Redmon, L. D. 1853-1928

REDMON

Posted By: Donna O'Toole, Volunteer
Date: 7/6/2011 at 13:08:04

1928 Feb 7, LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Pg 1, LeMars, Iowa

Death Takes Old Resident
L. D. Redmon Came to Plymouth County Sixty Years Ago
Was Veteran Barber
Had Been in Failing Health of Late Years

Death claimed L. D. Redmon, a resident of Plymouth county since boyhood, at the Community hospital, Saturday afternoon. Mr. Redmon suffered a stroke of paralysis early Friday morning, and was conveyed to the hospital, where he never rallied, passing away without regaining consciousness. Mr. Redmon was widely known through his long residence in the county, his father, Neville Redmon, being one of the first settlers in America township and one of the first justices of the peace elected in the county.

Lafayette Dennis Redmon was born at Boxleytown, Indiana, July 14, 1853, and was 74 years, 6 months and 2 days old at the time of his death. He was a son of Neville and Nancy Redmon. In 1868 the family came to Le Mars to make their home. Lafe, as he was familiarly called, was stricken with paralysis when he was a small lad. The attack left him with a crippled leg, which necessitated the use of a crutch the rest of his life.

Was Game Fighter
Handicap by physical disability proved no deterrent to his disposition and ambition. He struggled gamely against odds and was always cheerful and hopeful, and in spite of his physical infirmities took part in games and sports, and his activity was remarkable. He obtained a fair education in the country schools and when a youth taught school in the rural districts. He learned the barber trade and followed that occupation for more than forty-five years, the greater part of the time in LeMars and Merrill, and at one time conducted shops in Pipestone, Minn., and Bonesteel, S.D.

Sickness overtook him about four years ago and he suffered a stroke which affected his use of his right arm, and prevented further work at his calling. Old settlers in the county recall “Lafe” when he was in great demand as announcer at country dances, and joined in community gatherings, enjoying life with a wholesome zest. Many of the pioneers will pay a tribute to one who figured picturesquely in the early settlement days.

L. D. Redmon leaves to mourn his death his brother, Alfred Redmon, of Omaha, Neb.; three half brothers, George Redmon, of Pipestone, Minn.; W. N. Redmon of Redondo Beach, Calif.; D. D. Redmon, of LeMars, and five sisters, Mrs. Mary Liesenger[sic], Mrs. May Demaray, Mrs. Maud Tucker, of LeMars, Mrs. Etta Corkins, of Casonovia [sic, Cazenovia], N.Y. and Mrs. Bertha Fowler, of Sioux City, Iowa.

The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Beely undertaking rooms and the services conducted by Rev. J. J. DePree, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the interment made in the city cemetery.