Isaiah Meek 1821-1892

MEEK, INGELS, BOYER, MOORE, DANIELS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/20/2014 at 07:27:25

GONE TO REST.

Isaiah Meek Called to His Reward.

A Long Life of Usefulness and Business Activity Ended on Earth.

Friday morning, April 8th, after the bell had finished ringing to summon the operators of the mill and factory, the spirit of the proprietor was wafted to its Maker. In a few moments the sad news was conveyed to them and sorrowfully they filed out of the buildings for their homes, as tears coursed down many of their cheeks, and feeling that a benefactor and friend had been taken from them.

The desire expressed by many was, "oh, that he might have lived to see the new building upon which he had expended so much time and care, occupied by a busy and happy working humanity." For surely in erecting such a building he had the happiness and comfort of his employees at heart. But is was not to be, and as predicted by many it proved to be his monument. Its construction, as well as the whole of the vast business, of which he was the head, showed the careful, calculating, unassuming powers that he possessed. Thoroughness in everything he undertook seemed to be his aim in life, and he had thereby made his name a household word, and the products of his business a necessity in every home in the land. Thus after a busy life of over half a century, the lamp has burned itself out, and the machinery refused to do the bidding of a master mind, longer, and after living the three score years and ten, and by reason of unusual powers several additional months, he has gone the way of all the earth. His life is an example to others, thorough, honest and upright in his work. He was truly a benefactor to his race, the town and country, in furnishing employment to hundreds of people. And although others will take up the mantle which has fallen from his shoulders and carry forward the work he has established, yet will his memory every be cherished and revered for the grand work he has accomplished. A truly great man has fallen! Let us bow the head and allow the tears of sadness to fall upon his honored sepulcher, for the irreparable loss that has befallen our fair city Bonaparte. We shall miss his quiet, unassuming presence from our midst. He has gone to his reward. Peace, sweet peace, be to his ashes

OBITUARY.

Isaiah Meek, son of William and Elizabeth Meek, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 31st, 1821. He moved with his father's family to Michigan when eight years of age and settled in St. Joseph county, on the river of the same name. There they built a mill and founded the town of Constantine. In 1837, when at the age of sixteen years, he came with his Father's family to Iowa and settled on a claim his father bought of Robert Moffitt. Here they build a mill and the place was known by the name of Meek's Mill until April 8th, 1841, when the town was laid out and named Bonaparte. They added the woolen manufacturing interests, and worked under the firm name of William Meek and Sons, until about the yar 1855, when the Father retired, and the firm name was changed to Meek and Bro., remaining thus until after the death of his brother Robert, in 1885, when Isaiah Meek bought the property and continued the business until Friday, April 8, 1892, at 6:32 a.m., when his life went out.

He was married to Miss Cyntha Ann Ingels, at Columbus, Iowa, December 26, 1844, and together they walked more than forty-seven years. There was born to them six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom, with their mother, are left to mourn their loss. The children are Mrs. Nancy Boyer, of Bonaparte, Mrs. Pheba Moore and Mrs. Mary Ellen Daniels, of Keokuk, and Hugh H., Byron F., and Kirk L., of Bonaparte. Three of his Father's children survive him, viz Johnson Meek, of Vincennes, Iowa,. Eliza Woods, of Bentonsport, and Joseph Meek, of Bonaparte.

While his wife mourns the loss of her husband, the children of their father, and brothers and sisters of a brother, there are many of our community and of other communities who mourn the loss of a true friend and benefactor.

He died on Friday morning, April 8th, 1892, at 6:32 a.m., when the tired feet were at rest and this ministries of love and counsel were at an end, and he beheld the great beyond, having lived 71 years; 2 months and 7 days.

The funeral occurred Sunday, April 10th, 1892, from his late residence, conducted by Rev. G. W. Barber, of Selma, assisted by Rev. McMasters. Rev. Barber preached an earnest sermon from Job 14:14. "if a man die shall he live again."

A selected choir sang appropriate pieces.

FUNERAL NOTES.

The remains were clad in a broad cloth suit, and upon his face was a look of peace and rest. The casket was metallic.

Rev. Barber, who conducted the service, was an employee of Isaiah Meek for eighteen years.

Over 100 relatives were present.

The funeral was the largest ever seen in Van Buren county, and by count, over 600 viewed the remains. A special train was run to Keosauqua, and 300 people came from that town and Bentonsport. It is estimated that 1500 people were assembled at the grave.

The Acting Pall Bearers were H. L. Easling, Hon. B. R. Vale, T. B. Johnson, A. McDonald, G. W. Barnett, Phil. Eich. Honorary Pall Bearers, Edwin Manning, Keosauq, j. F. Perkins, A. J. Christian, Benj Ketchum, J. W. Whiteley, J. Z. Barnett, M. S. Callen, B. F. Whitmore, Jacob Eich, A. J. Matthias, Keokuk, Lewis Lumb, L. W. Proper, W. J. Johnson, T. H. Hopkins, Thos. Ervin, Matthew Cresswell, Charles Hall.

The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful -- the tributes of sorrowing friends. Among them being a handsome pillow of roses and lilies, with the word "FATHER," in purple immortellea?, a crown, a cross, a wreath, a broken column, a scythe, and sheaf of ripe wheat and roses, clusters of Easter Lilies. And noticeable among them was "Gates Ajar," of roses and lilies, a tribute from the employees of the Pants Department of the Mills.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA