MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 280 & 283
submitted by Shirley Plumb, November 27, 2007

JOHN P. LEWIS
May 17, 1890 (hand written)

The funeral of John P. Lewis occurred yesterday afternoon at 8 o’clock from the residence on Newell Avenue, and was attended by a large body of our citizens. Mayor Schmidt and members of the City Council and government were present to testify their respect for the memory of an honored and faithful public servant. Muscatine Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., of which deceased was a distinguished member, was also present in strong force under Captain Bitzer, accompanied by members from Wilton and West Liberty. The old Settlers of Muscatine were also numerously represented.

The coffin was beautifully decorated with floral emblems, which made a fitting enshrinement of him whose face reposed so naturally and peacefully in death. The services were conducted by Rev. S. H. Parvin, of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by the First Baptist male choir quartet. The text was Job xiv-14. “If a man died shall he live again?” The remarks which followed reflected the brightest faith of the speaker. At the close of the services at the house, the Odd Fellows took the direction of the funeral, escorting the procession to the cemetery and concluding the ceremonies with the impressive service of the Order. The pall bearers were Jacob Erb, Joseph Morrison, John Koehler, G. M Scott, J. Nichols and Justin Grady.

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Death of John P. Lewis

This venerable and beloved citizen died at his home in this city, Saturday at 9:45 p.m. For several weeks he had lain at the very threshold of the other world; but he had lived a life of such apparent security from the common ills of man, and had exhibited such health and active vigor recently, that it could hardly be realized by any of his multitude of friends that his departure was inevitable. His consciousness seemingly remained unclouded until at noon Saturday, when he sank into a stupor until he awoke to the new life of immortality.

Mr. Lewis complained of indisposition early in the winter, and his neighbors began missing the accustomed sight of this veteran of over three score and ten bending his steps at night for a mile walk to the city, to have an evening chat with his friends, Joseph Bridgman and Adam Reuling, or to join in the lodge exercises of his favorite Order of Odd Fellows. There seemed to be a sudden and growing failure of a vital energy, and in the absence of a specific cause his death must be attributed to general debility.

Deceased was born in Uniontown, Pa., May 11, 1818. He remained at home until 23 years of age, when he embarked in the tailoring business at Mt. Vernon, O., where on January 3, 1847, he celebrated his nuptials with Miss Mary Mitchell, who survives him. In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis removed to Muscatine, which has been their home for 38 years, during most of which time deceased was numbered among the leading merchant tailors of the city. Six years ago he retired from business, but retained an active interest in public affairs. He had been frequently honored with local offices of trust, and it at last became proverbial that he was the only one the people would have for their city and township assessor, to which offices he was elected for many successive terms. He had a beautiful home, a beloved family, congenial associations, troop of friends, and his Odd Fellowship which he cherished as a religion. Few have passed down the declining years of life under happier circumstances. Of nine children six survive their father—Charles P., a resident of Wyoming Territory, and Walter, Anna B., Mary B., Katie S. and Etta, residents of this city.

Deceased was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, an obliging friend, an upright man and citizen, and Muscatine will deeply mourn his loss.

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