John J. Rhoades 1837-1919

RHOADES, HUMBERT, HALE, GALE, ATKINS

Posted By: Karen DaPra
Date: 5/8/2004 at 01:37:40

OBITUARY

John J. Rhoades was born January 29, 1837, in Tipton county, Ohio, and departed this life June 19, 1919, at his home in Milton, Iowa, at the advanced age of 82 years, four months and twenty days.

With his father he came to Iowa in 1855, and settled near Milton on the Big Fox. His mother having departed this life prior to their coming west. He was a resident of this community for sixty-four years.

His pioneer life was first lived in a log cabin. In his very early manhood he was converted and joined the Christian church, as a charter member, the church he joined being the first of the kind in this part of Iowa. Then he was a charter member of the order of Odd Fellows.

He was a farmer for a part of his life, a druggist, and a grocer. His life is quite interwoven with the whole life of the community in which he has lived so long. He enlisted in the service of his country for the civil war as a volunteer in the cavalry service, a member of Co. A, Seventh Regiment, August 9, 1861. He received his honorable discharge October 11, 1864.

The deceased was united in marriage Nov. 8, 1866, to Serena Humbert, at Keosauqua, Iowa. To this union three sons were born. Two preceded their mother in death while the third one followed shortly after. The wife departed this life March 7, 1873.

January 13, 1877, he was married to his second wife, Miss Lucy Jane Hale, and to this marriage three daughters were born: Mrs. W. S. Gale of Osborn, Mo., Chloe R., who died in infancy, and Mrs. Maurice E. Atkins of Milton. The deceased leaves a wife, two daughters and one grandson and a granddaughter and a large circle of friends who will miss him.

Monday preceding his death he was able to make a settlement of his property leaving it to his wife through her life time. His last end was fraught with severe suffering; and he hoped to live yet many years.

He was faithful to his home and family and friends in life, always kind, loving and gentle. Faithful to his Christ and his church to the end.

Funeral services were conducted from the home on Maple street, by Rev. A. G. Beecham of the Presbyterian church and interment was made in the South Prairie Chapel burying grounds.

"Until we meet again before His throne,
Clothed in the spotless robe He gives His own,
Until we know even as we are known-
Good bye.

(Photocopy of this obit found on page 223 of Obit Book "A" of the Van Buren County, Iowa, Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in April 2001. Name and date of newspaper not given.)

I am NOT related and am posting this for those who may find this person in their family history.

(Originally posted 4 May 2001)