Propst, William Addison 1829-1901

PROPST, CUNNINGHAM, GOODALL, HILLYER, KENDALL, NIEDHERST

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/28/2011 at 14:45:52

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; March 12, 1901

OBITUARY.

William Addison Propst was born in Pendleton county, West Virginia, near the town of Franklin, April 29th, 1829, and died at his home in Grinnell, March 6th, 1901. He was the second of ten children born to Elias and Sarah Propst, deceased. There were four sons and six daughters, of whom two brothers and four sisters survive him. Mr. Propst's boyhood was spent in farming pursuits and in attending the public school. His first office of trust was that of constable at twenty years of age. In 1851 he removed with his uncle to Scott county, Iowa, locating on a farm near Long Grove; his parents and family joining him the following year. Here, in 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth Cunningham. The seven children of this union are all living except the youngest-an infant of a few days. The six surviving children are G.F. Propst of Marshalltown; Mrs. I.M. Goodall, Ottumwa; Mrs. E.J. Hillyer, Emporia, Kansas; Mrs. M.B. Kendall, Grinnell, and Mrs. S.E. Niedherst and Charles M. Propst of Des Moines.

Thirty-two years ago last September, Mr. Propst removed with his family to Grinnell, where he spent the remaining years of his life. Here, in March, 1872--at the home built by himself and which is now owned and occupied by Mr. A. Rinefort and family--the wife of his youth died. Three years later he married the wife who survives him, with a son, Herbert Addison Propst of Davenport. W.A. Propst is well known, having been engaged in mercantile and other pursuits through a long term of years. A quiet, reserved man, he never sought positions of trust, yet he was honored many years by important township offices. Kind and generous to a fault he was one of those rare characters whose virtues are known only to those who know him best. In business he was an example of integrity, holding the confidence and esteem of all. As a friend he ever stood ready to lend a helping hand. Steadfast in obeying the precepts of the Golden Rule and in heeding the divine command, "Feed the hungry," no wayfarer or poor man with a needy family was ever turned away unsupplied. His health has been failing for the past eighteen months; the last third of the time he was confined to his bed, enduring with fortitude and patience unspeakable suffering. "It is all right," and "All is well," were oft repeated words to anxious friends about his bed. With an abiding trust and firm faith in Jesus, and the life to come, he fell asleep. The funeral services were conducted at the home Friday, March 8th, by W.P. Stoddard and E.M. Vittum, following which interment was made--preceded by Odd Fellows' rites--in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.