LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 47

SYLVESTER MCDANIEL

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        Mr. and Mrs. Ves McDaniel were among our early residents and were two fine people. Mrs. McDaniel was a daughter of William Wilson, and lived in the house now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Balser Kriegel. Mrs. Wilson made and sold yeast and raised vegetables. In the early 1880's, Mr. McDaniel operated a black smith shop, then, about 1900's, he operated a grocery store on the northeast lot of the Alonzo Diller property, where the Dale Powers now reside. When that store burned, he moved to the cement block building the Crull brothers had built in 1907, to be used as a cement block factory, and had discontinued. He continued in this business until his health failed. Mr. and Mrs McDaniel were both loyal workers in the Methodist church and did everything possible to help. They operated the dining room at the Chautaqua at Columbus Junction, also the dining room at the fair.

        Mrs. Gertrude Dallmeyer made her home with them for many years, and can testify to the grand people they were. Mr. McDaniel passed away in the fall of 1925, and Mrs. McDaniel broke up housekeeping and made her home with Mr. and Mrs Dallmeyer. She was blind the last six years o her life, and passed away in March , 1932.

        Mrs. Dallmeyer, or Gertie, as she is affectionately know, was another of Fredonia's young folks who grew up here and we are very, very proud of them. She has lived a truly Christian life, and has seem some of the “rugged” side of life. Through all of it, they have kept the faith and cheerful outlook on life.

        Mr. Dallmeyer, has suffered the loss of his hearing, and they continue to read the Bible every morning, each reading a part, as they are unable to read aloud to each other. Two truly grand people to carry on the tradition of their early teaching. God grant us the privilege of having others who will carry on this tradition.