John Wright ~ 1865-1933

WRIGHT, LANE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 1/31/2002 at 14:36:13

Death of John Wright is Mourned by Many Friends

John Wright was born August 19, 1865, near Center Chapel in this county, and departed this life at his home in Keosauqua on Jan. 6, 1933, aged 67 years, 4 months and 17 days. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Estella Wright, and two sisters, Miss Alice Wright and Miss Mary Wright, together with other relatives and many admiring friends.

On March 1, 1888, he was married to Estella Lane, and to this union were born two sons. Harry died when 2 years old, and Floyd died when 4 years old.

When he was 19 years of age he joined the Methodist church at Center Chapel, while Wm. N. Potter was the pastor. He remained a member of that church until he moved to Keosauqua when he transferred to the Methodist church of this place.

In 1893 they moved to Ft. Madison and remained for a period of two years, during which time he was in the employ of a company engaged in the lumber business. They then returned to his father’s farm near Center Chapel and remained there until the fall of 1906, when he was elected County Recorder, and was reelected in 1908. Following the completion of his term of office, he formed a partnership with Walter Beer and John A. Maltbie in the mercantile business and he continued to be interested in that until about five years ago.

In 1918, he went over seas as Y.M.C.A. secretary and served with that association for about one year, and until the return of the soldiers. He had an important position with the association and was in charge of a large supply depot which was located near London, England.

He was a member of the Keosauqua city council for over ten years, was the senior member of the council both in years and time of service, and was a member of the council at the time of his death.

Mr. Wright has for some time been employed in the Farmers Cooperative creamery at Keosauqua. One of the last pieces of work which he did there was in connection with the construction of the rock garden and pool in front of the creamery office.

He was for more than 40 years an official member and active and diligent supporter of his church. He served his church as President of the Epworth League, steward, trustee and Sunday school teacher and proved himself efficient in all of them. He was influential with the boys and young men. Mr. Wright’s philosophy of life as he exemplified it by his living may be expressed by the following quotation:

“Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
And be a friend to man.”

He served his community and his neighbors for their sakes, and not for his benefit, and he was a real friend to man.

He was a good neighbor, a loyal citizen, a faithful supporter of his chosen church, and his record as a public servant stands without question. His departure will be mourned by all.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Keosauqua on Sunday afternoon. Four ministers participated. Rev. Paul Apfel..(article torn) Donnellson offered prayer. Rev. C. Caughlin of Milton and Rev. H.F. Gilbert of Cantril, former pastors, spoke words of appreciation of John Wright, and the clean, wholesome life which he lived. Rev. M.E. Hayes delivered the sermon, using as his text John 3:16.

The church was filled to capacity. Interment was in Purdom cemetery.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings