Charles Silvan Percival

PERCIVAL, BECKLEY, KINSEY, MCCARTNEY

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 2/19/2009 at 16:39:47

Charles Silvan Percival was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, Dec. 9, 1861. He received his elementary education in the public schools of Henry county, completing his academic work in Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant. He then took a course in Elliott's Business college at Burlington and graduated as valedictorian of his class from the Dental college of University of Iowa in 1888. Before entering the practice of dentistry, he taught school for three years in Henry and Van Buren counties. He has entered into community life of Bonaparte, serving in several official capacities, such as member of the school board and trustee and mayor of the town.

He was married to Miss Jennie Beckley of Hillsboro, Iowa, on October 5, 1887. There are two living children, Patti Percival Kinsey of Wichita, Kansas and Cecil Silvar Percival of Hoxie, Kansas.

Surviving besides the above mentioned children are his wife and four grandchildren, Charles Kinsey, Patti Jane Percival, Robert and Jack Percival; one sister, Mrs. Maude McCartney of Hoxie, Kansas; and one great grandchild, Jean Ann Kinsey.

Dr. Percival was Grand Master of Masons in Iowa in 1931-1932. His year as Grand Master was saddened by the death of his son, Harley J. Percival, on Feb. 27, 1932, but the knowledge that he had the love and tender sympathy of his Masonic brethern helped him to carry on under the heavy burden of his grief.

Dr. Percival died at his home in Bonaparte early Sunday morning after being in failing health for a number of years. He was actively engaged in his profession for 50 years before retiring because of failing health.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in Bonaparte Community building with Rev. James of Fairfield in charge. Buried in Bonaparte cemetery. Masonic rites were held at the grave.

About one hundred members of the Masonic lodges of neighboring towns and cities attended the funeral. Tom Wellington of Ft. Madison conducted the Masonic ritualisic service following the sermon by Rev. James.

Note: His obituary says he was born 9 Dec 1861, but his tombstone says 29 Dec 1861
From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook