Walpole, John, 1856-1921

WALPOLE, DOHERTY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/25/2016 at 23:44:52

From the Rock Valley Bee, November 18, 1921:

JOHN WALPOLE PASSED AWAY TUESDAY AFTERNOON

John Walpole passed away at his home in Rock Valley Tuesday afternoon [Nov. 15] at about 6:00 o'clock, following an illness of but three days. Altho he had not been in the best of health for several years, and during that time had passed through several sick spells, he had always survived them and kept at work at his daily tasks. This fall he suffered a severe case of blood poisoning, but had apparently recovered from that. He was down town Saturday, and Sunday morning he arose as usual. During the day Sunday he was taken sick, and from that time he failed rapidly until the final summons came.

Mr. Walpole was one of the pioneers of Rock Valley, having lived here for nearly thirty-five years. He was a hard working man; was a good neighbor and friend, a kind husband and father, and one who will be greatly missed in the neighborhood where he had spent so many years of his life.

The subject of this sketch was born near Manchester, Iowa, Sept. 29, 1857, and departed this life Nov. 15, 1921, aged sixty-four years one month and sixteen days. From Manchester, his parents moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1873, and fourteen years later, he and his brother James came to Rock Valley where he had since resided. He was united in marriage June 10, 1902, to Miss Mame Doherty. To this union four children were born, Ellen, Florence, Horace and Loretta, all of whom are living.

Besides his wife and children, he leaves four brothers and four sisters, Tom Walpole, Thompson, Ia.; James and Mat, of Rock Valley; Emmett, of Hancock, Minn.; Mrs. Mary Howell, of Rock Valley; Mrs. Ellen Relyea, Atlantic, Iowa; Miss Elizabeth Walpole, of Storm Lake, Iowa; and Mrs. Julia Irving, Fairbury, Nebraska.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning from St. Mary's church in Rock Valley, and the remains were taken to St. Mary's Cemetery for burial. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends in their great sorrow.

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An obituary in the Alton Democrat, November 19, 1921, Rock Valley news, gives additional details:

John Walpole, one of the pioneers of Northwest Iowa, and one of Rock Valley's estimable citizens, departed this life at his home Tuesday evening Nov. 15th, after a brief illness due to nephritis, or what is known as inflammation of the kidneys.

The deceased was born on a farm near Manchester in Delaware County, Sept. 29, 1857.... In 1873 he moved with his parents to Storm Lake, where he grew to manhood and acquired his education in the common schools of that day. In 1887 he came to this vicinity and engaged in farming in Garfield township, and in 1890 he moved to Rock Valley, and for several years was associated with his brother James in raising blooded shorthorn cattle, which was known all over northwest Iowa.

He was married to Miss Mary Doherty June 10th 1902, in which he found a congenial companion. To them were born three girls and one boy who survive him. The latter years of his life his health was not the best [but] amid his physical ills he never murmured or complained but bore his afflictions patiently. He led a reserved and quiet life, and was courteous and genial to all with whom he associated in social and business affairs. He was neighborly, kind and considerate. A kind and indulgent parent, and a faithful companion. He was a member of the Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus.

[Lists his survivors, giving two of his sisters as Mrs. C. S. Relyea and Mrs. W. H. Erving; and gives funeral information.]