R. J. McCORMICK

MCCORMICK, BARNES, FITZSIMMONS

Posted By: Judy Dankert-Parsons (email)
Date: 1/26/2006 at 11:47:10

Newspaper Clipping (Obituary) in the Anna A. and Charles S. McCORMICK Family Bible:

An Old Resident Passed Away.

But few of the early settlers of Poweshiek County remain. With the passing of these the oral history of early times will come to a close and all of the unwritten past of those times will be a vanishing tradition with succeeding generations. In the passing of R. J. McCORMICK to his heavenly reward, another of the few that are familiar with the frontier days of this locality gone from among us. He was born in West Virginia, December 30, 1828 and came to Iowa and settled in Montezuma, April 4, 1855. Mr. McCORMICK has said that when he came to Montezuma there were but two or three houses between Brooklyn and Grinnell. What changes have taken place since that time. He was united in marriage with Miss E. T. BARNES, February 6, 1866. To this union were born two sons, Charles S. and John O. who are respected residents of this county.

In the death of Father McCORMICK, we lose one of the most respected members of our community. He was a good neighbor, a kind father and a loving husband. As to his character, none speak of him but in the highest terms. Well might it be an inspiration to us all to strive towards true and noble living.

Bro. McCORMICK was converted to Christ early in life and has been a faithful follower of his Lord for fifty-five years. He said just a few days before his death that he knew what the fullness of Christian joy was for fifty years. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since the time of his conversion and is the last of the charter members of the Ewart class. For thirty-five years he served his church as steward and trustee. His place in all the services of the church including the Sunday school was seldom vacant until enfeebled by disease he was compelled to stay at home. His example will surely linger in the memory of the boys and girls who were familiar with his presence and interest of the study of God's word in the Sunday school.

Father McCORMICK passed away at his home August 20, 1907, at the ripe age of 78 years, 7 months and 20 days. Besides his aged wife, who has been his companion for more than 40 years and his two sons, he leaves many other kindred and a host of friends who mourn their loss in his departure. We do not weep because he has gone to his Heavenly home, but we mourn because he was gone from among us. We expect to see him crowned with that crown of righteousness which Christ has promised to those who love him. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. E. Fitzsimmons, was held at the Montezuma M.E. church. Interment in the Montezuma Cemetery.