James F. Altaffer 1853-1929

ALTAFFER

Posted By: Virginia Ann Altaffer Stuhr (email)
Date: 4/28/2003 at 18:06:39

Highly respected citizen of Pilot Grove township, James Franklin Altaffer passed away at home of heart trouble November 4, 1929. A resident of Pilot Grove township for 44 years, he was born in Rockingham County, VA January 23, 1853.He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1879 and was married to Sally Raynes in 1883 in Staunton, VA. Two children were born to this union; one died in infancy and Mrs. Vera Bishop died in 1913. Sally passed away in 1890. Mr. Altaffer married Barbara Pence March 26, 1894. Five children were born: Maurice, at home, Helen, teaching in Red Oak, Virgil, living in Pilot Grove, Beth Kinney, living in Elliott and Pauline, teaching in Puerto Rico. Two granddaughters also survive:Lois Bishop and Virginia Ann Altaffer. Mr. Altaffer was the last member of a family of nine children. He served as Sunday School Superintendant at Pilot Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. Always a kind and helpful neighbor, his passing will be mourned by a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services were conducted from the church by Rev. L. W. Nixon of Des Moines, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. M. A. Banker of Elliott, IA. Music was furnished by Mrs. Ira Hartman, Mrs. J. G. Loving, Dr. M. W. Malony, and Mr. Hazen West. Mrs. D. R. Kipp presided at the piano.Interment was made in the Red Oak Cemetery.