Richard Alvin France Sr. (1841-1920)

BALDNER, BROWN, DONLY, FISHER, FRANCE, FRASIER, JONES, KLASS, PRINGLE

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:43

November 19, 1841 --- July 1, 1920

Civil War Veteran and Prominent Citizen Laid to Rest at Rose Hill Cemetery Saturday.

R. France senior died at his home on East Broadway last Wednesday morning at six o'clock. He had been in poor health for several months but was able-to-get around and attend to his business affairs. But a few weeks ago he was confined to his home with a full realization that the end was not far distant. He made all the arrangements for his burial. At his request his six sons-in-law served as pall bearers and Rev. Acheson of Manson. a former pastor preached the funeral sermon. Further carrying out Mr. France's wishes, the masonic burial service was given at the grave by W. E. Shanor, master of Bower lodge. The large attendance at the funeral service, which was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, was a fine tribute to Mr. France and evidenced the esteem in which he was held in the community he has resided in so long.

The following very fitting and deserved tribute and obituary was prepared and read at the service by Mr. France’s pastor, Rev. Charles H. Seward:

Obituary

Richard A. France was born near Huddersfield, England, November 19, 1841. When six months old he came to the United States with his parents, who took up their residence at Akron, Ohio, remaining there till 1848, when the family moved to Menasha, Wis. There he grew to manhood.

At the beginning of the Civil War, when only nineteen years of age Mr. France enlisted in Co. " C " Tenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving his flag and country three years and two months. He was mustered out November 2, 1864.

Mr. France was united in marriage to Miss Laura L. Brown at Neenah, Wis., in 1867. To this union seven children were born: Six daughters and one son, all of them are living.

In the spring of 1876 Mr. France came to Wright, county, Iowa, locating on a farm in Woolstock township. Here he remained until the spring of 1898, when he retired from farming, and with his family moved to Eagle Grove, where he resided until his death.

During the Lowry revival meetings in Eagle Grove in the fall of 1907, Mr. France gave his heart to Christ, and in May, 1908, he united with the Methodist Episcopal church of which he was a faithful and active member throughout the remainder of his life. During his last illness he assured his pastor that all was "safe."

For several years Mr. France had been in declining health. During the last few weeks he had been confined to his home and much of the time to his bed. More than a week before his death he realized that he was nearing the end of the journey of life. He passed through the shadows into eternal day at 6:00 a. m. July 1, 1920, aged 78 years, 8 months and 11 days. He is survived by his faithful wife who was his loving companion for more than fifty-three years; all of his seven children: Mrs. Alma Klass of Peterson, Iowa; Mrs. Hattie Baldner, Mrs. Ella Prlngle and Mrs. Edith Donly of Eagle Grove; Mrs. Frankie Fisher of Clarion, Iowa; Richard A. France of Evanston, Ill., and Mrs. Jessie Frasier of Rice Lake, Wis., all of whom were at his bedside when he passed away; also one sister, Mrs. Mary Jones of Woolstock, Iowa, twenty-six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

In the passing of Mr. France his family has lost a faithful and loving husband and father, the community a true citizen, and the church an earnest and devoted member.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church Saturday afternoon at 2:15 o'clock, Rev. Acheson of Manson, Iowa, preaching the sermon. Interment was in Roseland cemetery.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
July 8, 1920