H. A. WHITE

WHITE, AVERY, HELM, SPENCE, HENRY, WALL, SAVILLE, BEVIS, THOMPSON, MITCHELTREE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/4/2009 at 15:10:01

The Ringgold Record, 1897

DEATH of H. A. WHITE

A Prominent Citizen Passes Away - The Funeral Held Sunday.

The death of ex-Postmaster H. A. WHITE on Friday last, June 4, 1897, was not an unexpected event. He had been ailing for a long time, and for some time little or no hope remained of final recovery. The messenger of death had been long and patiently expected both by himself and friends. And yet death is a fact which never becomes common in human life. It is but rarely expected and at the particular time in which it comes. No period of daily and hourly apprehension makes us ready for the announcement of the fact. The death of those who have been long ill and at the door of death is, however, less startling than that of the active and strong. And to the announcement of the death of Mr. WHITE came to the community with a hush of silence and sadness as an expected event.

Mr. WHITE was born in West Middlesex, Mercer county, Penn., August 10, 1839. He had therefore passed the 57th year of his age. He spent his early years and grew to manhood in the parental home and vicinity. He learned the blacksmith trade at Mercer, Pa., and became an expert in the calling. On September 30, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. MITCHELTREE, and to them were born five sons and one daughter. Mrs. WHITE died in Mt. Ayr December 26, 1879.

Western Pennsylvania has always been noted for attachment to principle and sturdy manhood. The people are largely descendants of the Scotch-Irish and remarkable for intensity of purpose. The call of the country to put down the rebellion therefore met with a hearty response in that region. Many rushed to the front. As soon as circumstances would permit, Mr. WHITE bade farewell to the wife of his youth and all that was dear at home and went out for the defense of his country. He joined the Sixth Pennsylvania heavy artillery in 1863, and served to the close of the war. He deemed the service a privilege and regarded it as an honor of the highest kind. Like many honorably discharged soldiers Mr. White after the experiences of the war thought of the west as a permanent home. In the month of November, 1868, he came to Ringgold county, Iowa, and settled in Mt. Ayr. He moved for a time to a farm in Washington township, and at one time spent some time in business at Kellerton. He served the county in several public capacities. In 1873 he was recorder of the county. After that he was elected two terms as sheriff, and from 1876 to 1879 He served as postmaster in Mt. Ayr during the HARRISON administration, and made an admirable officer as many can remember.

On January 6, 1881, he was again united in marriage to Miss Mary A. AVERY, of Leon. The marriage was a peculiarly happy one, and the home was a truly christian home. About twelve years ago Mr. WHITE suddenly paused in life and thought seriously of its awful responsibilty, and manfully turned his back to the world and his face toward heaven. It was a manly struggle. He told the writer all about it, and hence he freely speaks about it. His change of mind, purpose and conduct were all truly admirable. He soon united with the Presbyterian church, and remained a devoted faithful member of the same until the close of life. He most gladly served God, and regretted that he had not done so earlier in life. For years he has been an active member of the I. O. O. F. order, and faithful in all the duties and obligations required. He also took an interest in the G. A. R. association.

Mr. WHITE leaves a wife and five sons and one daughter - Elmer E., Easton A., Charles S., Edward B., and James W., sons, and Mrs. F. M. HELM, daughter. The funeral took place from the home on Sabbath, June 6th, at 2 p.m., and was conducted by his pastor, Rev. Samuel ALEXANDER. He impresssed the fact that we spend our years as a tale that is told. The order of Odd Fellows took charge and closed the service. Perhaps fully 150 members from different parts of the county were present. There was a large attendance of all classes.

The following served as pall bearers: R. H. SPENCE, R. C. HENRY, J. F. WALL, J. H. SAVILLE, M. L. BEVIS and C. L. V. THOMPSON and the interment took place in the north [Oak Ridge] cemetery [near Mount Ayr]. In the sad bereavement the family and friends have heartfelt sympathy of many friends.

NOTE: Sarah J. (MITCHELTREE) WHITE was interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Mount Ayr.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008