CALHOUN, Jonathan Blair: 1876-1900

CALHOUN, BONNET, BOGLE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/28/2013 at 18:55:40

Obituary of J. B. Calhoun

Nov. 11th, 1876, is a memorable date chronicled in the family record of Mr. and Mrs. David K. Calhoun.

On this day the presence of a little son in their home gladdened their hearts till tears of joy bathed the mother's brow, and a smile was firmly printed on the face of the proud and happy father.

Now comes the decision of what they shall call him, and we are soon acquainted with the name Jonson Blair Calhoun.

Let us listen to the expressions of delight when the first steps are taken; let us watch the tenderness and caresses given this darling babe during its first epoch of life; when silken ringlets crown his head, and formation of words are __sped by little lips, all are interested in "Jottie."

When baby innocence has vanished and time has carried us ten years hence, we are charmed with "Jot" as a school boy, pleasing his teacher and classmates by his genial and kind dis- . . . (part missing)

On! on! the flight of years give promise found parents, loving sisters and friends of high hopes and timely honor; but just when manhood is attained, our pen most refuses to tell how bright anticipations were shadowed and cheerful hearts crushed.

On the sixteenth evening of February, 1900, "Jot," apparently in the best of health, partook of a hearty supper with his father and sister Lillie, finished his evening work, read for a short time, and about 9 o'clock bade them a kind good-night and retired to his room up-stairs.

Miss Lillie was soon asleep and the father continuing his reading, their room was wrapped in silence. Scarcely twenty minutes had elapsed when the father heard a moan, and upon listening it was repeated, directing him to "Jot's" room. He hastily went to his bedside inquiring "Are you sick, Jot?" "What hurts you?" "My stomach," was his reply, and in less than ten minutes the son expired in the father's arms.

Physicains were summoned but did not arrive until after death. They pronounced the cause "embolism," or heart clot.

Mrs. Calhoun was absent from home caring for a sick grandchild, was immediately sent for, but returned to only find the bright eyes closed and the sweet voice hushed that so often looked and spoke to mother for advice and counsel.

Words are too tame and insufficient to estimate the sadness that weigh hearts since the departure of this young man, whose age was 23 years, 3 months, and 5 days.

A written eulogy does not do justice to the life and character of "Jot" Calhoun. His heart beat only the stroke of honesty, purity, love and truth, inspiring all his associates with high ideals of noble manhood.

His parents, three sisters--Mrs. Jessee Bonnett of Birmingham, Mrs. Fred Bogle of Pawnee City, Neb., Miss Lillie who is yet with her parents--all are assured they have the sincere expression of deepest sympathy from all who are acquainted with the sudden removal of this only son and brother from the family circle.

The funeral was preached by Rev. Brown, assisted by Rev. Wilkins, at 11 a.m. Monday, in the Presbyterian church of Birmingham. Beautiful flowers ladened the casket, that was borne by his most intimate associates as pall-bearers to its floral resting place in the silent city, while the uppermost covering of mother earth and sparkling snow were showered with fairest blossoms from loving hands.
-- A Friend

We take this method of returning our thanks to all who remembered us in our recent sorrow. May God bless you for each good deed performed and kind word spoken.

MR. AND MRS. D. K. CALHOUN, AND FAMILY

Note: Mother was Rebecca Travis Calhoun.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 168, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA