Obituary of John F. Cagley
Was Resident of Chickasaw County All His Life. Postmaster at Ionia Five Years

The passing of Ionia’s faithful postmaster, John Frank Cagley, came as a great surprise and shock to the whole community. Though not able to be at his office for several days before his death, he was caring on his work as carefully through is able assistant Mrs. Ralph Watts and within an hour and a half before he had crossed the Great Divide to join his beloved wife, as he was being taken to the hospital his thoughts were centered upon his work as to whether the post office would be alright while his children accompanied him to the hospital.

Mr. Cagley’s serious illness was less then two weeks duration and for an entire week he kept at his work when he should have been in bed. Everything possible was done for him at his home, but his physician thought it best to take him to a hospital for further examinations. At the close of a beautiful January day, a perfect winter evening, with all of his children at his bedside, the final summons came.

His ten days’ serious illness came to a close due to Plural Aphasia.

The deceased was baptized in his early youth and attended the Little Brown Church in the Vale, but since moving to Ionia, his interest was in the Congregational church of that place; he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at New Hampton, Ia.

Mr. Cagley was born in Old Bradford, October 14, 1857, a son of Levi and Eva Cagley, and in this locality his boyhood days were spent. Later he attended the Bradford academy, one of the well-known schools of his time. He grew up in the companionship of Miss Emma O. Baldwin, of Bradford, who became his bride March 23, 1897.

Practically all of their married life was spent on their farm four and one half miles south of Ionia, the last home for Mrs. Cagley. Into the Cagley home came five children, all are living but one son, Clifford Vernon, who died in 1892 at the age of four years. The surviving children are Mrs. P. A. Saddler of Colwell, Duane O. Cagley of Nashua, Mrs. Oscar Wolf of Bassett and Mrs. Ralph Watts of Ionia, with whom he made his home. He also leaves eleven grandchildren, two brothers, James L. Cagley of Cherokee, Iowa and Mart L. Cagley of Hoguian, Washington, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Keys of Dallas, Texas.

In 1916 Mr. And Mrs. Cagley left the farm and moved to Ionia. For sometime he was Secretary of the Ionia Creamery, and on January 8, 1922 was appointed Postmaster at Ionia and held this position until his death. For years he was connected in an official way with the school in the home district and his interest in education never waned, for after moving to Ionia he was elected President of the Ionia Board of Education.

When the plans were made for moving the post office into a larger building, he worked night and day to get everything in readiness before Christmas, and as a result of his untiring efforts, Ionia has a post office of which it can be proud. His work was never so tedious or perplexing but that he had a smile and a kind word for all of his patrons.

We will miss him from our circle
Tis God’s plan
He makes the way;
No more pain or earthly sorrow
In that land of endless day

Contributed by Misti Adams

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Surnames: Cairns, Smith, Good, Tillinghast

Contributed by Claudia Groh

Mrs. James Crommie Dead

Mrs. James Crommie, a sister of Mrs. Rob't Ligget of this city, died Friday, June 18 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Crommie at Havre, Mont., and funeral was held Monday, June 21 from the Presbyterian church at Hendrum, Minn. and interment was in the cemetery near that town. Martha Canning Crommie was born in Dungiven, Derry county, Ireland, in 1847. She came to the U.S. in 1869 and was married to James Crommie in 1877. The family came to Hendrum in 1890. She suffered a paralytic stroke about a year and a half ago since which time she had been an invalid. About a year ago she was taken to the home of her son Robert where she was tenderly cared for until her death. She is survived by three sons, Robert of Havre, Mont., Henry of Seattle, Wash., and Thomas of Rimby, Alta., Canada. Three sisters, Mrs. Hunter of Grandin, Mrs. C. W. Canning of Hendrum and Mrs. Ligget of Nashua, Iowa, and one brother, John Canning of Hendrum, also survive. Mrs. Crommie was a woman of quiet disposition and enjoyed a large circle of friends. Two nephews, Fred Ligget of this place and Charles Ligett of Charles City attended the funeral, and were accompanied home by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crommie, of Havre, Mont.

Contributed by Cathy Joynt Labath of The Irish of Iowa

At Rest

At his home in Nashua, Monday morning, after weeks of failing strength, caused from heart trouble, Amos Case quietly passed into that mysterious future existence which mortal mind is powerless to penetrate.

Amos Case was born in Sodus, Wayne County, New York, 61 years ago. After his marriage he spent the greater part of his early life at Oswego and New York City. At the latter place he occupied an office on Broadway, and enjoyed a lucrative position with the Mutual Life Insurance Company, by whom he was considered a man of very superior ability.

In 1880 he moved to Nashua, and for twelve years acted as cashier in the bank owned and operated by his brother, A. G. Case, of Charles City. After leaving this business he took up insurance business exclusively, and devoted himself to it until failing health a few months ago, forced him to lay aside his business responsibility.

During his life Mr. Case was one of the most active lodge men in the communities in which he lived. He was a member of the Masonic order, the Knight Templar’s, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen, in all of which he occupied positions of honor, and was an acknowledged leader because of his superior knowledge of the precepts and workings of the orders.

Nature endowed the deceased with an abundance of natural ability, and this added to a careful and thorough education, gave him a splendid equipment for the battle of life. In his nature he was a genial, whole-souled, generous man, gifted with a keen sense of humor and a natural antipathy for all shams and pretenses. Among his companions he was congenial and entertaining, and in his home he was the soul of hospitality and good fellowship. Tho his family he was a kind, devoted husband and father, who performed with willing hands any act of kindness that would contribute pleasure to his loved ones. In his love for beautiful surroundings he was tireless in his efforts to make their home one of exceptional attractiveness and beauty. He was a true friend, an obliging neighbor, and a man whose familiar face will be missed, and whose death causes sincere regret among his old associates, who have known him intimately during the long years of his residence here.

The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, Rev. Davis delivering a very beautiful burial service. The interment took place at Oak Hill.

Mr. Case leaves a devoted wife, whose constant and tender care during his long illness was a beautiful tribute of a loyalty and love. Two daughters, Mrs. C. Flint, of Chicago, and Miss Carolyn R. Case, of Nashua, remain to brighten the life of their gentle mother and cherish fond recollections of him whose earth life is now but a memory.

Contributed by: Misti Adams

Oldest Resident Dies

Mrs. Margaret Caswell, Nashua's oldest resident; and who was over one hundred and one years old, died at her own home Friday night from the infirmities of old age. She was born in Ireland and came to America, when quite, young. On March 31, 1867, she was married to Charles Caswell, who died May 19, 1925. He was a Civil War veteran. To this union were born three children, Mark and Mrs. Anna Simmons, Nashua, and Mrs, Josie O'Day of Fredericksburg, who survive. During Mrs. Caswell's long illness the past several months she has kept by her side constantly the fife her late husband played for so many years, which summoned her nurse, Miss Alice Haynes, for the past fourteen years to her bedside. The funeral was held Sunday at the home at 2 o'clock, with interment In Greenwood cemetery.

Contributed by: Bob Hoy

Mrs. Hattie Murray Dead

Mrs. Hattie Murray passed away early this morning at her home in the west part of town. She lived with her sister, Miss Lettie Cheney, and has been in poor health all winter, but confined to her bed only about a week or so. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.

Obituary of Mrs. Murray

Hattie M. Cheney was born at Merton, Waukeshaw county, Wis., April 15, 1856, and passed away at the family home on Wednesday morning, June 9, 1926. She was married to Jacob Miller on January 12, 1887. She was again married to Albert E. Quaife in 1898. Mr. Quaife died June 15, 1906, and on Oct. 24, 1919, she was married to Hamlet E. Murray, who preceded her in death on June 29, 1920. Mrs. Murray was a faithful member of the Congregational church and was a devout christian. She was also a member of the Women's Relief Corp and of the W.C.T.U. One son, August Ray Miller, died April 17, 1922.

Contributed by Sheryl McClure

J. B. Coffman Dies While On His Way To Nashua

Our citizens were shocked beyond measure last Monday afternoon when Chas. Chambers came driving into Nashua with a dead body of Mr. J. B. Coffman, one of Chickasaw County’s most highly respected citizens. Mr. Chambers met Mr. Coffman just this side of the Greenwood Bridge, and noticing that something was wrong, stopped the horse and found that Mr. Coffman was dead. He immediately got into the buggy and drove on into town with the body which was taken to Dr. Goodale’s office where it remained until 5 o clock when it was taken to the family home a few miles southeast of town. Mr. Coffman was feeling quite well when he left home to Nashua, and as he passed the Greenwood school house the children thought they noticed him watching them, but when he passed the Greenwood mill someone there noticed him and thought he was in a peculiar position in the buggy. The next person to see him was Mr. Chambers just this side of the bridge and he was dead then, so it was probable that he died suddenly between the Greenwood school house and the mill. Mr. Coffman was always been an unusually healthy man, not having had a severe spell of sickness for twenty years, until about a week ago when Dr. Horton was called to see him and later made an examination and found that he had heart disease, which was the cause of his death.

John B. Coffman was born in Chambersburg, Penn. Oct. 14 1830 and departed this life Nov. 5 1900, age 70 years and 22 days. On Oct. 15, 1851 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lane. In 1855 the young couple moved to Iowa, then an unsettled country, made their home where they have since lived. To this union were born eight children, six daughters and two sons, who with the wife survived him. The children are :

Mrs. Henry Cook, Mrs. Chas. Layton, Mrs. Will Stringer, L. P. Coffman, and Benton Coffman, of this vicinity, Mrs. W. A. McCormack, Mrs. John Harr and Miss Ella Coffman of Minneapolis, all of whom were present at the funeral except Mrs. McCormack.

Deceased was a man of sterling character and worth and during his many years residence in the country has always lived a life that is worthy the emulation of everyone. The county loses in his death one of her best citizens and the family a husband and father that was dearly loved and looked up to. It can be truly said a good man has gone from among us but his life will ever be remembered by his friends and acquaintances as a true and noble manhood. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. D. Stevens of the M. E. church at the family residence and the remains were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.

Contributed by Claudia Groh

DEATH CALLS L. P. COFFMAN
Was Life Long Resident of This Community,
and Highly Respected. Funeral Services Tuesday

A cloud of sorrow was cast over the community last Sunday when it was learned that L. P. Coffman had passed from this world to the Great Beyond at 9:20 Saturday evening.

Lee P. Coffman, son of John and Mary Coffman, was born on the Coffman homestead about four miles southeast of Nashua, on December 28, 1861, the third in a family of twelve children. He grew to manhood in this community and on November 27, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Nelson. To this union three children were born, namely, Frank, Bertha and Harry. The two sons preceded the father in death, Frank in 1918, and Harry in 1925.

He farmed on the old homestead until two years ago when the family retired from active life and moved to a house in Brooklyn where the comforts of life might be more fuller enjoyed.

Two years ago this coming May he suffered a stroke, and was confined to his bed for some three months. He recovered sufficiently to be able to be up and around but never regained his former good health. Although he suffered considerable pain from his afflictions, he was always cheerful and thoughtful of those around him and no word of complaint was ever heard from his lips.

He gradually failed until Feb. 28 this year when he again took to his bed, and although everything possible was done for him it was of no avail, and on Saturday evening at 9:20 he fell into that sleep which ends all pain and suffering.

He leaves besides his wife, who was his constant companion for the past 44 years, one daughter, Bertha, a teacher in the Nashua public schools, and who has ever been faithful to her father and mother and gave up her duties in the school room that she might be at her father's bedside during his last days on earth, a foster son, Billie Noble; six sisters, Mrs. Anna Cook, Bradford; Mrs. Sade McCormick, Mrs. Ella Kingstedt and Mrs. Ida Harr, all of Annandale, Minn.; Mrs. Will Stringer and Mrs. Chas. Laylin, Minneapolis, Minn., and one brother, Benton Coffman of Big Lake, Minn, besides many other relatives.

Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at 1 p. m., Rev. A. Raymond Grant, of the Methodist church officiating. Interment was in Greenwood cemetery by the side of his two sons.

Card of Thanks

We wish to express our thanks and sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy during the illness and at the death of our beloved husband and father, and also for the beautiful floral offerings - Mrs. L. P. Coffman, Bertha and Bill.

Contributed and by Mike Peterson

MRS. ANNA COOK, 86, IS CALLED BY DEATH
Long Time Resident of Bradford Died Last Thursday At Her Home

Mrs. Anna Cook, 86 a long -time resident of Bradford, died last Thursday at her home. Funeral services were held Sunday at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, conducted by Greenfield Funeral home. Rev. F. L. Hanscom officiated. Mrs. Hanscom and J. G. Love joy sang duets. Burial was made in Greenwood cemetery. Pallbearers were the following Bradford neighbors: Jesse Jones, August Oleson, Duane Cagley, Ernest Cagley, Rube Van Gorder and Jesse Baldwin.

Roanna Affabel Coffman oldest daughter of John and Mary Coffman was born Feb. 6 1855 in Chickasaw County near Nashua.

She married Henry Cook who preceded her in death 1935. Two sons also preceded her in death Melville who died in Montana in 1911, and Ward M. who died in Oregon in 1940. She leaves to mourn their loss, one daughter, Mrs. Chas. Pierson; St. Paul, and one son, C. V. Cook; Nashua. Her living sisters are: Mrs. Maude Stringer, Minneapolis, Mrs. Ella Kingstedt, Annandale and Mrs. Martishia Laylin, Nashua.

Mrs. Cook as a patient suffered from severe burns she received 20 yrs ago and always bore a cheerful disposition. She passed to her reward early Thursday morning, June 26 at the age of 86 years.

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Cook on Christmas day reached the 57th milestone of their joint journey through life. They spent the day quietly but pleasantly at the home of their son, Claude and wife where a bountiful dinner had been prepared for them.

Contributed by Claudia Groh

Sarah Coffman McCormack Dies At Annandale, Minn.

Mrs. Sarah Coffman McCormack, a native of this community died at Annandale Minn, Dec. 23. The following obituary which appeared in the Annandale newspaper was handed to us by Miss Bertha Coffman. Mrs. McCormack was a sister to Miss Coffman’s father , the late L. P. Coffman.

Sarah A. Coffman was born at Nashua, Iowa, on January 1, 1858. She grew to womanhood there.

On October 16 1875 she was united in marriage with W. A. McCormack at Nashua. They moved to Wright County over 40 years ago, locating on a farm in French Lake Township. During their later years when farming became too heavy work for them, they bought a home in Annandale where they lived until last February when Mr. McCormack passed away on February 6, 1935. Since then Mrs. McCormack has spent sometime with relatives at different places.

Mrs. McCormack is survived by one son, W. B. McCormack of Hopkins; one daughter, Mrs. Ruby Dairymple of Menominee, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and four sisters. Mrs. Ella Kingstedt of Annandale is one of the sisters and another sister is Mrs. Henry Cook of Nashua.

Mr. and Mrs. McCormack observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1925.

Funeral services were conducted at the Dunton Funeral Chapel on Thursday December 26 with Rev. C. H. Blake pastor of the Methodist church officiating. Interment was made in Woodland cemetery.

The following out of town relatives attended the funeral: W. B. McCormack, and daughter Louise, of Hopkins; Mrs. Kathryn Leonard, Miss Lucille Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stringer, and Mr. and Mrs. Merwin Stringer of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Hubert McCormack and Mrs. E. J. Barbee of Robbinsdale.

Besides Mrs. McCormack and her husband, others in the family who have died in the past year are:

Benton Coffman, a brother to Mrs. McCormack, Mrs. Ida HARR a sister and Henry Cook a brother- In- law.

Contributed by Claudia Groh

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Surnames: Cook, Smith, Terry

Contributed by Claudia Groh

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His wife, son, and daughter lived in Nashua

Contributed by Claudia Groh (researched by Elvira Hebell)

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Surnames: Cook, Thompson, Hall

Contributed by Claudia Groh

MRS. NETTIE PIERCE, 80 CALLED BY DEATH
Funeral Services Will be Held Friday Afternoon

Funeral services for Mrs. Nettie Pierce, 80, who died Tuesday, will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church. Rev. J. B. Bird officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. Her obituary follows:

Nettie C., daughter of John and Caroline Cory, was born in Jefferson County, Wis. on Oct. 16, 1863. She came to Iowa with her parents when a child and settled in Chickasaw county.

She was married to John W. Pierce, Oct. 16, 1884. To this union 3 sons were born Chas. L., Russell H. and Leslie who died in infancy. Later they adopted a little girl, Nellie.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierce conducted a general store at Republic for several years, finally moving to Nashua where the J. W. Pierce and Son's business firm was established, which is being conducted by the sons at the present time.

Mr. Pierce preceded her in death in 1927. Later she was married to Richard H. Pierce, who died in 1935.

One sister, Mrs. J. L. Simpson and two brothers, Frank and Lewis also preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn this loss, her 2 sons Chas. and Russell of Nashua, and a daughter Mrs. Nellie Haberling of Waverly, 12 grandchildren and two great grand children, also two brothers, Chas. Cory of Cedar Falls, Ia., and Will T. Cory of Goodland, Ind. and three sisters, Mrs. W. H. Strike, Mrs. Hal Ransom and Mrs. Elmer Eckenrod all of Nashua, besides many other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Pierce united with the Methodist Church at Republic when a young woman later transferring her membership to the M. E. church in Nashua, where she has been a faithful attendant and worker since.

Her greatest pleasure was working with young people. She taught a class of high school girls for many years.

As a member of the Dependable class she will be greatly missed, as she always took a leading part in all discussions of the class. She was a staunch member of the W. C. T. U., and was president as long as her health permitted.

She was taken sick about three weeks ago and failed steadily.

One of her greatest comforts was her granddaughter, Florence, who has been a constant companion for 7 years.

