A. S. Willits 1841-1910

WILLITS, BECK, RASTOFER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 6/26/2014 at 07:34:47

A. S. Willits was born in Wayne county, Ind., Dec. 14, 1841. His parents came to Iowa in the fall of 1842, stopping in the vicinity of Farmington. They remained there but a short time, moving from there to Vernon Prairie.

He was married to Miss Jane Beck in 1861 and some two years later they moved to their new home near Willits Station, where they toiled in life's rugged way for forty-six years. Here their children were born, six in number. Two died in infancy; four still survive: John B., Robert E., George L., and Sarah M., now Mrs. Rastofer, of Farmington. There were thirteen grand-children in all---three are now in Heaven.

Robert Willits, the father of A.S., had ten children, but now they are all gone, A.S. being the last to quit this life.

Mr. Willits had been in poor health for sixteen years. On their trip, last fall to the far west, he said to his wife, "If anything happens, that is, if I should die, start back home with me," thinking then that death might overtake him most any time. During his last sickness he said he was ready to go.

He moved to Farmington in Jan. 1910, and died April 8, 1910, at the age of 68 years, 3 months and 25 days.

A short service was held at the residence at 10 a.m. Sunday April 10, after which the remains were taken to Story Chapel, where a very large number of neighbors and friends had congregated to join in the service at 2 p.m. Both services were conducted by Rev. J.W. Carson. The remains were laid to rest in the Thompson Cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA