John Ockenden 1831-1901

OCKENDEN, THOMAS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 8/16/2002 at 18:48:28

JOHN OCKENDEN.
Spent His Early Life in England.

John Ockenden was born in Guilford, Sussex Co., England, June 1, 1831. He lived in England with his parents until he was about eighteen years of age when he emigrated to Canada. He was married in Canada but his wife lived only a short time. Soon after her death he came to Illinois, thence to Iowa where he lived for nearly forty years. Aug. 31, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Thomas who now remains to mourn her loss.

Mr. Ockenden was an honest, industrious man, spending his whole life in useful labor, he was an adept at gardening, and the people of Bonaparte will long remember his early vegetables. For many years he had a strange idea that the time for his departure was at hand, but he lived to be 70 yrs, 6 months, and 22 days old. His health had been declining for several months and he died Saturday, Nov. 23, 1901.

The funeral services were held from his late home Monday at 2 P. M., Rev. J. L. Ayrault of the Baptist Church conducting the services. There was a large number of sympathizing friends present, and the casket was covered with beautiful floral offerings. Familiar songs were sung by the choir and together with the earnest address made the service was an impressive one. The body was interred in the Bonaparte Cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.