Tooker, David Kennedy (1830-1914)

KENNEDY, WILLIAMS, DIEDIKER, CRAVEN, WASHBURN, JENKINS, WOODBURN

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 3/15/2011 at 19:57:09

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
8-28-1914

DEATH OF A PIONEER

D.K. TOOKER LIVED HERE FOR FORTY THREE YEARS

WAS POSTMASTER AT MERRILL

Served In the Civil War in a Regiment
From Pennsylvania And Came West
At An Early Day, Homesteading in
Plymouth County.

David Tooker, one of the pioneer residents of Plymouth county, died at his home in Merrill on Wednesday at the advanced age of 83 years, eight months, and ten days, following an illness of twelve weeks. His death was due to the infirmities of old age, coupled with other complications. A stroke of paralysis some months ago hastened his end. David Tooker was one of the best know men in the county, having lived in Merrill and vicinity for forty-five years where he was engaged in business and farming. David Kennedy Tooker was a native of Pennsylvania and first saw the light of day at Mount Pleasant, Wayne county in that state. He grew to manhood in his native state, attending school and working on a farm. He was born on December 25, 1830 and on his birthday 24 years later was united in marriage with Miss Abbie S. Williams, at Brooklyn. They lived on a farm in Susquehanna county after their marriage and three children were born to their union. During the civil war Mr. Tooker served with bravery in the One hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania volunteers.

During the war years, Mr. Tooker lost his wife by death. On April 1, 1866 he was united in marriage with Ellen Williams at Brooklyn. To this union eight children were born.

In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Tooker came west and located on a homestead three miles west of Merrill. After proving unopn their claim, they moved to Merrill and Mr. Tooker conducted a general store there for several years and then bought a farm north of Merrill. Late they moved back to Merrill where Mr. Tooker engaged in business and became a prominent citizen, holding positions of postmaster and town councilman for a number of years. He and his wife were identified with the growth of the town and the northwest country during their long residence.

Mr. Tooker is survived by his widow, and ten children who are: Mrs. Ida Diediker, Paola, Kansas; W.E. Tooker, Merrill, Mrs. Sarah Craven, Brooklyn, Pa.; E.L. Tooker, Leeds; Mrs. Abbie
Jenkins, Merrill; Mrs. Ellen Washburn, Leeds; Mrs. Etta Corbin, Sioux City; Fred Tooker, Yankton; E.W. Tooker, Lusk, Wyoming. He also leaves thirty two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is survived by three brother, Ralph, Tooker, residing in California, John and Harvey Tooker, of Omaha, Neb., two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Woodburn of Akron, and Mrs. Helen Tooker of LeMars.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at the First Methodist church in Merrill, the pastor, Rev. J.A. Barkley officiating.

Civil War Record
 

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