Hoover, John D. 1834-1924

HOOVER, WITTERS, HURDMAN, GRAHAM, EMORY, SPARKS, FISTER, OSHELL, NOEL, VAN FLEET

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/19/2010 at 09:27:55

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Oct. 5, 1924

JOHN D. HOOVER'S FUNERAL HELD TODAY

John D. Hoover, one of Grinnell's old and respected citizens, who passed his ninetieth birthday, Sept. 23, passed away Wednesday evening at his home, 1204 Third Ave., after a brief illness.

Funeral services, conducted by Rev. W.J. Todd of the Methodist Church, were held this afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the home. Interment was in Hazelwood.

John D. Hoover, the eldest son of Mary Ann Witters and George W. Hoover, was born Sept. 23, 1834, in Clearfield County, Pa., where he spent his younger days, later moving to Cambary (Cambria) County, where he lived seven years. Moving back to Clearfield county he was married to Mary E. Hurdman, December 15th, 1861 and they lived there until he enlisted in Company C, 76 Pennsylvania Zouaves, August 27th, 1863, serving continuously until honorably discharged from the service, July 18th, 1865, at Raleigh, N.C. He was in a number of battles, among them the blowing up of the mine at Petersburg. He served under both General Sherman and General Grant, being within the sound of Gen. Sherman's voice at the time of the now famous remark made by Sherman.

In 1867, he, with his family came to Scott county, Iowa, living there one year, then coming to Jasper County, remaining in possession of the old homesead 41 years.

His wife died August 2, 1884, leaving him with seven children, one dying at the age of three months, and a daughter, Mary Dora, at the age of 31 years, leaving now to mourn his death, two sons, three daughters and four sisters. The sons are: William Hoover and J. H. Hoover; the daughters: Mrs. Mina Graham, Mrs. Hattie Emory and Mrs. Lila Sparks; the sisters: Mrs. Eliza Fister, Mrs. Matilda Oshell of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Etta Noel and Mrs. Celia Van Fleet of Minnesota, together with fifteen grandchildren and, seven great grandchildren.

He was at the advanced age of 90 years and seven days. When a young man, he was converted and joined the United Brethren Church and remained a member throughout his life.