Alexander McCoy Long 1832 - 1916

LONG, SMITH

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/19/2016 at 12:35:07

The Correctionville News
9 November 1916

A.M. Long, one of the pioneer residents of Woodbury County, passed away Thursday of last week at the home of his son, B.F. Long, seven miles northwest of Oto, better known as the Piero neighborhood. The following is an obituary and sketch of his life:

Alexander McCoy Long was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 3, 1832, and departed the earthly life Thursday noon, November 2, 1916, being at the time of his death 84 years, 6 months and 29 days of age. When two years of age he came with his parents to Whitley County, Indiana. When 26 years old he was married to Melissa Smith. To them were born eight children, of whom four, with the bereaved wife, survive him.

Those living are two sons, Toby and Harry of Los Angeles, California, who were unable to be present at their father's funeral, one daughter, Mrs. Ellen Isherwood of Evanston, Wyoming, and one son, B.F. Long at whose home he had been tenderly cared for the past two years, and where he passed away. In 1882 he came with his family to Woodbury County, where he owned and lived on a farm for 28 years. In 1910 he sold his farm to his son, B.F. Long, and went to Wyoming and California, where they spent two and a half years with relatives. They then went east to Indiana, remaining there for two years near his old home. Then they returned to Woodbury County, where he had since resided. "Grandpa Long" as he was familiarly known, was a man of noble character, his gentle manner, cheerful presence and ready willingness to bestow a kindness or smile upon any and all within his reach, won for him friends without number, whose sorrow at his sad death is second only to that of the bereaved family.

Father Long was a wonderfully useful man-not that by any one deed did he accomplish great wonders, but by long years of faithful, thoughtful, service to all with whom he came in contact. Grandpa was an especial favorite with the children, for more than 21 years he had charge of the primary class in Bethel M.E. Sunday school, and ever greeted the children with a kind word and a pleasant smile. Being of an enquiring turn of mind he ever took a lively interest in the welfare of all, and was first to see the need and first to offer the means that would help the unfortunate.

Mr. Long at an early age professed his faith in the Christian religion, and was ever ready at all times to express his sincere devotion to that faith. For the past two years deceased had been in failing health, but was able to be up and about the house most of the time until about ten days previous to his death, when he was suddenly stricken.

Mr. Long was one of a family of ten children, all of whom have passed except the youngest brother, Noah S. Long of Los Angeles, California, and one sister, Mrs. Alice Weitzel of Cherubusco, Indiana; neither of whom could be present at the funeral.

The last rites were held Sunday at 11 a.m. at Bethel M.E. Church, his church home for more than 30 years, conducted by Rev. J. Campbell, a former pastor of the church. It was the request of the deceased that Rev. Dr. Trimble of Sioux City, a friend and former pastor, should conduct his funeral service, but owing to illness Dr. Trimble was unable to be present. A very interesting talk taken from a diary kept by the deceased for 43 years was given by L.C. Moore, and a talk on his church life was given by C.C. Allman. The casket was literally banked by beautiful flowers, which bore silent testimony of the esteem for the departed one, and the church was far inadequate to hold the crowd assembled to pay their last respects to one greatly beloved by all.

Interment took place in Bethel Cemetery beside other loved ones gone before. Many pioneer residents and old friends from Sioux City and other parts of the county were present at the funeral.