Biographies
For
Muscatine County Iowa
1889




Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 234

JOHN ADDLEMAN, one of the prominent citizens of Muscatine County, Iowa, and a farmer and stock-raiserresiding on section 33,Lake Township, was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., Jan. 20, 1822. His parents, John and Sarah ( Ganoe ) Addleman, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and became residents of Huntingdon County at an early day. The father was a farmer by occupation. For many years he predicted there would be a war caused by slavery, but always said that he would never live until that time. His prediction proved true, his death occurring in 1859, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, who was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died several years later.

In the common schools of his native county John Addleman received his education. He was reared upon a farm, and his whole life has been spent in cultivating the soil. In 1844 he was united in marriage, becoming the husband of Miss Elizabeth Freeman, who was also a native of Huntingdon County, Pa., born June 24, 1820, and a daughter of Adam and Matilda ( McQuillin ) Freeman, both of Pennsylvania birth. By the union of this worthy couple nine children were born: Asbury D., who is engaged in farming in Lake Township; Matilda became the wife of Ira Buck, and to them were born two children, Harry E. and Estella M., but after his death she wedded Henry Altekruse; Andrew P., is a resident farmer of Lake Township; Mary E., has for a number of years been a successful teacher in the public schools; Albert F., is now deceased; Rachel E., became the wife of W. P. Anthony, County Clerk of Clay County, Kan., Dorsey B., is at home; William is a farmer of Louisa County, Iowa; and Elmer E., is deceased.

In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Addleman left their native State, and emigrated to Muscatine County, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which was but partially improved, on section 33, Lake Township. In 1877 the commodious residence was erected, since which time many other beautiful and useful improvements have been made. To the original purchase of eighty acres Mr. Addleman has added from time to time until he now has in possession 312 acres , all of which are under a high state of cultivation. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs Addleman was one of the most devoted workers in that denomination, and for twenty years was a teacher in the Sunday-school. At her death, which occurred Aug.30, 1887, the High Prairie Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school passed the following preamble and resolutions in token of the respect and esteem in which she was held:

"Whereas, as God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit to call home our beloved sister, and in her death our school has been bereft of a most faithful worker, and one who for twenty years has been the infant-class teacher, thus making her the earliest teacher of almost the entire young members of the school---she now rests from her labors. and her works do follow her; therefore be it

"Resolved, That we humbly bow to the Divine will of Him who has called in this sad bereavement, and thank Him for such a life in our midst.

"Resolved, That we will cherish her memory, and earnestly strive to work for the Master she delighted to serve.

"Resolved, That we extend our sincere sympathy to her family and friends, and a copy of these resolutions be given them, and also be placed in the minutes of our Sunday-school."

Mrs. Addleman was also active in the W.C.T.U., and under her teachings many were led to seek the way of a true life. In all her efforts she was aided by her loving husband, and the children, profiting by the example of their parents, and surrounded by a blessed Christian influence, have all accepted Christ as their Savior. Politically, Mr. Addleman is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has held various offices in his township.



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