AGNEW, Robert E., Sr.: Died 1938

AGNEW, BROWN, HORNBAKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 12/9/2016 at 14:59:45

**Handwritten: V.B. Record 31 March 1938

ROBERT G. AGNEW, SR.

Robert Erskine Agnew, son of David and Elizabeth Agnew, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January 12, 1859, and departed this life March 16, 1938, aged 79 years, 2 months and 6 days.

When very young he was taken by his parents to a farm near Belfast, Ireland, where he received his early education. Later he attended Trinity College in Dublin, after which he became a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. The position required special education. He served in this capacity in both Londonberry and in Dublin. He was a member of the Masonic Order in Ireland.

In the summer of 1886 he sailed for America and after a very stormy voyage landed in New York August 6. He lived for a short time on a farm northeast of Mt. Zion, in Van Buren county, Iowa. Later he purchased the farm north of Keosauqua where he has resided the past 45 years.

On Oct. 18, 1897, he was united in marriage to Hester Isabelle Brown. To this union were born four sons: Robert E. Jr., of Donnellson, S. Brown of Winterset, John C. of Des Moines, William J., at home; and one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hornbaker of Mt. Sterling.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 23, 1918. This circumstance was very trying on him, as William was only 5, John 7 and Mary 13. However, through sickness and trouble he stood by his children and was very proud of them.

He leaves to mourn his passing the four above names sons and one daughter, four grandchildren: Robert, Norman and Kenneth Dean Hornbaker, and James William Agnew; one brother, David Agnew of Boston, Mass.; one sister, Miss Martha Agnew of Belfast, Ireland; four nephews and two nieces.

He was a member of the Congregational church at Keosauqua, where he was a regular attendant for many years. He was a man of great strength of character and always stood firmly for what he believed to be right. His memory was clear and his faith unshaken to the end. In the last few days of his illness he quoted clearly from memory the classic poem, "There Is No Death."

Funeral services were held from the Congregational church at Keosauqua Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Geo. J. Hunsinger of Donnellson officiating. Burial was in the Purdom cemetery at Keosauqua. Pallbearers were Robert J., Joe M., and Arthur Barker (nephews), Oscar Alvine, Evans Craig, John A. Craig, Roy Beatty and Clem Perkins, all of Keosauqua and vicinity.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 48, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA