OVERMAN, James M.: 1856-1942

OVERMAN, STRICKLING, HILL

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/16/2014 at 15:30:07

JAMES M. OVERMAN

James Montgomery Overman, son of Nancy and Samuel Overman, was born in Hancock County, Ill., Feb. 8, 1856, and passed away at his home in Keosauqua, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1942, aged 86 years, 6 months, and 7 days.

His early life was spent around Carthage and Bentley, Ill., where he learned the baker's trade. He moved to Keokuk, Iowa, in 18tr and came to Keosauqua in 1878 where he engaged the bakery and restaurant business. He later entered the retail business, known as Overman's Grocery, which he operated continuously for more than 50 years.

On Sept. 29, 1880, he was married to Lydia Strickling of Keosauqua; to this union two children were born, Roy S. and Bess E., both of Keosauqua, and both of whom survive him. His wife passed away jan. 15, 1935, and his grandson, James Roberts Overman, of whom he was justly very proud, passed away Feb. 1, 1938.

Besides his two children, he is survived by his granddaughter, Mrs. R.C. Hill, and great granddaughter, Carol Jean Hill of York, Nebr., and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was the last of a family of seven children, three brothers and three sisters preceding him.

He was a long-time member of and a loyal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, Keosauqua; also a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and A.O.U.W. Lodges.

He was one of Keosauqua's oldest citizens. He was always active in community affairs. he was the organizer and first president of the first Keosauqua Business Men's association, and served for many years as a member of the city council.

His death marks the passing of one of the landmarks, in the history and development of Keosauqua, his adopted home, whose improvement and development he fostered and supported.

He was in every sense of the word, a successful business man, honest, sincere, active, hard working, courteous and kindly, and merited and held the respect and confidence of all who knew him. A merchant of the old school, he yet had the foresight and ability to keep abreast of changing conditions.

His chief interests in life were those which all good men should have, his business or means of livelihood, his home and his family, his church and his community, and friends.

And so, in the late evening of an unusually long and well spent life, surrounded by his family, worse tiresome loving and kindly ministrations, provided every possible help and comfort, our beloved friend and kindly citizen has passed on, to join his loved ones on the other shore.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Burnett Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. J.C. Behrens of Milton, a former pastor of the Keosauqua Methodist church. Mrs. Ethel Price and Mrs. Florence Craig sang a duet, with Miss Velma Essex at the piano. Dr. J.A. Craig, Carl Fleming, Robt. McBeth, Dr. F.J. McClurg, Richard Perkins and Bates Manning were the bearers. Interment in Purdom cemetery.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, Page 101