O. A. Lee
LEE
Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 8/25/2015 at 11:24:15
Among the very earliest settlers of Worth county and Northwood were Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Lee. They came from Mitchell county in 1851 and lived for a time with the family of G. O. Mellem in a log house near where the store of Holland & Page now stands. They moved to Grove township and later to Bristol township, where they passed the remainder of their days. They have both gone to their reward. The following loving tribute to their memory was written by Mrs. Dina Torgerson, a lifelong friend:
Two most worthy pioneers of Worth county. although departed from this world, are still living in the memory of their many relatives and friends. He, honest, faithful and kindhearted. always trying to make those around him happy: She the loving helpmate looking up to her husband as the head of the family. Though deprived of the luxuries of today, yet in possession of that great blessing, contentment: the old bible, the book of books, being the leading star in whose light their pilgrimage was always bright. Three sons and seven daughters were raised in this home under the influence of those pious parents. The son Alexander, a student at Luther college, Decorah, Iowa, died at the age of seventeen years. As death drew near he saw an angel come to bear his soul to heaven. The daughter, Emma, a remarkable young lady. was called to her heavenly home at the age of thirty years: when passing away she saw the light that was leading her through the valley of death; such are the fruits of true faith. The other members of the family are well known citizens of Worth and Winnebago counties. As they learned to honor their father and mother in their childhood home, they still honor the memory of those pious parents by using the bible as their guide on the journey of life, and I doubt not that each one will often recall to memory that happy group gathered around the fireside, singing with rare musical talent the good old hymns and listening to the words from the old, old bible, now the treasure of our sturdy, manly sheriff: and when he sees its pages, he will think the poet wrote these words for him:
My father read this holy book - To brothers, sisters dear:
How calm was my dear mother's look. - Who loved God's word to hear.
Her angel face. 1 see it yet: - What thronging memories come:
Again this little group is met - Within the walls of home.
Thou truest friend man ever knew. - Thy constancy I've tried:
When all was false I've found thee true. - My conunselor and guide.
The mines of earth no treasure give - That could this volume buy:
In teaching me the way to live - It taught me how to die.Source: The Semi-Centenial Souvenir of Northwood, Iowa, June 1907, page 16.
Worth Biographies maintained by Karon S. Velau.
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