She passed peacefully away Jan. 4, 1944.

Twilight and evening fell
And after that the dark
May there be no sadness of farewell
When I embark
For tho' from out our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far
I hope to meet my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Contributed by Claudia Groh, Transcribed by Mike Peterson

A Pioneer Mother Called

On Thursday, January 24, 1924, Mrs. James O'Connor, a pioneer settler of Frederika, was called to a better beyond in the ninety-first year of her age. She was about to partake of her supper when death called her. Miss Mary Costello was born in Mayo county, Ireland, on March 17, 1833. When a girl she emigrated with her parents to America and located in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of 19 years she was united in marriage to James O'Connor. In 1864 the couple settled near Frederika, Iowa. Thirteen children were born to this family. Nine of them are dead, but four sons survive, namely: James of Idaho, John, near Republic, Thomas of Montana and Robert of Frederika. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. B. A. Erdland at the home of her son Robert, and the remains were laid to rest in the old cemetery west of Frederika.

Contributed by Cathy Joynt Labath of The Irish of Iowa

MOURNS DEATH OF MOTHER

Mrs. Jas. Mahoney is mourning the death of her mother, Mrs. Wm. Cronin, who passed away Saturday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. F. Beck, in Waterloo. Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Catholic church in Waverly at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Mary Twohie was born Feb. 5, 1840, in Dunnanway, Ireland and came to the United States with her parents in 1847, settling at Springfield, Mass. She was married to William Cronin in 1863 at Armstrong, Wis., They came to Iowa soon after their marriage and settled on a farm near Clarksville where they lived until 1900, then moving to Waverly. Mr. Cronin died in 1906. Mrs. Cronin remained in Waverly until 1918, when she went to Waterloo to reside with her daughter. Surviving are nine children, James Cronin, Waterloo; Mrs. F. J. Byrnes, Chicago; Mrs. James Mahoney, Nashua; Mrs. Hanna Ramker, Greene; Mrs. G. E. Noble, Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Mary Grady, Conrad, Mont.; Mrs. E. T. McDonald, Farley; Mrs. B. F. Beck, of Waterloo and Mrs. J. E. Corrigan of New Hartford. Six children preceded her in death.

Contributed by Cathy Joynt Labath of The Irish of Iowa

Long Life Ended

Died, at the home of Charles Wright, in the western part of town, Friday August 18, Mrs. Edward Hall, of paralysis, age 81 years, 11 months, and 3days.

Samantha Cross was born in Champlain, N. Y. in 1817. She was married to Edward C. Hall April 29, 1841, and in 1855 came with him to Nashua, living here for four years, when they moved onto a farm west of town. She lived there until two years ago. When she moved again into town, wishing to be convenient distance of the church, which she was very fond of attending and it being almost impossible for her at her age, to drive in and from the farm.

Mrs. Hall accepted Christ as her savior when but 12 years old, and had ever since followed the teachings of her master. When the old church in Bradford was built, in 1855, she became one of its charter members, of which not many are left. She was also a charter member of the Congregational church in Nashua when it was built in 1866, and remained a faithful member of the up to the time of her death.

On April 28, this year, she was stricken down with paralysis, from which she never rose until the summons came for her to meet her God. And she was read, having lived a life full of good deeds.

She leaves one son, E.V. R. Hall, to mourn the loss of a good kind mother.

Contributed by Claudia Groh

A very sad death occurred at Chickasaw February 19, John Cummings, a young man only 28 years of age, was on that day called upon to say farewell to all the bright and hopeful things in life and leave his young wife, who became his bride only last December, and meet the silence and mystery of the grave while yet this earth seemed to hold so much for him to enjoy. The deceased was born in Chickasaw county, grew to manhood, and last December was married and settled down to what he hoped would be a long and happy life. The future seemed so full of promise to him then. He had health and strength, and the inspiration of a loving wife to make life sweet and fill his heart with hope. Together they builded all the found dreams of youth upon the possibilities of the future, which the rude hand of fate has now shattered. The one, who stood so strong and manly at the altar, now lies silent and cold in the grave, and the other whose heart was so happy, sits silent and sad in the home from which all pleasure has died. The deceased was an excellent young man full of worldly ambition and strict integrity. He was in every way worthy of the esteem and affection in which he was held by all who knew how earnestly he tried to do his duty, and his untimely death is a sad blow to all his family and friends. The funeral services were held at Chickasaw, on Tuesday, Rev. ?, officiating. The interment took place at Elma.

Contributed by Misti Adams

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Surnames: Currier, Smith, Evald

Contributed by Claudia Groh