George A. Speer 1868 - 1948

SPEER, POWELL, SHARTS, OLDFIELD, DAMON, BALDWIN, WATSON, KLING

Posted By: Steve Speer (email)
Date: 6/23/2008 at 03:07:40

Pocahontas Record - Democrat
Pocahontas, Iowa
November 4, 1948

Last Rites Held For George Speer at Havelock

The community of Havelock was deeply shocked last Monday evening by the news of the sudden death of Mayor George A. Speer. Although in failing health he appeared to be as well as usual Monday. He was found dead in an armchair Monday afternoon by Mrs. Speer.

George A. Speer, the eldest child of Elizabeth and James Speer, was born at Traer, December 28, 1868. He grew to manhood at Traer, Iowa and in 1890 was married to Emma Powell also of Traer. Immediately following the marriage they moved to a home in Sherman Township, where most of the remainder of this life was spent. To this union five children were born, Willis A. who lives on the farm near Havelock, Ralph W. who died Aug. 23, 1943, Mrs. Eva Sharts Libertyville, Iowa, Mrs. Mildred Oldfield, Ottumwa and Grace Damon of Kansas City, Mo.

Mrs. Speer lost her life in the Tornado at Twin Lakes, Aug. 28, 1928. On Aug. 27, 1930 Mr. Speer was married to Mrs. Caroline Kling of Curlew. They established their home in Havelock.

Besides his wife, one son and three daughters, there are left to mourn, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, two step sons, Orval A. Kling, Des Moines; C. Creswell Kling, Leavenworth, Kansas, two sisters, Mrs. Lula Baldwin, and Mrs. Grace Watson, Plainview, Nebraska; one brother, Chester, Oakland, Calif.

The Pocahontas County farm to which he came in youth was virgin soil, and he had a part in helping build raw prairie into fine and well equipped farm homes. He participated too in the organization and institutions that were factors in the development of the community. He was one of the organizers of the first telephone system in the community, director of the farmers elevator, Vice President of the Farmers Savings Bank, director of rural school in Sherman Township. He was president of the Havelock consolidated school at the time the present school building was erected. He served five terms as Mayor of Havelock and because of his efficient administration he was induced to enter, against his will his sixth term of which six months were complete at the time of his death. He was a member of the Havelock Methodist church during most of its existence and was a member of the fraternal I.O.O.F.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 1:30 from the home and from the Methodist church at 2 P.M. Loudspeakers were used to convey the services to those in the basement. Rev. J.E. Albertson pastor of the Methodist church assisted by Rev. Warren D. Ives officiated. The many lovely floral offerings were arranged by Mrs. J.C. Barth, Mrs. George Dyvig and Mrs. Will Smith.

Mrs. Frank Kirby and Mrs. Floyd Oertely accompanied by Mrs. C.S. Barth sang, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" "Shall We Meet Beyond the River". Rev William Wessenour of Mallard sang "Sunrise Tomorrow".

Pallbearers were; Frank Kirby, Harry Herscher, Floyd Oertley, Ray Hartsock, Harold Shimon and John Whitman. Interment was in Washington Cemetery.

Those from a distance at the rites were; Mr. and Mrs. Cap Sharts, Libertyville, Iowa; Mr and Mrs C.S. Damon, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Henry Oldfield, Bloomfield, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Philson, Harlan; Mr. and Mrs. Ed White, Harlan, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Ansel Watson, Mrs Lulu Baldwin, Plainview, Nebr.; Mrs. Ed Powell, John Powell, Garfield Powell, Fred Powell, Donald Powell of Traer; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. G.S. Shriner, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Shriner, of Paton; Mr. and Mrs. Wm Johnson, of West Bend; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Urquhart, Ruse, Atlantic, Mrs. Andrew of Rodman; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson, of Avoca; Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Mrs H. Ruble, Miss Tille Sarsgard, Mrs. John Sarsgard, of Humboldt; Mrs. Martin Anderson, of Thor; Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Bennet, of Curlew; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rossenberger, of Reinbeck; Mr. and Mrs. Nord Siglin, of Mason City; Rev. Wm Wessenour, of Mallard; Rev. and Mrs. Warren Ives, of Linn Grove, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lucas, Mr. Frank Overmire, Mr. and Mrs. Roy DePew, of Pocahontas.