Decatur County Journal

March 2, l905

OLIVER SPRINGER was born in Schenectady County, New York, March 30,

l834, and died at his home in Indianola, Feb. 23, l905, aged 70 years,

l0 months and 23 days. He had been in failing health for some time but

the immediate cause of his death was neuralgia of the heart. He lived

in Decatur county for many years and about fifteen years ago moved to

Indianola where he has since resided. He purchased a farm near

Indianola and also a residence in town but disposed of his country

property a few years ago. During his long residence in our county he

was recognized as a man of high character, a patriotic citizen who

commanded the respect and good will of all who knew him. The news of

his death will occasion profound sorrow among his many friends

throughout the county.

The funeral services occurred in Indianola Sunday after which interment

was made in the local cemetery. Among those who attended the funeral

from this county were MR. and MRS. J.G. SPRINGER and DR. MARY GATES.

W.G. MCCLEARY, of Kellerton, was also present, he having been reared to

manhood by the deceased and wife.

The subject of this sketch was the third son of B.O. and ELIZA

(BATCHELOR) SPRINGER. There were eight children in the family. In l837

his parents settled in Darke County, Ohio, and the deceased assisted his

father in farm work, obtaining his education in the neighborhood common

schools. In January, l855, he came to this county and remained until

the following May, and September l8, l855, he returned in company with

his father's family, making an overland journey. They located on

section l, Bloomington Township.

In l86l, he became a member of Col. Edwards' militia and marched to St.

Joseph but the command was not present at any engagement. In July,

l862, he enlisted in the 34th Iowa Infantry and participated in the

battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, and was with the regiment

when detailed to guard prisoners at Camp Douglas, Chicago. He was

honorably discharged in February l863 at St. Louis.

September l7, l863, he was married to MISS MAXIMILLA JOHNSON, who

survives him. They had no children. The wife was born in Madison

County, Ohio, a daughter of JAMES B. and ELIZABETH JOHNSON. The family

migrated to Clarke County, where MRS. SPRINGER engaged in teaching

school. MR. SPRINGER entered his land in Bloomington Township in the

fall of l855 and resided continuously on the same from February, l864,

until he removed to Warren County. He added to his original l60 acres

until he had acquired 400 acres which he sold to Mr. Tapscott prior to

his removal. He was a member of the board, which organized Bloomington

and Fayette Townships in company with F.M. Scott and John Mercer. He

belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a former member of the Leon

G.A.R. Post. He and his wife belonged to the M.E. Church.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

September 3, 200l