Wm. Leffingwell (1799-1876)

LEFFINGWELL

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 1/20/2009 at 23:32:18

Muscatine Trubune, October 24, 1876, reprinted in the Sabula Gazette, October 28, 1876.

A Pioneer Gone. – Wm. E. Leffingwell breathed his last at his residence in this city last evening, Oct. 23, at 8:40 p.m. He had been confined to the house for several weeks, and during the last few days it was whispered in our city that he could not recover. He had gone in and out before this people for thirty-seven years; but now the door had shut behind him, the blinds were closed, and the places that had known this old pioneer would know him no more forever.

The announcement of his death came to our office when the stormy night had called our citizens to their homes, and the news will fall upon all this morning with suddenness and a great solemnity. The sad tidings reached us at an hour that permit little opportunity for a review of the noble life now closed.

Deceased was born in Norwich. Conn., June 4, 1799. Sept 23, 1821, he was married to Francis Rose Lewis, at New London, Conn., and July 1, 1839, with his wife and infant son (now Judge Leffingwell), he landed at the Mississippi levee at this point. Stopping only three days at this settlement, Mr. Leffingwell proceeded to Wapsinonoc township where he redeemed from the wilderness the firm since cultivated by Rev. J. N. Hudson; but five years later, in 1841, he removed to this place, where he has since been a permanent resident. In private life those thirty-three years he has been known to all by the grand old name of gentleman. In public station he has served the people as County Commissioner, Clerk of the County, justice of the Peace, and City Treasurer, holding the latter office at his death.

Though best known to our citizens for his manly virtues, and the beautiful simplicity of his life, and the conscientious discharge of official duty, he was distinguished beyond the city limits, and to the very borders of the State, for his lustrous standing as a Mason. As a Master of his Muscatine Lodge, Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory, and Very Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knight Templars of the Iowa Masons, his name is held in love and veneration by every community in Iowa where the principles of his order are cherished.

Mr. Leffingwell, our “Uncle William,” as he was so lovingly called by our city, leaves his widow and five children to mourn his loss. Of the latter, are the Hon. W. E. Leffingwell, Mrs. Dr. Murry of Iowa City, Mrs. W. E. Gould of Malcom in this State, A. J. Leffingwell, Esq. of Lyons, and George R. Leffingwell. –Muscatine Tribune 24th.