Jonathan W. Nelson

NELSON, HAIGLER

Posted By: Kathleen Bone (email)
Date: 3/18/2006 at 14:39:02

Jonathan W. Nelson 1808-1888

Jonathan W. Nelson died at his home near Iowaville, in this county, on the 9, day of February, 1888, of paralysis.

He was a native of Virginia, where he lived until some years after his marriage, when he came to Iowa as early as 1836, first settling in Lee county, and in a few years moving to Iowaville, where he settled on a farm bordering on the beautiful prairie on which the town was situated, and there lived until his death. His wife died some eight or ten years ago. Had he lived until the 26, of next July he would have been fourscore.

They had twelve children in all, six sons, Perry, Isaac, Jehu, Joseph, Jesse, and Frank, and six daughters, Mary, Jane, Lucinda, Kate, Amanda, and Lizzie, all of whom are living except Mary and Lizzie.

He was one of the pioneers of this county, and was widely known among the old settlers, by whom he was held in high esteem. Indeed there are few men who at his great age have maintained a more active interest in public affairs in the county. His kindly nature went out to all with whom he came in contact, and rendered him one of the most genial and companionable of men, and whatever interested those around him was surde to meet with active sympathy, and it need be friendly and wise counse. His generous nature, and companionable spirit was constantly winning for him new friends among the young and old, and Uncle Jonathan was ever a welcome guest. In the best sense of the word he was a good man.

Sadly the word came to his neighbors of his death and from far and near they came to pay the last tribute of affection and bear him to his long home. They knew his worth, and the genuine nobility of his character, and will miss him. But to his household, to his children, the loss is irreparable. Only those who have looked for the last time on father and mother, can understand the depth of their bereavement.

While it had been apparent for a year or more that the end was not far distant, yet there was no immediate fear, until the Sabbath preceding his death, when he had a stroke of paralysis, tho not severe, and they could scarcely realize the danger, until it was all over and he was at rest. On the day of his death his pastor visited him, and together they joined in prayer and praise, his own voice joining in the melody. His children gathered at his bedside, for the last sad partin and in a little while he was at rest.

He had been for many years an active and zealous christian, a member of the Protestant Methodist church, but his religious sympathies were not bound in by denominational walls, but were as broad as the brotherhood of Christ.

Religion cast not a goomy vail over his life, but brightened his spirit, and gladdened his heart, and when the summons came he was ready.

The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Bolton, who paid a warm tribute to the life and character of his deceased brother, entreating all so to live that their lives might have as peaceful a close.
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The original newspaper article was sent to me by a relative who found it in an old family Bible. I do not know the name of the newspaper. He was born in Pendleton Co. Virginia.

K Bone