Buffum, Seth 1871-1959

BUFFUM, BARR, SAMMON, ELLIOTT, DODGE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/2/2010 at 09:47:28

Grinnell Herald-Register (Grinnell, Iowa) May 14, 1959

SETH BUFFUM
(Contributed)

Seth, son of Joseph and Mary Buffum, was born on a farm northwest of Grinnell on Dec. 19, 1871, and passed away at his home in Montezuma on May 8, 1959, at the age of 87 years. When a young man he drove a hack in Grinnell, and later, in 1900, he carried mail on the first rural route at Newburg.

On March 3, 1910, he married Elizabeth Barr. To this union three children were born. They made their home on the family farm for several years. In 1919, they moved to a farm a mile northeast of Montezuma, where they lived until they retired in 1943, when they moved to Montezuma.

Mr. Buffum was a member of Montezuma Methodist church, where he served as a steward for many years. In recognition of his faithful service he was made an honorary steward several years ago. He taught the Men's Bible Class for more than 40 years. He was also a member of the board of the Montezuma Mutual Telephone Company, serving in this capacity until his death.

Seth was a lover of books and was able to recite poems whenever called upon. He was an active worker in the temperance movement.

He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Betty Jo. He is survived by his wife; one son, Joseph, of Grinnell; two daughters, Frances Sammon of Montezuma and Mary Elliott of Grinnell; five grandchildren; one niece, Mary Dodge of Charles City, and other relatives and friends.

Final rites were conducted from the Montezuma Methodist church Monday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. by the pastor, the Rev. George S. Snyder, assisted by Dr. Alfred Barker of Dallas Center, Iowa. Burial was in the Pleasant View cemetery near Newburg. Casket bearers were Paul Esler, Donald Van Campen, Floyd Barr, Owen Barr, Chester Barr, and Ross Esler.