DELP, James: 1886-1956

DELP, HOWARD, CHILCOTE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/7/2013 at 04:54:08

James Delp Found Dead At His Home
**Handwritten: 1956

County officers forced their way into the James Delp home in West End addition last evening and found Delp's body on the dining room floor. It is estimated he had been dead since Monday.

The investigation began when neighbors noticed that he hadn't been seen in the past two or three days, no smoke had been seen coming from his chimney and no lights had been turned on in the house.

A neighbor, Mrs. Mary Wilson, who lives acorss the street from the Delp residence, told Verl Nelson, who lives a block away, that she hadn't seen Mr. Delp for a few days.

Nelson notified county officers and they conducted the investigation. Two pet dogs had been confined in the house with the body and were extremely cross when officers attempted to enter the home.

Acting Coroner Bill Foshier said there will be no inquest and ruled that Delp died of natural causes. Foshier, a justice of the peace, served in the absence of Coroner Jack Raymond who was out of town last night.

One witness said it appeared as if Delp had been sitting in a chair in the dining room, had gotten up and then slumped to the floor. Officers conducted their investigation about 5:30 p.m.

Born in 1886

James V.Delp, 70, was born April 1, 1886, in Iowa, the son of the late Joseph and Anna Howard Delp. He was reared and educated in Van Buren county.

He was united in marriage to Edna Chilcote who preceded him in death on March 9, 1952. He had been a resident of Fairfield for the past 46 years.

Last rites will be Saturday at 10 a.m., at the Hoskin Funeral home with Dr. J. Henry Teele in charge. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn cemetery.

Mr. Delp is survived by two brothers, Seneca M. Delp, Rock Island, Ill.; and Jay C. Delp, Davenport; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and one sister.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 276, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA