Charles Francis Wier (1855-1924)

WIER, WELLINGTON, BALLARD, SHEFFIELD, CHALFANT, WILLIAMS, MAUL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/26/2024 at 15:42:44

From Story City Herald January 31, 1924 (page 1)

STROKE CAUSES SUDDEN DEATH

Charles F. Wier Found Dead in Bed Last Saturday from Apoplexy

Chas. F. Wier, well known pioneer citizen of this community passed away suddenly at some hour Saturday morning, having had a stroke of apoplexy while he slept.

Not having been seen during the day, his son Charles went to his house, situated a short distance back of the former's home, about five o'clock in the evening. He found the door hooked on the inside and at once feared the worst.

Mr. Wier must have passed away towards morning, from the condition of the body, which was quite limp.

Funeral service was held in the Grace church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Orth officiating. The following members of the Men's Bible Class acted as pall bearers: Pete Peterson, Gust Ness, John H. Johnson, Frank Heers, Geo. Baldus and Nels P. Larson. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery beside his son Clifton.

Chas. F. Wier

Charles Francis Wier was born at Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1924, thus passing away on his sixty-ninth birthday.

He was the eldest of three children born to Capt. W. A. Wier and his wife, Charlotte, nee Wellington. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1857, traveling by rail to Clinton and the rest of the way by wagon. In 1863 the family went back to New York state and remained there until the end of the war, in which Capt. Wier had enlisted.

They returned to Iowa in the spring of 1865, since which time the deceased has made his home here.

On Feb. 22, 1875, he was married to Eliza Lois Ballard. To this union seven children were born, namely:

Lottie, who died in infancy; Mrs. Lula Sheffield of Graettinger; Lois Chalfant, Grace Williams and Charles W. of this place; Isadore Maul of Denver, Colo., and Clifton, who gave his life in the late world war.

Death came very suddenly to Mr. Wier. Tho having complained of a bad cold for some time he appeared to be in his normal health, and arrangements had been made for him to have his birthday dinner at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Williams. Not appearing for dinner, nor showing up during the afternoon, it was decided to look for him and he was found lying dead in bed. A stroke of apoplexy had ended his life suddenly and apparently painlessly as the covers of his bed were undisturbed. He had gone to sleep and awoke in eternity.

So well known was Mr. Wier to the people of community that not much need be said of his life and career. His life was that of a worldly man up to a few years ago, when the Spirit of God carried the conviction to his soul that "it is not all of life merely to live here." He sought the forgiveness of his sins and joined the church during the pastorate of Rev. Wendel. From that time on it was given to but a few to know the fight he had to make for his soul. All the habits and desires of a long life rose up in antagonism to the life of the spirit. Time and again he fell, but each time he arose to begin the fight anew. At last, during the past year, he appeared to have attained the peace his soul craved and he had begun to find joy in reading the word of God and taking part in the weekly prayer service as well as the Sunday meetings of the church. As a member of the Men's Bible Class he gave much time to the study of his lessons and was a regular attendant.

He is survived by his wife and aged mother, his brother William and the five children mentioned above.

May he rest in peace!