Hiram Ferris Michael

MICHAEL, OVERMAN

Posted By: Sue R. (email)
Date: 3/26/2015 at 18:24:23

Ottumwa tri-weekly courier, October 10, 1911

OBITUARY
H. F. Michael.
The subject of this sketch, H, F.
Michael, was a native of Wapello
county, Ia., born September 13, 1856,
died at the Ottumwa hospital Septem-
ber 10, 1911. after a surgical opera-
tion. Mr. Michael was a well known
and respected citizen of the county,
having chosen farming as his occupa-
tion, owning and operating a farm
joining the city limits of Ottumwa.
His death came at a time when from
a human viewpoint he was prepared to
enjoy the well earned comforts of an
industrious and well ordered life, hav-
ing provided for himself and family
a comfortable home and beautified it
by the results of his toils. But in
this human world we are but passen-
gers awaiting to be transferred to the
larger life beyond. Some are called
early, others late, but all must go.
Our friend has been a sufferer for a
number of years but so patient and un-
complaining that the extent of his suf-
fering was not suspected by those
who met him occasionally.
Mr. Michael had many admirable
traits of character. He was essential-
ly a self-made man as all strong
characters are. Out of his environ-
ment and the opposition he had to
encounter in securing an education
he became a man of deep convictions
and was always interested in every
move looking to the best interest of
society. He was a man of unswerv-
ing honesty and a faithful friend.
The writer's acquaintance with him
extends back to young manhood and
especially to college life where we
knew him most intimately. As a
student in Iowa Wesleyan college H.
F. Michael always stood for the best
thing in college life. He was opposed
to show and pretense and was actuat-
ed by high ideals in class work and
social life. March 20, 1879, Mr.
Michael was married to Miss Harriet
Overman who aided him in establish-
ing a happy home.
In his business career Mr. Michael
will be missed by a wide circle of
friends. In his passing the county
loses an honored and respected citi-
zen, Willard Street M. E. church and
Sunday school a faithful and consist-
ent member, and society a strong de-
fender.
His death seemed untimely and he
will be greatly missed in the entire
community. The funeral services
were held from the Willard Street M.
E. church by Rev. E. J. Shook, for
seven years his pastor, assisted by
Rev. D. C. Smith, a former pastor of
the same church. A large company of
his personal friends and neighbors
were present and followed the remains
to their final resting place in the
Shaul cemetery.
The family has the sympathy of the
entire community in their irreparable
loss. A lasting comfort to those left
behind is that Mr. Michael's faith was
firm, his hope anchored and he was
ready for the change.
A Friend.