Rev. John William Seamster

SEAMSTER, SNIDER, GROVES

Posted By: Steve Miller (email)
Date: 11/4/2009 at 17:44:41

GONE HOME

Rev. J. W. Seamster died at his home in southeast part of town Thursday of last week, after a lingering illness. He has been a resident of Milton for a number of years, and from here, made his various appointments on the Baptist charge until sickness prevented him from leaving home. He was revered by all who knew him.

JOHN WILLIAM SEAMSTER

John William Seamster, son of William and Susan Seamster was born in Schuyler County, Mo., Aug. 29, 1839, died at his home in Milton Sept. 5, 1912, being 73 years, 7 days old. He was married to Barbara Ellen Snider January 25. 1859. To this union three children were born. Lewis E. of St. John, Kansas; Eliza Katherine, wife of C. N. Groves, Milton, Ia, Sarah J., who preceded her father in death.

He was converted when only a boy, and united with the Fabius Baptist church and remained a faithful member until he moved to Iowa with his family in 1880, and united with the Hickory Grove church, where he remained a consistent member until called to the church triumphant.

Bro. Seamster was one of the pioneer preachers of this county, having spent 46 years in the active ministry, and numbered his converts by hundreds. Surely he has fought a good fight. He leaves beside, his children, a companion, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, six brother, three sisters, with a great host of friends who rise up to call him blessed.

A brief funeral service was held at the home September 6, conducted by W. D. Overturf, after which the remains were taken to the old Fabius church, where he labored many years. There, another burial service was held and the body laid to rest beside that of the daughter to await the morning of eternal glory.

“Bury me near the old home, let me sleep.
Bury me where my friends may gather round and weep.
Where the friends who knew me best may linger near
And on my silent grave drop a parting tear.”