James Lawton

LAWTON, PILGRIM

Posted By: Joan Bushong Smith (email)
Date: 1/29/2003 at 16:50:15

From an unknown newspaper presumably published in Poweshiek Co., Iowa, in 1892.

"In Memory of James Lawton

James Lawton was born in England August 21, 1813, and died, at his home near Foster (sic) Home, Iowa, April 3, 1892, aged 78 years, 7 months and 12 days. He landed on American soil Dec. 3d, 1833, and afterwards married and settled in the state of Connecticut where he lived with the wife of his youth until about the year 1856, when they moved to Iowa with a family of four daughters. In 1879 he buried his wife and in 1880 was married to Mrs. Drusilla Pilgrim, with whom he lived happily until he passed out of earth life. He leaves two daughters and a number of grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Father Lawton, as he was reverently called by friends and neighbors, was a man of deep piety. While he lived in the east he was a member of the Baptist church, but since he came to Iowa his home of fellowship has been with the Christian church where he served faithfully and acceptably in the office of Deacon. During the last few days of his life, while struggling with disease, he often repeated the expression of resignation: "Father, Thy will be done." The funeral services were held in the Christian church at Forest Home, conducted by Melissa Terrell.

A precious one from us has gone;

A voice we loved is stilled;

A place is vacant in our home

Which never can be filled.

God, in His wisdom has recalled

The boon His love had given;

And though the body slumbers here,

The soul is safe in heaven.

And while we grope our doubtful way,

Tear-blinded in the night,

He reads the meaning of our grief

Clear writ in heavenly light.

And looking o'er the path he trod,

Weary, of times, rough and steep,

He knows t'was goodness led him on,

And gave to his beloved, sleep."