MUNSON, Levi George 1831-1911

MUNSON, DOWNS, HALE, WATERS, ANDERSON, BEEBE

Posted By: Darrel K. Waters (email)
Date: 9/20/2006 at 12:36:32

Obituary:

Levi G. Munson

Born: November 9, 1831
Died: August 6, 1911

The original of this picture needs no introduction to the people in this part of Iowa. He built the first log house in Wayne township, Mitchell county in the summer of 1855, on land which he had pre-empted. To this house he brought his bride in November of the same year.

Mr. Munson was born in Delaware county, New York, November 9, 1831. He came with his family at the age of eleven to Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois where he grew to manhood. In 1850 he went into mercantile business in Waukon, Iowa with his brother-in-law, O. E. Hale. Mrs. Munson, whose maiden name was Anna {Ann} Downs {Downes}, was a native of Albany N. Y. and came with her parents to Waukon in girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Munson were the parents of seven children: Adelbert D., now living in Plentywood, Montana; George A. whose family has lived in the old home for several years; Emeline J., wife of George A. Waters; Etta M., wife of Dr. Anderson; Alma R., wife of Rollin S. Beebe; one child died in infancy; another child, John M. died at the age of sixteen months.

The log house was a hive of industry and a homelike place for any who accepted its hospitality for many years and when replaced by an ample dwelling passed it declining years, on the opposite side of the road, a reminder of pioneer experiences.

In the summer of 1901 Mr. Munson planned a visit to a brother who lived in Roseburg, Oregon, hoping it might improve the health of his wife who took an enthusiastic interest in the plan. The youngest daughter went with them. The journey was a pleasant one and for a time it seemed their hopes might be realized but on August 6 Mrs. Munson became suddenly worse and lived but a few hours. The remains were brought back to the home where appropriate services were conducted by Rev. N. L. Packard, pastor of the Congregational church, McIntire, of which Mr. and Mrs. Munson were loyal members.

In his loneliness, Mr. Munson did not cease his activities. His genuine loving kindness made him a tender and sympathetic friend and helper in all the varied conditions of human life. He was found of travel and many a trip he took to visit the boys and girls who had grown up near him and then settled elsewhere.

His health began perceptibly to decline about a year ago. The untiring attentions of his children during the months of waiting were a great comfort to him and will be to them a blessed memory. His eyes closed on the scenes of earth August 6th, 1911.

The large gathering of people from near and far at the funeral which was held on the afternoon of August 7 in and around the old homestead, attested the universal esteem in which he was held. Our Divine Guide has told us in His word. "the memory of the just is blessed." The exercises were shared by Rev. Pease, pastor of the M. E. Church and Rev. Huffman, a former pastor of the Congregational church. The text used was "The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" and the preacher remarked "these words are a sermon in themselves". Precious hymns were sung by a choir of young people in subdued tones for each one knew and loved him. He was laid to rest beside his wife and surrounded by loved ones gone before.

(Riceville Recorder and The Osage News)