RAGSDALE, Captain John S.: Died 1916

RAGSDALE, CUPP, HOPE, NORRIS, BROOK, CASTOR, CARPENTER, VAN HORN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 4/16/2016 at 14:42:07

Captain J.S. Ragsdale

John S. Ragsdale, a resident of Birmingham for 43 years, was born in Spencer county, Ind., in 1840, and died in Birmingham Nov. 15, 1916. He came to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1850 with his parents, Daniel and Eliza Ragsdale. In 1860 he was married to Rachel A. Cupp who died in 1884. To them were born seven children, three of whom, George, Mrs. Ella Hope, and infant daughter Mary, have preceded him. In 1885 he married Izora M. Norris, who died in 1904. In 1907 he married Hattie M. Brook. He served his country faithfully and well for three years in the Civil War in Co. I, 19th Iowa Infantry, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. At the age of 14 he united with the Methodist church and remained a member of that denomination for 62 years. He is survived by his wife, three brothers, G.H. of Des Moines, J.W. of McLean, Texas, A.S. of Los Angeles; two sisters, Mrs. Frances Castor of Derby, Oregon, and Mrs. Bell Carpenter of Chariton, Iowa; two sons, Elmer E. of Hastings, Nebr., and W. Pro of Shelton, Washington; two daughters Mrs. Mitta Hope of Garden City, Kansas, and Mrs. Cora Van Horn of Topeka, Kan. He also leaves fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A good, honest, faithful servant has entered the reward his eyes of faith had seen.

Funeral services were held at the late home, Nov. 17, at 11 o'clock, a.m., conducted by his pastor Rev. C.E. Baumgarten, assisted by Revs. Peter Bock and C.E. Robbins. Seven soldiers acted as escort at the home, N.L. Calhoun, Dr. Nelson, C.L. Sheward, D.K. Calhoun, Thomas Williams, James Sears, Abe Frakes. Buried in Birmingham cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book F, Page 277, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA