Martin S. Callen 1824-1899

CALLEN, SCOTT, SPEERS, KERR

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/2/2001 at 09:31:48

[Callen, M. S., at his late home in Bonaparte, Iowa, June 14th, 1899, at 1 p.m.]

Martin Sevier Callen was born in Sevier County, Tenn., Nov. 30th, 1824. Came to Iowa in 1842 and settled in the vicinity of Bonaparte where he has made his home with the exception of one year which he spent in Appanoose County, this state.

He was married to Miss Jane Scott in Harrisburg Township, Van Buren County, August 24th, 1845. To this union seven daughters were born. His wife died April 11th, 1889. Two children died in early life. Anna and died June 18th, 1890 and Jennie, September 21st, 1894, leaving three daughters, Mrs. Sarah Speers, Miss Frances Callen and Mrs. Nancy Kerr, three sisters, two brothers and ten grand children to mourn the loss.

He united with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1854. He has been a constant attendant and willing supporter of the cause.

Since 1854 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. As a businessman, he was trustworthy and appreciated. Always prompt, rather too early than too late. For 35 years he was in the employ of Meek Brothers of this place; 30 of which he was on the road as traveling salesman. He was known throughout Iowa and Nebraska as the pioneer traveling man.

He was an affectionate companion, a loving father and kind friend. He was not a man of many words but he told you by his actions how deep and true was his love for you. He was always more than ready to make others happy. More than one in our midst remembers how the sick-room was made cheerful by flowers he gave, whose silent voices bespoke howled dearly he loved things pure and beautiful. The memory of his deeds of kindness will in future years continue to remind many friends of a life that was not lived in vain.

The funeral took place from the Baptist church June 16th, 1899, Rev. G. W. Barber, of Farmington conducting the service.

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Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA