Elmore MIDDLETON

MIDDLETON, LEE, PAINE, BAKER, LYONS, SHOENHAIR, RENNE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/6/2015 at 21:55:20

May 17, 1836 --- September 11, 1912

The death of Elmore Middleton occurred at his residence on South Commercial Avenue early Wednesday morning, September 11, 1912. His illness covered a period of several years, though his serious failing dated from a stroke of paralysis in January, 1909. Funeral services will be held from the Methodist Church Friday forenoon at ten o'clock, and interment will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery. The business houses of the city will be closed from ten until eleven.

Elmore Middleton was one of the earliest settlers of this part of Iowa. He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 17, 1836. He was married to Miss Lucinda Lee, January 24, 1858. They grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same school and church, and thus their friendship dated from their childhood. Mr. Middleton came to Iowa in 1856, returning to Ohio for his bride in 1858, and settled in Wright County along with his parents, with whom they lived six years. Their first home was the old house upon the farm now occupied by his son, J. C. Middleton, which was built by his own hands from money he received by trapping along the Boone. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Middleton, as follows: Mrs. D. D. Paine, L. B. Middleton, Mrs. Rev. William Baker, Mrs. Walter Lyons, Mrs. Ed Lyons, Sam Middleton, and Mrs. Frank Shoenhair. There are 36 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was a member of a family of eleven children, eight brothers and three sisters, and Mrs. James Renne is now the only remaining one, all of the others having passed to the great beyond.

Mr. Middleton took an active part in the organization of Troy Township, and served as its first clerk. He was school treasurer for fifteen years. For seven years he was postmaster of what was then known as Bach Grove when mail was brought overland from Webster City. For thirty years he served as Justice of the Peace and for this good work in settling difficulties among his neighbors he became known as the "Peacemaker." Two terms of school teaching when there were but few cabins along the Boone were among the many activities of his life. Mr. Middleton was a strong man, physically, mentally, and morally. His life was one of usefulness. He was of a most generous disposition, doing good unto all men, and was a well-rounded Christian character. He united with the Methodist Church while yet a young man, and has always been an active Christian worker. A useful, active and constructive life is ended and he has heard the words of the Savior, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant! enter thou into the joys of the Lord."

Eagle Grove Times Gazette -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
September 1912