OVERMAN, James M.: Died 1942
OVERMAN, STRICKLING, HILL
Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/3/2015 at 10:58:54
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 1865 and came to Keosauqua in 1878 where he engaged in the bakery and restaurant business. He later entered the retail grocery business, know 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 his 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.
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, whose tireless 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.M. McClurg, Richard Perkins and Bates Manning were the bearers. Interment in Purdom cemetery.
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Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral of Jas. M. Overman were Helen and Hazel Overman of Ottumwa, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Hill and daughter, Carol, of York, Nebr., and Mrs. E.C. Bock and Dr. and Mrs. Haven McClurg of Fairfield.
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James Overman Of Keosauqua Dies**Handwritten: 1942
Keosauqua - James Overman, 86, died Saturday evening at his home in Keosauqua after a long illness.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. today at the Burnett funeral home in charge of the Rev. J.C. Behrens of Milton. Burial was at Purdom cemetery.
Mr. Overman was the oldest man in Keosauqua and had owned and operated the Overman grocery store here for more than 50 years. He sold the business several years ago.
His wife, the former Lydia Strickling, died several years ago.
He has one son, Roy Overman of Keosauqua, and one daughter, Miss Bess Overman, at home; one grandchild, Mrs. Ronald Hill, and great-grandchild, Carol Hill.
Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book E, Page 110, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA
Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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