Tufts, John 1808-1900

TUFTS, WOOD, WALKER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/21/2013 at 13:51:31

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Nov. 23, 1900

--John Tufts was born at Athens, Me., March 24, 1808, and died at Grinnell Nov. 19, at 10 o'clock p.m. It will thus be seen that Mr. Tufts was past 92 years at the time of his death. Born on a New England farm, at a period when care and economy were necessary to earn a livelihood, he early learned the value of labor and practiced through his life the habits taught him at home. He was united in marriage May 24, 1833, at Norridgewock, to Miss Esther Wood, who passed away in 1897. During his life on a Maine farm, he became a stock buyer, and as such was well known among cattle raisers throughout the entire state of Maine. In 1869 with his family he moved to Iowa, and in 1877 moved to Grinnell. During the 23 years of his residence here he has been very active, even though so old, and has enjoyed a wide acquaintance. In his earlier life in Maine he was frequently honored with public offices, serving as constable, trustee, sheriff and in other official capacities. He was everywhere known a man of strict integrity, thrifty and honorable. His death occurred after an illness of but four days. The funeral was held Wednesday at two o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.L. Walker. The service was conducted by Rev. E.M. Vittum. Bearers were A.C. Harriman, D.S. Morrison, J.C. Goodrich, Joel Stewart, Aldace Child, and G.H. Hamlin. Mr. Tufts was the father of seven children, six of whom are living. Of these two live in Maine and four in Grinnell. One son, Hanson, died tthe age of 60 years in 1898. A brother of Mr. Tufts survives him, a resident of Medfield, Mass., also a sister, Rue, in San Francisco.