James CONOVER

CONOVER, COUGHLER, GUNDERSON, OSBORNE, LOUCKS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/14/2008 at 15:49:36

1 May 1817 --- 24 November 1906

Dows Advocate, Dows, Iowa
December 14, 1906

Grand Old Man Passes - Nearly Ninety Years of Age

There is something about the death of a loving and Christ like old soul which reveals with forceful identity the beauties of the land beyond the river which marks the unknown shore. It brings back to the heart the hallowed memories of other days. We pause for a moment in the busy activities of life to dream of childhood's years. We gaze with respect and admiration in the hoary head of the father or grandfather who is with us today, but may be with the Savior tomorrow. There is nothing on earth more pure and lovable than such a life. With youth all its purity, while in advanced years it is a rarity. The age is in the heavens above can find it among the burning terms of love none so devotional as a loved and respected father.

Such a life, as the one which we are called upon this week to pay tribute. Grandfather James Conover - is one to which pen can scarce do justice. The warm rays of his love and true Christian devotion have shown through the mists of nearly four score years and ten. Saturday morning when the chilling winter blasts were transposing the waning autumn days into the more stern of winter, the last ebb of tide of his grand old life met the breakers of death, and his soul was borne on the wings of the angels to the house beyond the skies, from which none ever return.

James Conover was born in Canada, May 1, 1827. In 1876 he removed to the state of Illinois, and about twenty years ago came to this city, where he has resided nearly ever since. He was therefore at the time of his death aged 89 years, 6 months and 23 days. In 1847 he was married to Miss Julia Coughler, who preceded him to the better land twenty years ago. To this union was born eight children, all of whom are living with the exception of Mrs. Sarah Gunderson. They are: S. P. Conover, this city; Frank of Minot, North Dakota; Herman of Seattle, Washington; Joshua at Rawlins, Wyoming; John at Chicago; Mrs. Leonard Osborne at Seattle, Washington; and Mrs. E.A. Loucks at Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

The funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church, Monday afternoon, of which institution he was at one time one of the foremost and faithful workers, conducted by Rev. Matteson. The sad rites were attended by a host of relatives and friends. The remains were laid to rest in Fairview cemetery.

Thus passes to his reward one whose memory may not long stand, but whose influence will live forever. Through his long life his years of suffering upon an invalid's couch and on the last hours of his life, he was calm and patient, quietly and hopefully awaiting the inevitable end.