Thought. Mrs. Gertrude Good and Mrs. Ed Wolfe took charge of the flowers. The casket bearers were Walter Harrison, Elmer Estes, Albert Dalton, Albert Cheney, Vernon Wyant, Bert McPherron.

Interment was in Fairview cemetery.