Allen D. Whitmore 1867-1893

WHITMORE, MCCHILDERS, CHIDERS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 21:26:49

Allen D., son of B. F. and Amy Whitmore was born in Bonaparte, Iowa, December 9th, 1867. Here he grew to manhood and had many friends who respected him for his good qualities. About seven years ago he engaged in the railroad business, being employed in the train service department, and was acting as night switchman when he was fatally injured.

He was married to Miss Alice McChilders in Des Moines, November 25, 1892. He leaves to mourn their loss, his wife, father and mother, one sister and two brothers, and many friends. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and of the Switchmen's Mutual Aid Association. He died in Stuart, Iowa, June 19, 1893, and the funeral took place from the residence of his parents June 22, 1893, Rev. G. W. Barber, of Selma, conducted a short service after which he was buried by the Brotherhood of Trainmen.
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A large number of our people, friends of the deceased gathered at the residence of his parents where he had passed so many boyhood days. At two o'clock p.m. the services commenced, conducted by Rev. G. W. Barber, of Selma, who read a passage of scripture. The choir composed of Messrs. A. A. Smith, D. T. Sherman, Miss Cora Entler and Mrs. Maggie Meek, sang, "In the Sweet bye and bye," Rev. Barber then read the *th Pslam [sic] and offered an earnest prayer. He then made some earnest remarks upon the deceased. The prayer was a sermon in itself, so earnest was it the soul seemed to be outpoured to its Maker in the petition. The choir then same "Gathering homeward from every land." His comrades, members of the order of switchmen and brakemen of which he was an honored member, passed through the house, followed by his many warm friends, and all took a last sad view of the beloved face. The last parting scene between parents, and wife with the deceased was sad indeed. The Order then took charge of the remains and conveyed it to the hearse, when the funeral cortege wanded its way to the cemetery. At the cemetery the Order gathered around the grave and had an interesting ceremony and deposited evergreen into the grave, then the solemn procession returned to town to take up the duties of the living. The following railroad men were present, coming in a special car:

Des Moines, S. Herrington, J. C. Herrington, R. McMannuss, J. Doud, J. Bailey, C. A. Gardiner, Ora Brown, M. Fulton, Al. Wingert, F. C. Kenerson, W. P. Jones, N. McGrath, Al.Leroy.

Stewart: Chas. Frew, W. Lawrence, Chas. Sexton, J.J. Laffep, Wm. Mills.

Eldon: George Mitchell.

The following beautiful floral emblems were presented:

One of rosebuds and boquet [sic] roses and lilies, brake wheel and emblems, B. R. T. and S. M. A, bhy the railroad men.

Cross and anchor, Misses Effie Cox and Carrie Grages.

Wreath of white roses, Mrs. H. A. Whitmore.

Cross and anchor, Miss Anna Chapman.

A number of handsome boquets [sic] and cut flowers by friends.
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The railroad boys desire to return their thanks to the Meeks firm for shutting down their factory and mills in respect for the deceased, wife and parents. And to the bereaved ones and citizens for kindly treatment extended to them.

[note: maiden name of wife Alice was difficult to read but appeared in obit. to be McChilders. I contacted a lookup volunteer in Polk Co. who resported the following:

Allen D. Whitmore married Alice M. Chiders Nov 23, 1892 in Polk County, Iowa.
Book 5, record is listed as page 294.

The records were put together by the, Pioneer Sons and Daughters, P.O. Box 2103, Des Moines, Iowa.]

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

I am not related and am posting this for those who may find this person in their family history.