Oldham, Aaron (died 1903)

OLDHAM

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/19/2021 at 16:22:49

Ottumwa Daily Courier
Friday, January 2, 1903

IS FOUND DEAD IN HIS WAGON
Aaron Oldham, Prominent Farmer Near Eddyville
Meets Sudden Death.
DO TO HEART FAILURE
Had Been Gathering Corn During the Day.
WAS DISCOVERED BY NEIGHBOR.

Came to This County at an Early Day As Pioneer and Resided Near Eddyville Almost Continuously –Wife and Seven Children Survive.

Eddyville, Jan. 2. –(Special)—Lying in the bottom of a wagon near a corn crib where he had just finished cribbing a load of corn, Aaron Oldham, a prominent farmer who resides four miles northeast of this city, was found last evening about 5 o’clock cold in death, his demise having apparently been caused by an attack of heart disease. Mr. Oldham was one of the oldest settlers in this part of the county. No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, as several relatives are expected to arrive soon, but it is probable that the services will be held either Saturday or Sunday.

HAD BEEN GATHERING CORN.
Mr. Oldham has for many years been a farmer. Though quite well advanced in age, he was still very active and yesterday with the assistance of a neighbor, Mr. Ward, had been engaged in gathering corn. Shortly after 4 o’clock, he had driven to the crib and unloaded his load. He then drive from the crib to make way for Mr. Ward. Mr. Oldham did not return to the crib, but thinking he had gone about some other duties, Mr. Ward finished cribbing his load. As he drove from the crib, he noticed the team and wagon of Mr. Oldham near the barn just as it has been driven from the crib. Going to the wagon, he discovered Mr. Oldham lying prone in the bottom of the wagon bed and upon attempting to arouse him, he found that life was extinct.

SUFFERED FROM HEART DISEASE.
Mr. Oldham had been complaining considerably recently from some affliction of the heart and it is supposed that his death was caused by a sudden attack of that disease.

AN OLD SETTLER.
Aaron Oldham was one of the pioneers of this vicinity. Having come here in an early day, he has resided on his farm continuously with the exception of a few years which he spent at Greenfield, in Adair county, during the nineties. The deceased was a member of the Christian church in Eddyville, in which church he has held his membership for many years.

Mr. Oldham is survived by his wife and seven children. His son, Robert, resides in Greenfield; Mrs. Belle Scott, of Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Marion Snyder, Fred and Bert Oldham, who reside east of Eddyville, Harry Oldham of this city and Miss Noma.