Robert Mitchell PIERSON. 1841-1928

PIERSON, GODDARD, SWAN

Posted By: Vounteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 7/9/2012 at 20:57:57

ROBERT MITCHELL PIERSON

Robert Mitchell Pierson, son of Willis E. and Mary Pierson, was born January 2, 1840, near Greencastle, Indiana and departed this life at his home in Pulaski, Iowa, April 28, 1928. He came to Iowa with his parents in September 1852 from Pary county, Indiana, to Davis county, Iowa where he grew to manhood and lived the remainder of his life.

He was the eldest of a family of seven children, all having preceeded [sic] him in death.

He enlisted with the Union forces in August, 1862, Co. F, 30th Iowa Reg., and served until the close of the war.

He was married to Sarah A. Goddard March 24, 1869, who passed away February 26, 1922. To this union were born eight children, five having preceded him in death, namely Simpson E., Mary M., Sadie B., Eva H., Thomas and Minnie A. Those who survive are Robert A. of Los Angeles, California and Maude M. and Pearl Swan, and also a granddaughter, Beatrice Swan.

He was gloriously converted when 17 years of age, August 30, 1957, on the old camp ground near Troy, Ia, which was always a sacred and hallowed place to him. He joined the M. E. Church which he served and loved so well for more than seventy years. He served as Sunday school superintendent for 38 consecutive years, and as steward for more than 43 years. After all these years of fellowship with his Lord, and joy in His service, it is not surprising death lost its terrors for him, and became a home going.

Rev. Wilson from Mystic, a former pastor of the family when they lived on the farm near Troy, Rev. O. J. Fix of Moravia and Rev. B. E. Mitchell from Janesville, both former pastors of Pulaski, Rev. W. W. Miller of the Mennonite church and Rev. Fletcher, pastor of Pulaski M. E. church, had charge of the services. Scripture lesson and praying by Rev. B. E. Mitchell, sermon by Rev. O. J. Fix, a wonderful talk and it was full of words of comfort for the living and tributes of praise for the loved one who have gone. Remarks were made by the Rev. Wilson, Rev. Miller and Rev. Fletcher. The pallbearers were Wm. Nusbaum, Fred Slonaker, R. S. Beauchamp, D. G. Sutton, L. B. Shumate, and J. W. Young. Lots of flowers were in evidence, tokens of love and sympathy. An especially beautiful spray of lilies, emblem of his pure life was sent by the church of which he was an honored member. The Sunday school which he loved so well, and the Golden Links. A beautiful pillow from his children and may others from their friends. A full choir taken from the three churches, Mennonite, Christian and Methodist, sang his two favorite songs, “Jesus Loves My Soul” and “Nearer My God to Thee.” Mrs. George Holdefer sang “Under His Wings” in a very effective manner, accompanied by Miss Gussie Hougland, who drew sweet strains of music from the piano. It was not a solemn occasion witnessed by the large congregation present, but more like a home-coming for the grand old man, who had his prayers answered and had gone home.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, pages 423, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA