William Huber 1807-1895

HUBER, ELLIOTT

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/2/2001 at 00:51:44

DEATH OF WILLIAM HUBER

William Huber was born in Johnstown, Pa., March 30, 1807, and died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Elliott, near Winchester, Iowa, on the first day of February, 1895, aged 87 years, 10 months and 1 day.

We may safely say that Father Huber's years have exceeded by far the average length of time allotted to man. Father Huber left his native State and removed with his family to Iowa in the year 1851, the entire distance from Pittsburg, Pa., to Keokuk, Iowa, being traveled by steamboat, almost the only mode at that time, of reaching this country. From Keokuk to Winchester the only conveyance was by wagon, and the journey was at length ended April 22d, 1851, where himself and a portion of his family have resided continuously up to the present time. Almost half a century of unbroken residence in one community, and in the same house that first sheltered himself and family at the end of a long and tiresome journey, a record that speaks for itself.

During this long term of years Father Huber's circle of acquaintance continued to extend and widen until we may softly say, that he was well and favorably known and spoken of not only in the community in which he lived, but all over the county and in different parts of the State, having held positions of honor and trust not only in his own community, but in the county and State of his adoption. He possessed many peculiar and strong traits of character that gave him an individuality and standing among his friends and neighbors to such a degree as to hold him in the highest esteem, and to regard him with feelings of respect and honor. His reputation for honesty, integrity, industry and undisguised expression of thoughts was so well known all over the county by every person, that no one even for a moment thought of placing any different construction on his life than that which he lived.

At the time of his arrival at Winchester and for some years afterward he held membership in the Lutheran church, but upon the disorganization of that society he united with the M. E. church, with which he has been identified to the time of his death.

His family consisted of four sons and eight daughters, of whom one son and seven daughters survive him, the son and three daughters being present at his funeral. Mother Huber preceded her husband to their long home [sic] nearly three years. Had she lived until now, it would be almost sixty years of married life.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. E. Wilkins, of Pulaski, assisted by Rev. Fraker, of Birmingham.

Rev. Wilkins delivered a very appropriate and feeling sermon, paying a glowing tribute to the memory of Father and Mother Huber, with whom he had been associated in former years as pastor on this charge. He spoke of Father Huber's unswerving devotion to what he conceived to be right and just, and of his good example and noble work in the cause of temperance, even in the face of financial losses. Had we more such temperance workers in our land, the withering, blasting curse of intemperance would go down, crushed and defeated, never again to show its head to spread sorrow, misery and poverty over this fair land.

He spoke of Mother Huber's kindly "God bless you," on his visits to this good home, of her pure christian character, and of her noble example, whose influence for good can only be told when the assembled nations of the earth shall stand befor the Judge of all. Father and Mother Huber are gone, but their lives will live after them in the pure and spotless characters of their children, and in the honest and sincere regrets of those who were befriended and aided in their struggles through life by the advice and counsel and noble example of this good and worthy couple.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 24 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in October 1999. Name and date of newspaper not given.) ORIGINAL POST 02 Nov 1999.

I am NOT related to this person and am posting this obit for those who may find him/her in their family history.