LINEAWEAVER, George P.:1835-1905

LINEAWEAVER, WILLITT, CUMMINGS, DINGS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/11/2013 at 13:39:30

**Handwritten: 9 NOV. 1905

While the news was not all together unexpected yet we were not prepared for the sudden ending of the life of George P. Lineaweaver, which occurred last Thursday at 11 o'clock a.m.

Since the stroke of paralysis May 1, '03, which partially disabled the deceased, he never seemed to gain in strength and the decline was noticable(sp) to the loving friends who surrounded him and did all in their powere to cheer him and administer relief. On Thursday morning the second stroke came and with it a general failing and a few hours later the people of Bonaparte were informed that he was no more.

Besides a host of friends, he leaves to mourn his loss a wife, three daughters Mrs. Minnie Cummings, Mrs. Mollie Willitt and Miss Georgia Lineaweaver, one brother John Lineaweaver, all of Bonaparte, and a sister, Mrs. Chas. Dings of Ottumwa.

The funeral services over the remains of the departed were held Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. and was attended by a large number of friends, many being here from outside points. The commodious M.E. church was not equal to handling one-half of the number that gathered to pay the last respects to the good man who had gone. (Something is handwritten but illegible.)

The casket was drapped with national colors, interwoven with beautiful flowers, several fine pieces being among the latter.

The services were in the hands of the Masonic order, of which he was a member, and the Old Soldiers assistted(sp) in the program. There were 27 old soldiers in line and 48 Masons. At the grave the beautiful ritualistic service of the Masons was given by W.M., C.S. Percival, assisted by the pastor, Rev. Wehn.

Mr. Lineaweaver was born in Londonberry Tp., Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, Aug. 27, 1835, being 70 years, 2 months and 12 days old at the time of death. He removed to Iowa with his parents in May, 1847 and the same year, in November came here and lived on a farm south of Bonaparte until about fifteen years ago when he moved to town.

Mr. Lineaweaver had long been a resident of the city and was ever active in public life. In 1900 he was elected councilman and served with distinction till his health made it important that he no longer occupy his time with strenuous duties, and a successor was elected. In church life he was also prominent. When the M.E. church was built in this city Mr. Lineaweaver devoted much time and money to the work and his loss will be deeply felt in the church as well.

He was a member of Co. I, 19th Iowa Infantry in the civil war, and was a good soldier. He was a Mason of high standing and a member of the Ellah(?) M. Ware Post of the G.A.R.

Geo. P. Lineaweaver was made a third degree Mason of Bonaparte lodge No. 73, June 24th, 1884 and served as its treasurer for seven years. He became a Royal Arch Maron(sp) with Lafayette chapter 61 Oct. 1, 1886 of which he also served as treasurer several years. it is said that he was a most faithful attendant upon all gatherings, being present several times after he was stricken. In him reposed the utmost confidence of his brethren for uprightness in all matters. He was elected a member of Magnolia chapter No 276, O.E.S., Oct. 9, 1900.

When the county seat fight was on, a few years back, and the matter of presenting the county with a new court house was considered, Mr. Lineaweaver subscribed $2000 toward the work. We merely quote this to emphasize his loyalty to the home town.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 52, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA