Elder T. A. Renfro 1835-1905

RENFRO, PLOUGH, JOLLEY, KNEISEL

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 10/18/2011 at 17:34:46

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 268, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

The Late Elder T.A. Renfro.

Eld. T.A Renfro was born in Albany, Ill., May 4, 1835, and died at Milton, Iowa, Nov. 4, 1905, aged 70 years and 6 months. He came to Iowa with his parents 60 years ago and settled at Oskaloosa, where he grew to manhood. Sept. 7, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Plough, who survives with two living children, Mrs. A. C. Jolley of Milton and Mrs. F.W. Kneisel of Denver, Colorado. At the commencement of the civil war he enlisted in Co. G, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and served three years. He was a member of the Christian church and was a preacher in that organization for 35 years. He left with his widow the notes of every sermon he preached, where preached and the dates of their delivery during all these years. These notes and dates were systematically kept and partly fill two large blank books. He also kept in these books a record of marriages and funerals at which he officiated, which show that he married 184 couples and officiated at 273 funerals. Five years previous to his death he suffered a stroke of paralysis, and from that time his health gradually declined until the end, though part of the time he preached an occasional sermon or officiated at a wedding. He was known and loved for his goodness, and the influence of his useful work and christian(sic) life does not end with his death but will continue to do good for years to come. The funeral was largely attended and was held from the residence, Eld. Moses Downing of Davis county, an old friend of the deceased, in charge of the services. Not only the immediate relatives and the people of the town mourn his death but the hundreds of residents of this and adjoining counties who know him. The burial was in Milton cemetery.