Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, October 27, l904

THOMAS B. DANIEL, the eighth child of JOHN and LUCY DANIEL, was born in Green County, Ind., February l6, l843, and died at his home in Garden Grove, Iowa, October l0, l904, aged 6l years, 7 months and 24 days.

When a lad of thirteen years, he came with his parents to Clarke County, Iowa, in l856, settling on what is now known as the Eddy farm near Leslie. Here he grew to young manhood and received his education. When the Civil War broke out, he heard his country's call for men to defend her flag, and he answered by enlisting in Company D, 39th Iowa Infantry, in August, l862. He shared in all the hardships of this Company, and was honorably discharged June l5, l865. He was a brave soldier and one that never shrank from duty, but when the struggle was over, was ready to forgive his foes and to peacefully enter into secular life.

He was united in marriage to RHODA A. HENSLEY, July l5, l865, at Leon, Iowa. This union was a happy one and was broken all too soon by her death, Sept. l, l898. Six children, four boys and two girls, were given to this union, four of whom survive their father, JOHN W., of Denver, Col.; JAMES A. and THOS. B., JR., of Garden Grove; and MRS. MARY E. HUGHES, of San Bernadino, Cal. MRS. LUCY A. HANES, and JOSEPH A., having preceded him to the Great Beyond. He leaves also one brother, J.C. DANIEL, of Osceola, and three sisters, MRS. SUSAN JEFFRIES, MRS. ELIZA KERR, of Osceola, and MRS. SARAH J. RACHLEY, of Beatrice, Neb., to mourn his exodus.

MR. DANIEL was prominently identified with the early development of this county, having been senior member of the firm of Daniel & Webster, bridge contractors. This firm was widely and favorably known in southern Iowa and northern Missouri. In his business relations MR. DANIEL was upright and thorough-going. He was a member in good standing of the Leon Lodge K.of P. and of the Henry Walton Post of G.A.R. of Garden Grove.

When but a lad of sixteen years he united with the Christian Church at Prairie Grove. For many years he was closely identified with the church, but later, having no church of his choice near at hand he had neglected holding church membership. This is our regret -- but before death, he signified his resignation to go and said he had made his peace with God.

He leaves a host of friends who will remember him as one always ready to help with sympathy and purse, all who were in sorrow or need.

The services were held at the Presbyterian Church, Wednesday afternoon of last week, and were conducted by the Pastor of the Christian Church at Osceola, Rev. Van Horn. Those attending the funeral from a distance were Mrs. A. Jeffrey, Mrs. E. Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. J. Daniel, Mr. Albert Daniel, Mr. and Mrs. J. Banker, of Osceola and T.W. Jeffrey, of Creston, Iowa.

--GARDEN GROVE EXPRESS.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
June 26, 2003