PENNY, James M.: 1841-1919

PENNY, DAVIS, GRAHAM, STOOPS, MCKEE, HOLTON, HOUSE, MCCOLLUM, WIRT

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/3/2013 at 04:41:37

Death of J.M. Penny
**Handwritten: 1919

The sudden death of James M. Penny, a long time resident of Leando, Iowa, came as a great shock not only to his family and relatives but also to the entire community. He was a member of the G.A.R., having served 4 years as First Lieutenant in Company B, 30th Iowa Infantry in the Civil War, and in the last three months of the war he served as Captain but did not receive a commission as such.

He gave his heart to God in early life and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Memphis, Missouri. Having finished his education at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, he chose teaching as a profession and was instrumental in organizing a number of our public schools. He followed this occupation as long as his health would permit. He was also among those who were instrumental in organizing the Farmers and Trader's bank at Douds, Iowa. His work led him into many different localities where he always made many friends. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Mr. Penny was born in Indiana, November 20, 1841, and died April 3, 1919, aged 77 years, 4 months and 13 days. He was married to Julia A. Davis in 1866. Unto this union were born 9 children, 4 sons and 5 daughters, 6 of whom are now living, as follows: Mrs. Mae Graham of Douds, Iowa; Mrs. Kate Stoops of Centralia, Washington; Leslie D. Penny of Mexico, Missouri; Captain Albert D. Penny of Almeda, California, but stationed at the present at Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Dora McKee of Kahoka, Missouri, and Mrs. Winnie Holton of Chicago. The other three children died in infancy. His first wife died January 12, 1897.

He was afterward married to Mrs. Phoebe House in 1901 who is living. Besides those mentioned there are living three brothers and one sister, all too feeble to be present at the funeral; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Etta McCollum and Mrs. Charles Wirt, both of Douds, Iowa, and 17 grandchildren. Besides his family he leaves many friends to mourn his death.

Funeral services were held in the church at Leando, Iowa, at 1 o'clock, Sunday, April 6, 1919, conducted by Rev. Chas. L. Ellis of Douds, Io. The remains were buried in the Leando cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 214, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA