John Thomas Handsaker (1869-1933)

HANDSAKER, LAWMAN, DAY, HYNES

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

From Nevada Evening Journal September 15, 1933 (page 3)

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR J. T. HANDSAKER

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP PIONEER LAID TO REST IN NEVADA CEMETERY TODAY

The funeral service of John T. Handsaker of north of Colo, who passed away at the home of nephew Roy Day at Flaxville, Montana Tuesday morning September 12th, was held (Friday) this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Colo, after which interment was at the Nevada cemetery.

The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. G. O. Thompson of the Calvary Evangelical church of Colo. The pallbearers were Carl Little, Will Swinbank, Robert Jack, Lloyd Lounsberry, Manny Morell and Lou Morrell.

Mrs. Hattie McCord and Mrs. Walter Bamford had charge of the flowers. "Some Sweet Day," "Going Down the Valley," were sung by a quartet composed of Chas. Wilson, Chas. Lehman, Johnny Lounsberry, and Sherm Rheinhart, and a solo, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" sung by Chas. Hall. At the piano was, Mrs. S. B. Goodenow assisted by Theodore Christensen.

Obituary

John T. Handsaker was born on the old home place in Richland township, Story county, Iowa December 18, 1859 and passed away September 12, 1933 from heart complication, at th ag of 73 years, 9 months an 24 days. He was the eldest son of William and Emily Handsaker. He was united in marriage to Margaret Lawman, March 11, 1882 and the following year purchased and moved onto a raw prairie farm located on the NE 1/4 of Section 20, Sherman township north of Colo, and together they faithfully worked on the building and improving into a modern farm home, adding to the farm from time to time.

It was here their daughter Ethel, sons Ralph, John W. and Thomas L. were born. There he remained until the year 1919 when they moved into their new home located on the SW 1/4 of Section 21, Sherman township.

Their daughter Ethel passed away October 16, 1921 and his beloved wife passed away May 23 of this year. He is survived by his sons Ralph, John W. and Thomas and 12 grandchildren. He has still living two sisters Sabina Day and Nona Hynes, and two brothers William, and Harvey all of Nevada and vicinity. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and brothers David and Greeley.

Mr. Handsaker through his rise to one of central Iowa's most successful farmers has always taken a keen interest in problems effecting human life and agriculture. He saw the first train come to Nevada over the Chicago & Northwestern Road, also saw many bands of Indians roaming over the prairie in the early days.

He has since its organization been secretary of one of Iowa's oldest successful farmers elevators, has held many positions of trust and was also President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association of Story County.

He was a studious reader and had a broad, and liberal analysis of business, social and religious affairs. His success in every endeavor can be largely attributed to the considerate understanding of a loyal and helpful wife. Since her death only a few short months ago life has been very lonely and has fallen heavily upon him. The last four weeks he had spent with his nephew at Flaxville, Montana, accompanied there by his sister Sabina Day. The sons were hopeful that the trip he planned would be beneficial to him. He had planned to return the 20th of this month.

The body arrived Thursday morning, 6 o'clock at Nevada, and was accompanied by his sister Sabina Day and niece Mrs. Roy Day.

He had lived a life of service, a life of honor, with a sincere desire that mankind may become truly religious and peaceful, and forget to imitate. He has now passed on to join the one who stayed by him in every storm of life, he has found his Haven.