Joseph F. Perkins 1816-1893

PERKINS, MAXWELL, MYERS, PETRIE

Posted By: Rich Lowe (email)
Date: 10/19/2001 at 07:51:47

Gone Hence

Joseph F. Perkins was born in Pocahontas county, West Virginia, July 21, 1816. Moved to Ohio in 1833, and to Indiana in 1834, and stopped in Lima of that State. He came to Iowa in the spring of 1836 and settled in Van Buren county, on the south side of the Des Moines river opposite were Bonaparte now stands. Here he took a claim and made his home until 1884, when he moved to Bonaparte, and resided until his death. He married Miss Eliza Maxwell in 1837. She died October 4, 1844, leaving two children, Joseph and Mary. He married Eliza Myers April 1, 1847. To this union seven children were born. His second wife died January 11, 1885. There remain to mourn their loss, of his own family, four sons, Joseph, of Idaho, William H., James C., and Allen?, of Bonaparte, and one daughter, Mrs. Sarah Petrie, of the latter place. Also 18 grand children and two great-grand children. He has two sisters and two brothers living in California.

Mr. Perkins was an industrious, well-to-do farmer, and had filled and several official positions in his township. He had an extended acquaintance and many friends which was shown by the large concourse of people in attendance at his funeral. He died June 24, 1893, at 2 o'clock a.m., at his funeral took place June 25, at the Presbyterian church which was packed and as many more were outside the edifice. Rev. G. W. Barber conducted the service and delivered a short sermon from Matt. 25-44. "Therefore be ye also ready." Rev. Houghton assisted him. Mrs. Libbie Reed presided at the organ and played a voluntary while the remains and relatives came into the church. The choir composed of Messrs. Robinson, Sherman and Lisle, and Misses. Ella Smith and Ella and Nellie Sherman sang "Come unto Me when shadows darkly gather," "Come ye disconsolate," "Jesus while our hearts are bleeding." And Miss Ella Sherman sang a solo, "Over the dark silent river" The resident and visiting Masonic brothers and friends took a last earthly view of of the marble like face, while Miss Reed played a solemn voluntary. At the cemetery in the Order opened ranks while the remains and relatives passed through. At the grave of the Order consigning their brother to Mother Earth with their impressive ceremony. The funeral was the most largely attended for years in Bonaparte, before or since that of Mr. and Isaiah Meek .
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Source: Entler Scrapbook Vol. 2, Iowa State Historical Library, Iowa City, IA