Pence, J. W. 1837-1937

PENCE, EATOR, THOM

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/16/2007 at 17:32:57

IOWA PIONEER CLAIMED BY DEATH

Approaching the span of 100 years J.W. Pence, one of the oldest residents of Plymouth county, died at the Zimmerman Memorial Home in LeMars, Saturday, from infirmities of old age. Until a few weeks ago, Mr. Pence had enjoyed good health during a long useful life. Gradually weakening from a breakdown of a rugged constitution, he expressed a desire to be taken from his home in Perry township to the Zimmerman Home to obtain constant medical attention and the care of a trained nurse.

Joseph Wesley Pence was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 11, 1837, and departed from this life February 27, 1937, at the age of 99 years, 6 months and 16 days.

When four years of age he moved to Cass county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and taught in the public schools. In 1859 he was united in wedlock to Margaret Eator. They lived in Illinois for 12 years and then came to Iowa. To this union nine children were born. His wife and three children preceded him in death.

Those left to mourn his departure are five sons and one daughter, Jiles of Howard, S.D., Thomas of Rapid City, S.D., and O.J. and E.K. of Sioux City; Mrs. T.R. Thom of Correctionville, Iowa; 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Free Methodist church for 50 years.

Services were held at the Barnett’s Funeral Home at Merrill, Iowa, on Tuesday, March 2, at 12 o’clock. Rev. James Albertson officiated and interment was in the Rock Branch cemetery near Moville.

~source: Hinton newspaper, March 4, 1937