John Calvin Aldredge (1814-1901)

ALDREGE, BATES

Posted By: dennis and gail bell (email)
Date: 10/26/2007 at 07:45:39

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, March 14, 1901, page 8, column 4. "Death of J. C. Alldredge. - The following announcement of the death of Mr. J. C. Alldredge will be of interest to many of the early settlers who knew "Uncle Cal" when he was one of the prominent citizens of Story county. He has many relatives in this neighborhood and in the Mullen settlement. "Uncle Cal," as Brother J. C. Alldredge was usually and lovingly called, had a long and eventful life. He was born in Knox county, Tennessee, May 8, 1814, and was therefore at the time of his departure nearing the eighty-seventy mile stone in the journey of life. He had witnessed the issues and conflicts of one century and had entered into another - a rare privilege. His estimable wife, who is now bereft of her life-long, faithful, tender and affectionate companion, was born in the same county, April 4, 1821. May God tenderly sustain her as she nears the end of life's pilgrimage. They were married in Carroll county, Indiana, December 10, 1839. Of this union ten children were born - nine boys and one girl. One boy, Joseph J., died in the civil war, being in the 14th Iowa volunteers. Some of those living are professional men, but the most of them are industrious and prosperous farmer; all of them reverence their father's and mother's God and Saviour**, and as they have loved one another upon earth, they will doubtless be an unbroken family in heaven - happy family, blessed destiny. Those of the children present at the funeral service were; Christian K., Siloam Springs, Arkansas; John G., Whitesville, Missouri; Amariah M., Mohaska, Kansas; Clement W., Terre Haute, Indiana; Park M., King City. Those absent were: William E., Esborn Kansas and Mrs. Mary C. Bates, White Horse, Oklahoma. How soon and widely our families become scattered. May we all answer "When the roll is called up yonder." Father Alldredge moved to Iowa in the autumn of 1853, where he spent twenty-three years; he moved from Story county, Iowa, to DeKalb county, Missouri, in 1876. For the last four years he has been a quiet, honored and beloved citizen of King City. He had but few, if any enemies, but many friends who mourn his death, yet rejoice in his good life and happy destiny. When Father Alldredge cast his first vote for president, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams were the great statesmen of our country. The Mexican war had not been fought by almost a decade, and railroads, telegraphing and sowing machines were a wonder; he saw this western country a wilderness, but subdued, cultivated and beautified by American civilization. Like the prophet, he saw the desert bloom and blossom as the rose; truly a great land-mark has passed away. When the erroneous and destructive doctrines of French infidelity had almost flooded our western territories and the church feebly and mistakenly opposed these dangerous doctrines by those of fatality, the Cumberland Presbyterians and Methodists unfurled the banner of Christ, originated camp-meetings and preached a full and free salvation; hundreds of thousands were converted and this country saved from infidelity; in these stirring, religious times, Brother Alldredge was converted and for sixty-seven years lived for God, and honored the church. He loved the sacred Word of God and studied its teachings; he love the songs of Zion and the services of the church; he humbly walked with God, and is not, for God hath taken him. His death was very sudden but peaceful, he did not linger in pain and suffering, his hour had come, like a faithful soldier he laid down his armor and entered on the rest and reward of a well spent life. He intended to go to church last Sunday, but while the church bells were ringing for Sunday school, his spirit passed away; he had joined the choir immortal and invisible; he was done with the church militant; he had gained the church triumphant, he had departed to be with Christ, which is far better. "Thanks to God who giveth us the victory!" The funeral service was conducted by the pastor at the Cumberland Presbyterian church, Tuesday at 11 o'clock a. m. The remains were laid to rest in the King City cemetery. Many friends of the deceased and family were present to pay their last respects. - King City (Mo.) Democrat."