Buffington, Samuel Wesley, 1838-1913

BUFFINGTON, AWTRY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/16/2016 at 19:40:28

From the Alton Democrat, March 8, 1913: Rock Valley news:

Samuel W. Buffington passed away at his home in Rock Valley Tuesday morning March 4th, 1913, due to senility. He was born at Ravenwood West Virginia Oct. 3d, 1838, and was therefore aged 74 years five months and one day when he died. He came to Iowa with his parents when a boy of eleven years and located in eastern Iowa where he grew to manhood. He formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Awtry, and they were married at Knoxville Iowa, March 16, 1860. He was the father of fourteen children, several of whom died in infancy. He with his family came to Sioux county in 1884, and here pursued the occupation of a farmer.

He united with the Christian church thirty-five years ago and endeavored to live a consistent Christian life. As he gradually passed away, his countenance assumed a marked expression of sweet relief and left no doubt in the minds of those who witnessed his passing, that he had entered into the haven of rest. He retained full possession of his reasoning faculties till the close of life. He was a loving companion and father, a good neighbor, and aimed to carry out the principles embodied in the golden rule. He never betrayed a friend, or sacrificed a principle, or did an intentional wrong, and the fragrance of his manly example will linger while the memory of those who knew him best shall last. As we lay this tribute on his tomb we do so with full confidence that he is gone, "Out of the shadow of sadness, into the sunshine of gladness, into the light of the blest; Out of a land very dreary, out of a world very weary, into the rapture of rest."

The funeral services occurred at the Methodist church Thursday afternoon at two o'clock P.M. conducted by Rev. C. H Young. Interment was made in Valley View cemetery. He leaves an aged companion, and eight children to mourn his departure. The bereaved have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sadness.

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From the Hull Index, March 14, 1913: Rock Valley news:

Sam Wesley Buffington was born in Jackson county, October 3, 1838 and departed this life at his home in Rock Valley March 4th, 1913 at the age of 74 years, 5 months and one day. He spent his boy hood life at the place of his birth, coming to Iowa in 1847, and [in] 1882 he came to Sioux County which has been his home until Death claimed him. In 1860 he was married to Mary Awtry to which union were born fourteen children, eight of whom are living. Besides his aged wife and eight children he leaves to mourn two half bothers and one half sister.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Methodist church conducted by Rev. C. H. Young. Interment was made in the Valley View cemetery. We extend our most heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow.

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[The March 7 and March 14, 1913, issues of the Rock Valley Bee are missing.]