NEDROW, Samuel Peter, 1848-1920

NEDROW, ARBAUGH, SADLER, GREENFIELD, STANLEY

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 2/24/2013 at 13:37:50

Obituary of S. P. Nedrow

Simon Peter Nedrow, son of George and Mary Nedrow, was born Sept. 5, 1848, and departed this life Thursday, June 3, 1890 at 8 p.m. after an illness of a bout a week, at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 28 days. He passed away from the same home and farm on which he was born and on which he spent his entire life, in Van Buren County, Iowa, near Douds, thus making him one of the oldest in the county in point of residence.

In September 1862 he was united in the bonds of holy matrimony to Rosannah Jane Arbaugh, who fell asleep in Jesus, January 18, 1913. To this union three sons were born: Sidney Ellsworth, who died at the age of 9 months, Irwin Lee and another son who died in infancy. Those at the death of “Uncle Sim” as he was lovingly called, were Irwin L. the son and his family and may relatives and friends, who did all that loving hands could do for his cheer and comfort.

Simon Peter Nedrow leaves to mourn his departure, two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Sadler, and Mrs. Cyrus Greenfield; one son, Irwin Lee, and three grandchildren, Ruth Alice, Ruby Esther and Lehr Stanley and a large multitude of relatives and friends.

He was baptized July 15, 1849, being the first child baptized in the Zion’s Lutheran Church, which is the oldest English Lutheran church in the State of Iowa, located near Douds. He was confirmed and received into full church membership June 15, 1872, and true to his vows rendered forty-eight years of continuous service, note that his life was a life of service, not mere membership, and he missed but two communion seasons in all that time and that was on account of sickness. He was an officer in the church for many years, able, efficient and consecrated. He was a teacher in the Sunday School for over twenty-five years, and many young people especially bless his memory for his kindly advice and anxious concern for their welfare, both for this world and the next.

His mind ever reverted to the glory of God and the good of humanity. Pastors found in him a ready friend and loyal supporter. He had learned the lesson of Christian stewardship and gave liberally of time, treasure and talent. He was blessed both materially and spiritually. He selected the text to be used in this service of respect and tribute, namely, Rev. 14:13, the promise of blessings for those who die in the Lord, the rest from their Labors but their works do follow them. Truly he was faithful unto the end and surely there awaits him a crown of life.

He was the highest type of citizen in the community in that he was a Christian citizen, whose citizenship is not of this world but in heaven. Faithfully reading and hearing the word and earnestly heeding and doing the same he was exceptionally well indoctrinated and firmly grounded, not being swept aside by every wind of doctrine. He loved all and was loved by all, although he did not smile with approval on sin and iniquity in high places or those of low estate. Another marked trait was his submissiveness; ever ready to say, Thy will, O Lord, be done.

He rests from his labors but truly his works do follow after him. No more do we have the genial smile of his presence; no more the sound of his voice, but the splendid influence of his life will abide for many years. He sleeps.

The funeral services were held in Zion’s Lutheran Church, near Douds on Sunday afternoon, June sixth. The pastor, Rev. L. A. Harshman had charge assisted by Rev. Carl Sunberg, a former pastor. The music was furnished by the Douds Male Quartet. Beautiful floral offerings in a small way expressed his universal esteem in the community. The church was crowded and many stood at the open doors and windows outside to hear the messages. The earthly form was borne from the church by Guy Greenfield, Earnest Greenfield, Roy Greenfield, Frank Riggs, Gilmore Horn, and Samuel Channel and laid away in mother Earth in God’s Acre, Zion’s Lutheran Church.
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Death of S. P. Nedrow

Simon P. Nedrow of Lick Creek township, died at his home near Douds, Thursday evening of last week, the 3d, after an illness of about a week with kidney and heart trouble, from which he was a great sufferer. He was born in the home in which he died, and his entire life, almost seventy-two years, was spent on the homestead. He was a prominent and widely known citizen of this locality, had often served as school director and Township Trustee, and never missed an election. He was enterprising and always manifested a great interest in public affairs of every kind. The funeral service was held at the Zion Lutheran church, in charge of Revs. L. A. Hartman and Sunberg, former pastors, and the body interred in the cemetery joining the church.

Note: Hand written on the top was “1920”, hand written over the marriage date was “1872”, also noted is the birth date and death date they show does not calculate to him being age 71.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, Page 295, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA