John Rippon 1820-1902

RIPPON, TURNBULL

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 2/26/2013 at 11:17:37

AGED MACHINIST DIES.
Born in England in 1820, Came to
The United States in 1854, to
Van Buren County in 1871,
Died in 1902.

JOHN RIPPON.

John Rippon was born May 11, 1820, at Callaly, Northumberland, England. In his youth he learned the machinists trade which he followed very successfully during the greater part of his life. He was married in 1850 to Miss Sarah Turnbull who came with him to the United States in 1854, locating in Chicago where he was employed in the railroad machine shops until 1868.

He removed from Chicago to Keokuk remaining there until 1871 when he came to Van Buren county having previously purchased a fine farm two and one-half miles southwest of Bonaparte. This was his home until about two years ago when he bought property in Bonaparte and removed to town.

Mr. Rippon was very quiet and uncomplaining, never troubling others with any ailments or difficulties that caused him concern. He was seriously ill but a short time and peacefully passed away at two o'clock Monday morning, January 6, 1902, at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 25 days.

His wife died nineteen years ago while living on the farm south of town and an only son, John, who was an engineer on the Des Moines & Keokuk branch of the Rock Island has been dead for 12 years. The only surviving relative in the United States is an only daughter, Miss Jennie, who now lives at the home in Bonaparte. An only brother lives in Liverpool, England, and there are also other relatives in that country.

Mr. Rippon was a machinist of great ability and even after retiring from his chosen profession was recalled to Keokuk to do some work that no others in that city could do to suit the company. Always attending to his own affairs he was ever ready to help those who needed his aid and was held in the highest esteem by those who knew him best. When an infant he was baptized into the Catholic church and remained a devoted Catholic during the remainder of his life.

The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday afternoon, Father Daly of Farmington officiating. The remains were interred in the Bonaparte cemetery where the wife and son were also buried.

Miss Rippon has many friends who extend to her their sympathy in the bereavement of her father.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA