PADDOCK, John Devere (1842-1928)

PADDOCK

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 10/16/2018 at 08:40:58

Malvern Leader
Sept.6, 1928
pg 1

JOHN DEVERE PADDOCK, PIONEER OF MALVERN, DIES IN DENVER HOSPITAL; WAS TOWN'S CHIEF PHILANTHROPIST

WAS DONOR OF CITY PARK, WROTE "BRIEF HISTORY OF MALVERN;" LEAVES HOST OF FRIENDS IN THIS COMMUNITY

John D. Paddock, pioneer businessman and long time resident of Malvern, passed away at a hospital in Denver, Friday evening, August 31.

He was in poor health when visiting in Malvern a couple of weeks ago and left here for Denver Tuesday, August 18, with the intention of having an examination under D. John Roe, a life long friend, and an operation if necessary. He underwent the operation but was unable to rally, and passed away as stated above. His nephews, Joy D. Paddock and Clarence Paddock, were with him during his last hours.

The remains were brought to Malvern and funeral services were held in the First Baptist church, the church he helped to establish and build, Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock.

The service was in charge of the pastor, Rev. Frank G. Tebow. A special choir, Messrs. R.W. Criswell and Fred Stone, and Mrs. F.R. Chantry and Mrs. E.C. Collins, sang with Miss Frances Cadwell as accompanist. Mrs. F.G Tebow sang “He Hideth My Soul.”

OLD FRIENDS SPEAK. Short talks concerning the life and influence of Mr. Paddock were made by C.W. Black, W.P Wortman, and P.M. Cadwell, all of whom had been intimately associated with him for many years. Interment was made in the Malvern cemetery by the side of the wife, who was his earthly mate for fifty-three years. The pallbearers were Dr. D.M. Kline, J.W. McNulty, E.C. Collins, A.J. Berkhimer, H.E. Chambers, and L.J. Richardson.

John D. Paddock was born in Steuben county, New York, June 17, 1842, the son of Captain John H. and Nancy Armstrong Paddock. In 1844 they moved to Michigan, residing for a time near Adrian. In 1846 they came to Illinois locating in McHenry county where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools, Elgin Seminary, and later in Bryant & Stratton’s commercial college in Chicago. He taught school for three years in his early manhood.

SERVED IN CIVIL WAR. When the Civil War broke out he at once enlisted but was rejected at first on account of his physical condition but later was accepted and served in Company F 134th Illinois infantry.

Following his military service he returned to Chicago and worked as bookkeeper for six years in that city. He was married March 1, 1869 to Miss Helen McRae of Woodstock, Ill., who preceded him in death January 1, 1922. No children came to bless their union but they gave a home to Charles and John Roe who were left orphans.

In August 1869, he came to Malvern, then known as Milton, and located, building the first store building in Malvern. Here he conducted a general merchandise store for many years or until 1895. They made the trip from Chicago to Malvern in a covered wagon.

His first frame building was afterward replaced by the double brick store building now occupied by the Mansfield furniture store. He also built the brick building adjoining in on the north, now occupied by the Iowa State Savings Bank.

FIRST POST MASTER. He was Malvern’s first Post Master, receiving his appointment in January 1870, and serving until 1876 when he resigned. Later he was again appointed Post Master in 1896 and served for eight years retiring in 1904.

He helped to establish the first Sunday school in Malvern and was one of the staunch members and supporters of the First Baptist church. He and Mrs. Paddock united with the church in 1874. He also helped to establish the first school in Malvern and served the district and community in almost every capacity during these years, ever ready with his time and money to help along any worthy cause. No resident of Malvern was ever a greater factor in developing the community to its best, few, if any were his equals.

He was a member of Milton Summers Post G.A.R. in all its years of usefulness. He was also a member nearly all these years of Silver Urn lodge, A.F. & A.M., serving for many years as its treasurer. He gave to Malvern the beautiful little park adjoining the grounds of the public library on the north and this is but one of the many things that he did for his town and community.

He was so very modest about his giving and his good deeds that he never wanted anything said about them; but we can say them now. He was ever thoughtful of those around him, ministering to the needs of many with never a thought of return. He was especially interested in young people and anxious to see them do well and prosper. An especial hobby of his was to get young people to build homes, and there are a number in Malvern today who now own their own homes but largely to his encouragement and help in starting.

He lived a good life, an example to all who knew him that righteousness pays large dividends in the only true and lasting happiness that comes to mankind.

MOVED TO COLORADO. In September 1923, he severed his home connections with Malvern and spent the greater part of his remaining years in the west - in California and at Boulder, Colorado.

He is survived by two half sisters and a half brother in California, besides numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friend who feel deeply his loss.

All the business houses closed during the services in respect for Mr. Paddock, who was the first business man in Malvern.

Relatives from a distance attending the services were John R. Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hubbard, and Mr. and Mrs. A.Adams of Moorhead, Iowa; Helen M. Thompson of Dunlap, Iowa; Mrs. Sadie McConnell of Gibbon, Nebr., E.C. Dimmitt and daughter of Omaha, Nebr., and Earl S. Hubbard of Boulder, Colo.