John Douglas (1842-1901)

DOUGLAS, WERTENBERGER, HOCHSTETTLER, FOY

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/29/2005 at 10:55:14

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, May 2, 1901, page 8. "OBITUARY - DOUGLASS - This community has been again called upon to give up one of her most prominent and highly respected citizens, the white winged messenger having called at the Douglass home Sunday night and beckoned to the husband and father to enter into the life to come. The passing of this spirit, for a time, cast a shadow over the household and the town, but the remembrance of his noble life is a consolation and we know that he has but gone on to the reward which is waiting for the faithful. John Douglass, born in Medina county, Ohio, November 15, 1842; passed to the life beyond April 28, 1901. He grew to manhood in his native state and there was known as an exemplary young man. On December 8, 1863, at the age of twenty-one years, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Wertenberger, who has ever been to him a true and constant companion and who now awaits the final call to be again united with the loved one in their eternal home. To the union, four children were born, all of whom are present to give comfort to the grief stricken mother. The are: Mrs. Frank Hochstettler of Kalona, Iowa, and Mrs. F. Foy, of this place, the two daughters, and the two sons, I. W., who resides in town, and J. W., who lives on the home farm south of town. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass removed to Iowa in 1868 and shortly after, bought the farm which has been their continuous home until a few years ago when they retired from farm life and built a comfortable home in Maxwell, in which to pass their declining years. In 1873 Mr. Douglass was converted and united with the Evangelical church in which he was a zealous faithful worker until he removed to Maxwell, at which time he took membership with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Until the time of his demise he has been a loyal christian, a kind indulgent parent, a good neighbor and an upright citizen. Only a few weeks ago he returned from California, whither he had gone in the fall with his wife in search of health. His winter's sojourn in that temperate climate seemed to give but temporary relief and he returned home resigned to the will of his Supreme Father. The funeral was held from the C. P. church Tuesday at two p. m. The discourse being given by his pastor, Rev. Bobbitt; Revs. Shaw and Fickinger assisting. A large concourse of friends and neighbors joined in the last sad rites and followed the remains of him who was dear to them in life to the last resting place. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the relatives in this their hour of bereavement."