Herbert King b1877

KING

Posted By: Volunteer: Roxanne Riggan
Date: 6/10/2012 at 19:21:19

Herbert King
Obituary

Death has entered so unexpectedly into the homes of Bloomfield during the past few weeks that the heart of the town has been tendered with sympathy and quieted and chastened with the thought that life is precious but uncertain possession.

There is one common spot to which we all come at last. As the paths of humanity approach the one doorway, all paths converge. That doorway is screened and behind it hangs a heavy curtain which moves as we pass within but never sways aside to let the faces which have passed within, come back. Sometimes we may feel we see the curtain sway but the heavy curtain does not part to disclose what is behind it and whatever motion there may be is from the farther side.

Thither we all wend our way, be it any where on the face of the earth, be it from cottage or palace -- the time comes when we reach the doorway -- when all that is left is God.

Our friend and neighbor Herbert King reached the doorway a little before noon on Thursday last, and his spirit was given into the keeping of a kind and understanding father.

“Who made the heart, tis He alone Decidedly can try us;”

He of the adventurous spirit has gone on the last great adventure and we who remain, wave our hands in sad farewell for we can but go with him to the doorway.

Herbert King was born near Mark, Nov. 2nd, 1877, his father George King, was taken from him early, so he and his mother, Mary Henderson King, were left to fact the doubtful battle of life together. They faced it with courage and cheerfulness, as good companions always. Herbert never acknowledged defeat even as a lad and his adventurous spirit always led him to choose the fastest horse to drive and the most difficult task to perform. He put himself through the public schools and later entered the Kirksville Normal, earning his way as he went. He coached football in this Missouri school and was a leading spirit in all the athletic contests. The love of outdoor sport never left him a “bleacher booster” always.

He was the pioneer of motor travel in this part of the country, owning the first automobile in Davis Co. As a lad he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He came to Bloomfield and Oct. 5, 1898, went to the Exchange Bank, first as an assistant and later as a Cashier, which position he has held ever since, filling it with efficiency. He was married to Mary U Pennington, Sept. 10, 1901, and she has proved his faithful companion through the years, comforting him in sickness and in health, and making a happy home for him and the two children who come to bless their union.

Herbert Jr., who graduated from Bloomfield School and prepared at Ames, is filling an important position in the Experimental Department of the Akron Goodyear Rubber Co. Florence also a graduate of B. H. S. after summer work at Iowa City, is teaching in the Fremont Public Schools.

The family circle was suddenly broken and in a most tragic manner. The father’s clothing caught fire while lighting the kitchen range and in spite of the heroic efforts of his wife to extinguished the flames, the injury proved fatal and Herbert King passed out through the open door a few hours later. He will be greatly missed and mourned by his family, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 394, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA