Loffswold, Edmond A., 1849-1915

LOFFSWOLD, CLINE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/10/2016 at 22:48:11

From the Alton Democrat, October 16, 1915: Rock Valley news:

Edmond A. Loffswold, a highly esteemed citizen residing five miles north of Rock Valley, died at his home Thursday October 7th, after an illness of a few months' duration. The deceased was born in Christiana, Norway, June 8, 1849, and at the time of his death was sixty-six years, two months and twenty-nine days of age. He came to Darlington, Wis., in 1865, when but a boy in his teens, where he lived until he reached his majority. In 1871 he, in company with four other men, drove through from the Badger state with one horse and oxen. He homesteaded the land which has been his home the past forty-four years, and endured the many privations and hardships incident to pioneer days. He taught school where the town of Doon now stands, and by thrift acquired a competency to sustain him and family in the decline of life.

In 1876 he was married to Miss Melvina Cline, and as a result of this union twelve children were born to them, all of whom survive him and were present to pay the last tribute of respect to a loving and kind father, namely, L. O. Loffswold, Mrs. F. A. Hurt and George Loffswold, Chester, S.D.; Mrs. J. M. Anderson, Dell Rapids, S.D.; Dale Loffswold, Humboldt, S.D.; O. R., W. J., Arthur, Hazel, Jennie and Ethel of Rock Valley. [yes, only 11 were listed]

He was a devout member of the Methodist church, and when the church was built at Rock Valley he was selected as a member of the board of trustees which position he held until his death. He was a substantial supporter of the church and did what he could to advance its interests. Mr. Loffswold was quiet and unassuming, a man of faith, with many impulses of a generous nature, in the employment and use of which he won his way into the affections of those with whom he mingled. He was noted as a modest, manly man, full of good work, always seeking to advance the cause of Christianity, and realizing in so doing that all else that was essential to health and happiness were divinely accorded, making a life that worthy and beautiful, one that his children will increasingly admire and seek to emulate. In his removal from our midst we must bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well.

Funeral services took place at the Methodist church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Dr. H. K. Hastings in the presence of many sympathizing neighbors and friends, after which he was aid to rest in Valley view cemetery. Peace to his ashes. Those who attended the funeral from abroad were Mrs. E. Thompson, Fulton, S.D.; Andrew Loffswold, Mitchell, S.D.; Mrs. P. Sanderson, Minneapolis, Minn.; Jake Loffswold, Athens, O.; Thomas Cline, Darlington, Wis.; Mrs. Sangstead, Alexandria, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Frame, Canton, S.D.; F. A. Hurt, Chester, S.D.; J. M. Anderson, Dell Rapids, S.D.; Mrs. Dale Loffswold, Humboldt, S.D.; Mrs. L. O. Loffs, Jasper, Minn.

[The Rock Valley Bee for this time period is missing.]