PERSINGER, John W.: 1864-1959

PERSINGER, MASDEN, GLASGOW, GEE, POPE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/28/2014 at 07:16:19

John W. Persinger

John Williams Persinger, son of John Anderson and Tabitha Masden Persinger, was born at Salem, Iowa, April 31, 1864 and departed this life February 11, 1959 at the age of 94 years, 9 months and 21 days. He was born into this world an orphan, his father having died 4 months previous. He was born at the home of his uncle, Benj. B. Williams, hence he was namde John Williams.

At the age of 9 years he was taken into the home of John and Eliza Pope where he lived as their son. Educated in Hillsboro and Salem schools and Whittier College, graduating from Hillsboro School in the class of 1884, received a certificate to teach, but being mechanical inclined, he operated a blacksmith - repair shop, and made wagons at Hillsboro, later moving to Bonaparte. In 1937 he moved to his farm near Bonaparte, retiring in 1944 he moved to Farmington.

He was married to Ollie J. Glasgow of Salem in 1884. To this union two children were born, Frederick Clarence of Mt. Pleasant and Nora Persinger of Farmington. She passed on in 1942. He was again married to Clara May Gee who died in 1944. He was baptized when an infant into the Salem Methodist church.

He was a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 27, having been a Mason 63 years, past High Priest of Lafeyett Chapter, R.A.M., Bonaparte, 69 year member of Bonaparte I.O.O.F., 73 year member of the Rebekah's also a Knight of Pythias Past High Potentate of Puchocheltuck Encampment of Keokuk Lodge 14 and a member of Bigelow Cantoon of Fairfield No. 171 and a retired District Lecturer for the Masons.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, three sisters and one brother.

Funeral services were held from the Farmington Methodist church Saturday, Feb. 14 with Rev. M. Ellsworth Walker officiating and Masonic Services with Harley Holmes in charge. Interment was in Salem East Cemetery.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, Page 130