Milton Hanks (1820 - 1901)

HANKS, CRAIG, WYNES, NELSON, WYATT, MASON

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 3/31/2016 at 17:44:00

Monroe County News and Albia Democrat
February 1, 1901

Obituary
Milton Hanks

Milton Hanks was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, March 1st, 1820. His boyhood and early manhood were spent attending school and assisting his father in the business of dry goods and groceries. Finding it not beneficial to his health in such close confinement he went to his uncles who owned a large farm and assisted in the management of the work.

At the age of 23 he was converted and united with the Baptist church at Bullittsburg, Kentucky. He was devoted to his church work and for many years clerk of the same and secretary of the Sabbath school.

In September 26, 1844, he was united in marriage with Miss Dorcas Craig, of Decatur county, Indy., and settled on a farm presented to them. In 1853 he left the farm and went into the drug business continuing therein same two years or more. He then again returned to the farm on account of poor health. During the war of the Rebellion he was a proprietor and manager of a successful meat market. He then returned to the farm remaining on same until the spring of 1869 at which time he came to Iowa, and located on a farm two and a half miles east of Albia, continued thereon until some six weeks previous to his death he removed to Albia.

To father Hanks were born twelve children, seven daughters and five sons. Two sons dying in infancy and two daughters in childhood. Those remaining are: S. D. Hanks, Mrs. Gennie Wynes, Grinnell; Mr. Lewis Hanks, Mrs. C. L. Nelson, Laura Hanks, Mrs. Annie Wyatt, Albia; Mr. J. D. Hanks, Centerville; Mrs. Belle Wynes, Malcom.

He was a devoted husband and father always ready to sacrifice for others. Held in high esteem by all who knew him. He passed from earth Jan. 22nd, 1901. Mr. Hanks belonged to the 1820 club, with quite a large number of Monroe citizens who were born to that year.

His beloved wife and life companion succeeded him to the unknown beyond just two years and two days, ever since which sorrowing event he had not seemed the same and had gradually grown weaker until death relieved his sufferings.

In September 1894 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Hanks was one of Monroe county's noblest, most upright and best citizens whose memory is a beacon light for the younger generation to follow.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. N. D. Mason at the residence of Mrs. C. L. Nelson on East Washington street. His remains were laid to rest in the Oak View cemetery.