Sumner A. Middleton (1870-1919)

ARTHUR, MIDDLETON, VAUGHN

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:52

April 14, 1870 --- December 19, 1919

Sumner Middleton, who resided southeast of Spirit Lake, passed away suddenly Friday morning of heart failure. Mr. Middleton and family have been residents of this community for the past two years and had gained many friends by his high ideals. He had planned on leaving Saturday morning early for Louisiana to look after his land holdings in that state. The remains were taken to Eagle Grove, Monday morning, accompanied by Mrs. Middleton, a brother from Eagle Grove and M. L. Lyons, funeral services being conducted by Rev. Tumbleson on Sunday afternoon.

The following obituary has been prepared:

Sumner A. Middleton was born on the old Jose R. Middleton homestead in Troy township, Wright county, April 14, 1870, died December 19, 1919. He was the son of Jose R. and Lois A. Middleton, pioneer settlers of Wright county. He was a man of strict integrity, honest in all his dealing, a sincere Christian, always ready to help in the Masters work. He united with the Methodist church when yet a boy and continued a faithful member thru life.

He was united in marriage to Grace Arthur of Spirit Lake, November 4, 1903. To this union there were born eight children, Ruth, Ethel, Frances, Harold, Dorothy, Mary Lee, Harlan and a baby sister dying in infancy. Sumner loved his home and family and done the best he could for them even under business reverses.

When the end came he was in the harness and answered the final summons without a moments notice.

Besides his wife and the above mentioned children, he leaves a sister, Lizzie, of Caldwell, Idaho; and brothers as follows: E. H. and O. K., Blaine, Wash.; E. J. of Seattle and A. L. of Eagle Grove, Iowa.

His burial was in the family lot in Troy beside his two children that preceded him. It is a sad loss to his wife and children but it is the Divine Will that he should go so “Thy will be done.”

Spirit Lake Beacon --- Spirit Lake, Iowa
25 December 1919

Sumner A. Middleton was born April 14, 1870, in Troy township, Wright county, Iowa. He grew to manhood in the community where he was born.

In the autumn of 1903 he was married to Miss Grace Arthur of Spirit Lake, Iowa. Eight children were born of this union to bless their parents. Two of these children have passed to the other world, one a boy of one year; and one a girl who died at birth. The remaining six children are all still living at home, the youngest being three years of age.

For the past few years Mr. Middleton had lived with his family on a extensive farm at Woodville, Miss. He died December 19, 1919, aged 49 years, 8 months, and 5 days. Those who remain to mourn his death are his wife and six children, four brothers: Adam of Troy, Eliza H. and Oliver K. both of Blaine, Wash., and Albert J., of Seattle, Wash.; and one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Vaughn, of Caldwell, Idaho.

When a boy Mr. Middleton gave his heart to God and united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Through all the years he lived a good Christian life, and has now entered into the reward of the faithful.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church, Eagle Grove, Tuesday afternoon and were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Chas. H. Seward

Interment was made at Troy cemetery, six miles south of Eagle Grove.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
31 December 1919