Rayburn, Zwingle 1857-1930

RAYBURN, PRICE

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 1/11/2006 at 13:08:24

From the LeMars Sentinel, Friday, March 28, 1930, Page 1, Column 7:

NAME COLLEGE BENEFICIARY
Zwingle Rayburn, of Seney, Leaves Large Bequest to Morningside
WELL KNOWN FARMER
Was Resident Here For Forty-Four Years

Death Monday claimed Z. Rayburn, 72 years old, widely known farmer and old resident of Elgin township, at his home in Seney.

Zwingle Rayburn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn, was born in Towanda, Ill., on September 6, 1857, and died on March 24, at 5:45 p.m., at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 18 days. On September 23, 1885, he was married to Miss Susan Price, of Bloomington, Ill. Leaving Towanda on their wedding day in search of a home, they visited in different parts of North Dakota, finally coming into Iowa and purchased a farm north of Seney, moving there on February 17, 1886. After living there sixteen years they moved to Seney twenty-nine years ago where they have resided since until the time of his death. His health broke a year and a half ago but his illness was not counted serious until January 2 when he entered the Methodist hospital in Sioux City for an examination. Here the seriousness of the case was learned. The examination showed a complication of diseases which were impossible to overcome due to his advanced age. Everything was done that could be in the way of medical skill and nursing but he gradually grew weaker until the end came.

He joined the Presbyterian church the second year after coming to Iowa and later joined the Methodist church in Seney, of which he remained a very active and true member. During this period he was Sunday school superintendent for a number of years, a member of the board of trustees and chairman of the official board for many years. He leaves to mourn his loss, his widow, two daughters, Mrs. J. H. Daugherty and Mrs. John Lancaster, Jr., both of Seney. Three brothers, M. L. Rayburn, of LeMars, Chalmers Rayburn, of Newton, Kansas, and Duff Rayburn of Lexington, Ill. beside other relatives and a host of friends.

Final services were held in the Methodist church at Seney at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. M. L. Metcalf having charge. The male quartet sang three selections. The pallbearers were J. J. Deegan, Irving McArthur, E. D. Buss, John Osborne, Wm. Hawkins and Jake Berkenpas.

Burial was made in the LeMars cemetery.

Morningside college in Sioux City has been named the beneficiary of $30,000 in the will of the late Z. Rayburn of Seney.

Mr. Rayburn had long been an ardent supporter of both the college and the Methodist hospital of Sioux City. He was one of the earliest farmers of Plymouth county and had established an enviable reputation as a successful farmer in this territory.

According to the terms of the will, the college will receive the $30,000 with no restrictions, but will not be able to hold a clear claim to the fund until the death of Mrs. Susan B. Rayburn, widow of the donor.

In addition to various contributions to the college, Mr. Rayburn established a scholarship of $1,000 in 1910 for the aid of any deserving student who was interested in Christian service.