William Golden (1829-1904)

GOLDEN, CALLISON, HORTON, FULTZ, KIRKENDALL, FINLEY, MOORE, CUMMINGS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/6/2017 at 19:14:57

From Nevada Representative December 4, 1904

OBITUARY

WILLIAM GOLDEN

William Golden was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee, April 11, 1829, and he died near Nevada, Ia., December 6, 1904, aged 75 years, 7 months and 25 days. During his early youth his parents moved to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the city schools of Georgetown. He was married to Mary Frances Callison March 30, 1850. Ten children were born to them. Two preceded him to the spirit world, Mrs. Matilda Frances Horton who died at Santa Ana, California September 1, 1901, and Mrs. Huldah Estaline Fultz of Nevada, Iowa, who died June 11, 1904. The mother who is still in fair health and the other eight children are living: Mrs. Eliza Kirkendall of Nevada, Iowa; Theodore F. of Crawford, Nebraska; Jacob H. of Nevada; Rev. Abram L. of Madrid; Mrs. Elsie Finley of Nevada; Mrs. Laura Moore of Ayrshire, Iowa; Mrs. Emma Cummings of Santa Ana, California; and Isaac C. of Ayrshire, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Golden moved from Vermillion to Fulton county, Illinois in 1857. In 1860 they moved to Dallas county, Iowa, and from there to Story county in 1864, where they have since resided, and nearly all of this time on the homestead where he departed this life. Their wedded life consisted of more than fifty four years, they having celebrated their golden wedding in the year 1900, looking forward a long period of time, looking backward very brief.

Mr. Golden was converted to the Christian religion in 1847 at the age of eighteen years, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and lived a faithful Christian to the end. About the second year of his church life, he was elected a ruling elder and he held that position the remainder of his life, or for nearly fifty seven years. How fitting for his co-officials in the church to carry his remains to their last resting place.

In his Christian life he was quiet and unassuming. His daily walk was the testimony to his profession. The deep principles of the gospel were clearly defined to his business life, and it is truly said he was strictly honest in every particular-- An honest man the noblest work work of God. No man put a higher estimate on honesty, truthfulness and veracity than he. In his business transactions he was man of few words. By those who knew him his promise was considered as good as his signature. In the church he was one of pillars, always sharing with his bretheren the financial and other burdens. In these things his life was exemplary and a model of brotherly love. He now enjoys the reward of the righteous. In the etheareal presence of him who said "enter into the joys of the Lord," mingling with and hightening the beauties of eternal Eden, he now drinks the water of life freely. Clothed with the robes of eternal love, with hallowed feet he walks the golden paved streets and with placid face he surveys the environment of the celestial city. he was a loving husband, a kind father. In the family a place is made vacant that can never be filled. The church and community will miss him, but we must submit to God who doeth all things well.

Mr. Golden's funeral was conducted Sunday from his church at Iowa Center by Rev. Bobbett of Maxwell. The day was inclement and was especially trying for the elderly people who had been Mr. Golden's nearest associates during the forty years of his active life in the community. Nevertheless there was a large and fitting concourse to pay the last and loving tribute to the life, character and memory of one who, as husband, father, business associate, church member, citizen and friend was in all respects a truly representative and exemplary man. He is truly mourned, though his friends have occasion to rejoice that his end was peaceful and was preceded by no long term of sickness and suffering.