Francis Marion "Frank" Elliott (1857-1925)

ELLIOTT, LAW, JOHNSON, MCKINNEY, SCHRECKENDGUST, MAXWELL, BURNS

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

From Nevada Evening Journal April 6, 1925 (page 4)

FATHER WAS FIRST WHITE SETTLER

PASSING OF FRANK ELLIOTT REMOVES REAL PIONEER FROM WHITE OAK.

Special to the Journal.
Cambridge, April 6--Frank Elliott, 68, son of the first white settler of the White Oak neighborhood south of here, died in Des Moines, where he had gone for treatment March 31.

In the passing of Mr. Elliott the neighborhood loses one of its real pioneer citizens. The grandfather, William Elliott, was the first white settler to locate in that part of the Elkhart township, Polk county. He came out to White Oak and settled there among the Indiana. He went back in the spring and brought his son, Abraham and others to settle with him in the grove.

Every childhood recollection of Mr. Francis Elliott, better known as Frank was associated with the pioneer history of this region. When in a reminiscent mood he related many of the thrilling accounts of hardship, bravery and suffering of those earliest days. Mr. Elliott had prospered on the farm and reached the age when the fruitage of his toil was bringing its joys and comforts.

Francis Marion Elliott, the son of Abraham and Emmeline Elliott, was born Feb. 5, 1857. He died March 31, 1925. Mr. Elliott was a pioneer born in a pioneer home in what now is known as White Oak Grove, Elkhart, Elkhart township, Polk county. For sixty-eight years he has been a resident of this community. But few white inhabitants occupied his territory as the time of his birth. The prairie and the woods were a vast wilderness that dared the courage of the hardiest of the race. Indians still roamed at will and much wild game abounded.

March 7, 1883, he and Margaret J. Law were united in marriage. For forty two years they have journeyed together, builders of a home blessed by seven children, three sons and four daughters. A daughter, Maggie, died in infancy. The living are Mary Johnson, Maple Hill, Ia., Andrew Elliott, Arlington, Ia., Bertha McKinnel, Cedar Rapids, Alvaretta, Harry and Otho Elliott of Cambridge. Two sister, Caroline Schreckengust of Montana and Mrs. Emma Maxwell, Des Moines and six brothers, Ben F. Elliott, Wm. Elliott, Mose Elliott, Sam Elliott, James Elliott of this community and Miles Elliott who lives in the west with seven grandchildren, mourn his death.

He has been ill for some time. This spring he went to Des Moines to consult specialist regarding his health. An operation seemed to offer the only hope for any permanent relief. Before undergoing the saem he enjoyed a reunion of the entire family.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, April 2, in the White Oak church conducted by Rev. Peter Jacobs, pastor of the Cambridge Union church. A quartete from Cambridge sang three hymns that were such favorites of Mr. Elliott. The church was large enough to seat the large gathering that had come to pay its respect to one whom it had learned to respect as a citizen, a pioneer and as a neighbor. Interment in the White Oak cemetery. The pall bearers were the three sons, two nephews, F. R. Burns and O. M. Burns of Des Moines and a son-in-law, O. B. McKinney, Cedar Rapids.

Among those in attendance from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Burns, Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Burns and Mrs. O. M. Burns, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Johnson, Chris Johnson, Mrs. Mary Nau, Mrs. Erma Perigo, Mr. and Mrs. Erma Perigo, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Maxwell Elliott, Maxwell, Mrs. Sarah McGovern, Mrs. Mary Brockway and son, Des Moines, Mrs. Maggie Bills, Boone, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jones and daughter, Viola, Carroll, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Law and son from Berwick.