George Peter Lineaweaver 1835-1905

LINEAWEAVER, MILLER, DINGS, WOLF, CUMMINGS, WILLITS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/18/2001 at 19:02:15

George Peter Lineaweaver who was born in Londonderry Township, Lebanon, County, Pa., Aug. 27, 1835, and died in Bonaparte Nov. 9, [1905] at 11:15 a.m., aged 70 years, 2 months and 13 days. He was the second of four children born to John and Mary Miller Lineaweaver, who with one brother preceded him in death. His only sister, Mrs. Amanda Dings of Ottumwa, and Mr. John Lineaweaver of Vernon Prairie survive him.

When about twelve years old he came with his parents to Iowa, landing in Burlington in May, 1847, having traveled most of the way by water, the exception being and crossing the Allegheny Mts..

In Nov., 1847, the family came to Van Buren County, settling on Vernon Prairie which was ever afterwards home to these people; there is where the parents, with a brother who preceded him are buried, and the remaining brother lives.

On December 7, 1865, the anniversary of the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, George Lineaweaver was joined in marriage to Miss Mary Wolf, and to them were born three daughters, Mrs. Minnie M. Cummings, Mrs. Mollie C. Willits, and Miss Georgia Lineaweaver, who with their mother and three grandchildren mourn his decease.

Mr. Lineaweaver enlisted to serve his country with a company I., 19 Regiment of Iowa volunteers, August 9, 1862, and was honorably discharged by order of the surgeon on account of disability, August 9, 1863. The united with the G. A R. at Vernon Shriver Post No. 177 May 21, 1883, was transferred to Bonaparte Elias M. Ware Post No. 516, Jan. 29, 1896.

He was active in public life, serving on the town council for three years, resigning after he was stricken with the disease
resulting in his death. Of his domestic life, his home, family, provision made, all testify more strongly to his sterling worth than words can describe.

He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1884, and held responsible offices in the same. He was also a member of the Eastern Star.

He was made a third degree Mason of Bonaparte Lodge No. 73, June 24, 1884, and became a Royal Arch Mason with Lafayette Chapter No. 61 in October, 1886.

He was dedicated to the service of almighty God by his parents in Christian baptism when one month and seven days old, Rev. Wagoner of the German Reformed Church officiating. In the spring of 1857 he was confirmed a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Mr. Lineaweaver belonged to the M. E. church, and his connection and interest in this church was of a self denying and self sacrificing nature, always ready to serve with head, hands purse.

No man was ever missed more from all activities for good and then was Mr. Lineaweaver when on May 1, 1903, came that dread stroke which retired him from all of these relations. His death occurred as a result of a second stroke of paralysis about 7:30 a.m., Nov. 9, from which he did not regained consciousness.

At the time of the court house agitation Mr. Lineaweaver offered a cash donation of $2,000 to have the county seat removed to Bonaparte. In the upbuilding of his town he was always in the front rank.

The following comrades, members of Company I 19th Inf., attended the funeral services. Frank Johnson, Jesse Meredith, Jerome Long, Henry Edmondson, Martin Hornbaker, Robert Forbes, Henry Easling, T. C. Pender, L. A. Brooks, and Jacob Nixon.

Thirty-six veteran G. A. R.'s were in line representing the seven following named Posts: Shriver Post No. 177 of Vernon, Harper Post No. 79 of Keosauqua, J. M. Tuttle Post of S. Ottumwa, Miles King Post of Farmington, Elias M. Ware Post of Bonaparte, Allison Post No. 76 of Kansas, Adam Kimball Post of Salem.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the M. E. church, Rev. George H. Wehn officiating. After the regular service the G. A. R.'s held a short burial service over the remains of their dead comrade. Friends and neighbors from miles around came to pay their last tribute of respect to their friend, neighbor, and comrade.

Most of the seats in the Church were reserved for the relatives and for the lodges of which he was an honored member. Not more than one-half of the people present could get into the church or within hearing distance of the speakers.

The Masonic order had charge of the services at the grave where they held an impressive ceremony. The entire service occupied about two and one-half hours.

This, his record shows that with whatever work he enlisted he gave himself fully to it and was not indifferent to any responsibility, privilege, or duty therewith involved.
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Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA Historical Library, Iowa City, IA