ST. JOHN, Robert Thomas 1846-1937

ST JOHN, MOORE

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 12/4/2010 at 14:31:05

Robert Thomas St. John 1846-1937

#1:

ST. JOHN RITES ARE CONDUCTED

G.A.R., AMERICAN LEGION ASSIT AT FUNERAL IN RICEVILLE

Riceville – Funeral services for Col. T. T. St. John, civil war veteran, were conducted at the Congregational church by the pastor, the Rev. Jonas Priestley, assisted by the Rev. E. Bodenham, Saturday afternoon. After the regular service, the members of the G.A.R., who came from Des Moines, took charge. These consisted of Judge Willett, state commander Wrisley and Captain Hathaway, reserve officer.

National commander Ole Nelson, was expected but was unable to come on account of illness. The G.A.R. and American Legion assisted at services at the cemetery.

Others from away were a daughter-in-law from Texas, Mrs. Harry St. John and son, Robert; Dr. and Mrs. Moore from Harlan; and Mr. and Mrs. Turnstrands from Minneapolis.

Burial was made in Riverside cemetery

Two children preceded Mr. St. John in Death, May, who died in infancy, and Harry, who died about two years ago.

Surviving him is the oldest son, E. R. St. John, president of the First National Bank and his four children; Mrs. E. Rex Moore, husband and daughter, Ruby, at home; Franklin of Riceville and Roberta, at home.

The church was filled to overflowing. The main portion of the church was reserved mostly for relatives, the American Legion and Auxiliary.

[ Mason City Globe Gazette, Monday, May 3, 1937 ](DMS)
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#2:

Robert T. St. John was born July 14, 1846, in Elizabeth, Illinois. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1860. His early education was in the rural schools and Cedar Valley Seminary in Osage. In his boyhood, he worked on a farm near Osage, and attended school during the winters only.

At the age of 16, he enlisted in Company K, 27th Iowa Infantry at Osage, but his parents prevented his going on account of his age. Later, he enlisted in the 7th Illinois Cavalry, Company A, at Elizabeth, Illinois, and served during the remainder of the war.

On October 4, 1866, he was married to Addie E. Sayles at Osage, and moved to a small farm in Jenkins township. Three children were born, May, who died in infancy, Earl and Harry.

He held minor offices of trust in Jenkins Township until 1882, when he was elected to the office of County Sheriff of Mitchell county. He served in this capacity until 1892, when he returned to his farm adjoining Riceville on the west.

As Representative from Mitchell county, he served in the 25th and 26th General Assemblies, as well as a Legislative Special Session. He served on the staff of former Governor Harding, was a delegate from Iowa to the National Agricultural Congress, and for eight years, represented the 4th District as Superintendent of Agriculture, on the Iowa State Fair Board.

He was a past Vice President of the Pioneer Law Makers of Iowa, and past Department Commander of Iowa G.A.R. For sixteen years he served as Assistant Game Warden of Iowa.

A farmer by occupation, his interests were mainly agriculture, up to the time of his wife's death, May 21, 1936. Since that time he had made his home with his granddaughter, Mrs. Rex Moore.

Mr. St. John was of rugged constitution, and had Mrs. St. John lived, they would have celebrated, in October, 1936, their seventieth wedding anniversary. The death of his younger son, Harry, in 1935, and the loss of his wife a year later, contributed to his decline, although he was especially active, for one of his age, up to a week preceeding his death.

Mr. St. John was an active member of the Congregational church, and one of its deacons. He was a life member of the Masonic Orders; the Masonic Lodge Proper, the Royal Arch Chapter, The Commandery, and the Shrine.

He passed away peacefully at the home of E. Rex Moore, Wednesday morning.

Of the immediate family surviving is one son, E.R. St. John, of Riceville. Also seven grandchildren, Alvin St. John, Robert T. St. John, Jr. and Dick St. John of San Antonio, Texas; Mrs. E.Rex Moore, Ruby St. John, Franklyn St. John and Roberta St. John, of Riceville. Also one great-granddaughter, Jacquelinn Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Rex Moore.

[Scrapbook article from volunteer, no date]
(SB)
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#3:

Ancestry: Iowa Cemetery Records--
Name: Robert T. Saint John
Death Date: 1937
Page #: 117
Birth Date: 1846
Cemetery: Riverside
Town: Riceville
Level Info: Mitchell County, Iowa Grave Records

(DMS)
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#4:

Two photos of Robert St. John. The left photo is from Iowa Legislatures online. The other photo was in either the Riceville Recorder or the Mitchell County Press -- it was on the occasion of his 87th birthday, so probably was taken in 1933.

(SB)

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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