MCCOMAS, Francis Marion: 1855-1903

MCCOMAS, MORRILLAS

Posted By: Volunter: Sherri
Date: 4/28/2013 at 13:31:13

Francis Marion McComas was born in Athens county, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1855, and died at the home of Allen Heaton and wife of Big Mound, where he was taken when stricken down Thursday, Oct. 29, 1903, at the age of 47 years, 11 months and 13 days. When quite young he came with his parents to the west and settled near now Leando, in this county. In this neighborhood he grew to manhood. About the year 1890 he was engaged as engineer by Mr. Neis, who operated a flouring mill at Harper, Keokuk county, Io., and worked at that place until the mill was burned. Mr. Neis then purchased the mill at Keosauqua and Mr. McComas came with him as his engineer. He worked for the latter for some three years. He was employed for a time as engineer by J.W. Scott in the Bentonsport mills. Since that time he had owned and operated a saw mill. While he was engaged as engineer at Harper he became acquainted with Miss Morrilla Marquis, who resided near that place, and on Oct. 11, 1875, led her to the altar in marriage. But one child blessed this union, Miss Lydia, a daughter now sixteen years of age. He was a member of the lodge of Modern Woodmen, and of Des Moines Valledy lodge I.O.O.F. of Bentonsport, having insurance in the former order to the amount of $2,000. He had been a resident of Vernon for some years. He leaves to mourn their loss, a full brother and two sisters, and a half brother and sister. He was stricken down with paralysis at his post of labor and died within twenty-four hours thereafter. His funeral was held at Vernon M.E. church on last Sunday Nov. 1st, 1903, a funeral sermon being preached by Rev. C.E. Perkins, the pastor of the Congregational church of Keosauqua, before a large concourse of bereaved and sorrowing relatives, friends, neighbors and fellow members of his fraternities. Mr. McComas' death leaves a gap in the ranks of the community that will be difficult to fill. He was a moral, industrious and enteprising(sp) citizen. His greatest struggle in life's battle was made in this vicinity, and success had crowned his efforts, for he had builded up a comfortable home and surrounded it with modest comforts. Although he was nearly fifty years old, he was seemingly strong and hardy, and he bade fare to have many years of life before him when death called him away.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogica Society Obituary Book C, Page 24, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA