John WALL

WALL, OWENS, BIGGS, GALLOWAY

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/4/2009 at 10:17:33

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1924

DEATH of JOHN WALL.

John WALL, pioneer grocer and one of the most highly respected citizens of Mount Ayr, died suddenly at his home in the west part of the city Monday evening, from heart failure. He had been enjoying his usual good health, had been at the store all day and after returning home in the evening was engaged in doing the evening chores when life passed out without warning. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at two o'clock from the Methodist Episcopal church and will be conducted by the pastor, Rev. Jay KIRKENDALL.

The death of Mr. WALL marks the passing of another veteran of the civil war, a man who for more than forty years filled a large place in the community and whose life commanded the respect of all his acquaintances. Modest and retiring in disposition, he served his generation and at a ripe old age passed peacefully to his reward.

John Wall was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1843 [the son of Abraham WALL and Rebecca N. (OWENS) WALL, and died at his home in Mount Ayr, Iowa, March 24, 1924, aged 80 years, 5 months and 9 days. At an early age he moved with his parents to Knoxville, Iowa, where he enlisted in Company K 3rd Iowa cavalry September 3, 1861. After serving his first enlistment he reenlisted on January 1, 1864. He was promoted to 6th sergeant December 1, 1864. In the engagement of April 1, 1865, he was wounded in the hand. On August 9, 1865, he was mustered out of service at Atlanta, Ga., and immediately returned to his home in Marion county, where on January 5, 1868, he was united in marriage with Josephine BIGGS. To this union were born six children - Mrs. Rosa GALLOWAY, wife of O. M. GALLOWAY of Missoula, Mont., E. B. WALL of Mount Ayr, Oscar WALL of Greenfield, Iowa, Luther WALL of Wapello, Iowa, Frank WALL of Galesville, Wis., and Nora who died February 17, 1881. His wife died December 1, 1881.

With his family Mr. WALL moved from Monroe county to Mount Ayr in the spring of 1880 and engaged in the grocery business. His dealings with the public were ever characterized by honesty and a conscientious desire to serve. In point of service as well as in years of age he was the oldest business man in Mount Ayr.

Mr. WALL was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Besides his children he leaves five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

NOTE: Josephine (BIGGS) WALL, John's wife, was born in 1849, and died December 1, 1881 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008