Elbridge B. Fenn (1805-1879)

FENN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/14/2010 at 19:02:31

From Story County Watchman December 12, 1879

OBITUARY.

FENN.--Entered into rest on the morning of Dec. 8th, 1879, Elbridge B. Fenn, in the 75th year of his age.

He was born in Harpersfield, Del. Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1805. His early life was paused either on his fathers farm or in his father's study; and in the latter place was developed a taste for literary pursuits and a knowledge of the world that manifested itself throughout his entire life. He was perfectly conversant at all times with whatever was transpiring in all parts of the world, and his opinions of men and events were based upon his close observation, and extensive reading. His love of Native Land and his country was strong as his love of life, and every pulsation of his heart was led by the fire of patriotism. To the very last his interest for the welfare of his country never ceased, and he was thoroughly devoted to her best interests. The events of the political world especially claimed a large part of his thought and time, and he never wearied talking of them.

In 1829 he married and settled on the old homestead--the special gift of his father--being the son with whom he passed the remainder of his declining years. His father--Rev. Stephen A. Fenn--performed the marriage service. Soon after his marriage, himself and wife made apublic profession of their faith in Christ, by uniting with the Church of which his father was Pastor for a period of thirty-six years. Two daughters were born to him here, thus increasing the ties that bound him to his childhood's home; but so great was his desire to give his children better advantages for an education than his present location afforded, he was induced to part with the old home and remove to another county. In the financial panic that swept over the country in 1837, he lost his entire property; but he bore his misfortune with a brave heart and undaunted spirit--always a hopeful and always cheerful. He filled several positions of trust at various periods of his life and was ever faithful and true to the confidence reposed in him. For several years he was engaged in editing and publishing a peper devoted to the interests at the political party to which he belonged, and for many years before and since he has written for various journals.

In 1848 he met with a severe loss in the decease of his wife--leaving him three children, the youngest a son of seven years, all of whom survive him.

In 1853 he again married and in 1857 himself and his wife removed to Iowa Centre, Iowa, whither his children had preceded him, and at this place the remainder of his days were passed.

Little children were his especial favorites and they in turn loved him and called him by the endearing name of "Grandpa." If he could not speak well of anyone, he spoke no ill. Strife and discord always jarred the finer feelings of his nature, so that he was want to say: "Life is too short for enmity and ill-will." His attachements for home and friends was very strong and endearing; and the love and tenderness he always manifested for his only son seemed at times almost molatry. He always spoke of him as my boy and this son was to him the star of his old age.

He was ever ready to help the distressed and needy and always willing to do a favor or a kindness for all.

He clung to life and family with a tenacity seldom seen in one of his years, even after he was fully aware that he could not recover; and it was only a few days previous to his departure that he was enabled to say: "Thy will, not mine, be done," and from this hour he was anxious for the time of his release. He was the last of his father's family.

His faith in the promises of God was firm and unfaltering.

At his request his former Pastor, Rev. Isaiah Reid, preached the funereal sermon in the Presbyterian Church in Nevada, from the text selected by himself: "I have been young and now am old, yet have I never seen the righteous, or his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

The body was interred with Masonic honors, a large concourse of friends following it to its last resting place, there to remain till He who says: "I am the Resurection and the life," shall bid it rise.

E. J. P.