ISRAEL, Joseph D.: 1818-1898

ISRAEL, NIXON, PROPER, FRY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/19/2013 at 07:33:27

Death of Joseph D. Israel.

Joseph D. Israel, one of Iowa's early settlers and an influential citizen of Van Buren county and one of the principal landowners of Harrisburg township, died at his town residence in Bonaparte, December 16, 1898, at 3 o'clock a.m, aged 80 years, 3 months and 2 days. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1818. His last illness was short, but the weight of years had been pressing heavily upon him for some time past. He bore his suffering with characteristic patience and fortitude. He retained his mental acuteness and maintained an active business affairs to the last, managing his business affairs with consummate ability and without assistance.

In 1830, with his parents, he moved to Decatur county, Indiana, and in 1843 to Washington county, Iowa. In 1850 Mr. Israel went to California by the overland route, returning in the spring of 1851, and located in Harrisburg township, engaging in the business of farming and stock raising. In 1851 he married Miss Julia Nixon, daughter of Isaac Nixon. There were born to them eight children, six of whom survive him: John T., Clara B., (Mrs. Worthy Proper), George H., Larissa, (Mrs. John Fry), Nettie and Joe C.

For many years Mr. Israel was a member of the Baptist church and endeavored in all respects to lead an active, conscientious Christian life. In early years he was connected with the Harrisburg church, and afterwards with that of Bonaparte, taking an influential part in both their spiritual and temporal affairs. For ten years, from 1887 to 1897, he held the trusted position of treasurer of the Keokuk Baptist association, being re-elected every year.

Mr. Israel was eminently successful in his business ventures. Besides his large land interest in Harrisburg he was connected with various other interests, being one of the principal stock holders in the Farmers & Traders' Bank, of Bonaparte, and an influential member of the Board of Directors. In politics he was a staunch republican. In 1883, Mr. Israel and family moved to Bonaparte, where he purchased a portion of the old Dr. Cresap farm, built a comfortable home and laid off several additions to the town, contributing largely to its prosperity.

His wife, after many months of patient suffering, died December 24, 1888, being but eight days less than ten years prior to his death. A sister, Lucinda Israel, of Indiana, and Moses Israel, of Eldon, are the only survivors of his many brothers and sisters. On Sept. 14, 1898, Mr. Israel's eightieth birthday, the family gathered in a happy reunion, which was much enjoyed by him and into the spirit of which he entered with much vivacity. There were gathered children and grandchildren numbering twenty-five. In . . . .

**Believe remainder missing.**

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 156, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA