Joseph D. Israel 1818-1898

ISRAEL, PROPER, FRYE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/2/2001 at 09:28:59

In Fullness of Years.

Mr. Joseph D. Israel, one of the pioneer and influential citizens of Van Buren county, passed away at his residence in Bonaparte Dec. 16th, 1898 aged 80 years, 3 months and 2 days.

His last illness was not of long duration, for the weight of years had been pressing, and the long life of usefulness was closing as the evening of a well-spent day.

With the progress and growth of the interests of state and county he was closely identified, and built up a character from the earliest effort of his manhood that was noted for industry, honesty of purpose, and fair dealing.

Successful, himself, in business venture, he was ever ready to give a helping hand and counsel to those who were reaching up to higher standards about him.

Genial, warmhearted and true to his convictions, he was sought for as a companion; and as a friend, the tie was never broken by the changing scenes of a restless life.

Firm, steady and symmetrical, the life that has been spent in this community will not have been in vain; for its influence will live on and tell on the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was a member of the Baptist church of Bonaparte for years, serving as a deacon, and for ten consecutive years re-elected as treasurer of the Keokuk Baptist Association. In his church relations he was unassuming, yet ever ready to answer for his professions. He delighted to acknowledge his Master, not only in service and regulation of church, but in private life he quietly but forcibly made known whose colors he bore. He followed his wife, who crossed over some ten years ago, and left of his immediate family a brother, Moses Israel, who resides near Eldon, a sister Lucinda Israel of Indiana, and six children to profit by his worthy example, they are; John T., Mrs. Clara Proper, Miss Larissa Frye, George H., Miss [omitted] and Joe C. Israel.

His funeral services occurred on the 19th of December, and was conducted by Rev. W. C. McCollom, of the Bonaparte Baptist church, whose fitting text was an expression of the life and death of this aged soldier, whose warfare was over. "I have fought the good fight; I have finished my course: I have kept the faith."

The pall bearers were B. R. Vale, Benjamin Ketcham, Thomas Hanback, John H. Cresap, John Harper, W. P. L. Muir. The interment was made at that Dibble cemetery, where all that is mortal of the citizen beloved, father and friend, Joseph D. Israel, will rest until the resurrection morn.
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Source: Entler Scrapbooks, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA