REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE
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MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF | |
Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 475
submitted by Jo Ann Carlson, January 7, 2008
WAS LAID TO REST TODAY.
Friends of the Late W. H. Hoopes Attened the Funeral in large numbers,
Muscatine Loses a Valuable and Prominent citizen.The remains of the late William Henry Hoopes were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery at 3:30 o’clock this afternoon. The very large company of mourning friends and relatives who attended the solemn burial services indicate the high esteem in which the departed one was held b the community or which he had done so much while in this life. The high ideals which he had and the Christian spirit manifested by him at all times through out his most useful career are ample proof that the pioneer gardener and establisher of the wholesale fruit business in Muscatine has found reward for a life of such worth. Muscatine city and county can but feel a deep loss in such a noble character as was Mr. Hoopes and will long remember him as a cheerful giver and helper in all things pertaining to the public’s good. Almost every extensive pulic improvement which has taken place in Muscatine during the past twenty years can be traced partially at least to his public spirit and the city may wait long before finding one who can take his place.
Funeral Services. “Shall We Gather at the River” was sung by a double, quartette at the house shortly after one o’clock and Rev. W.L. Clapp, of the Musserville M.E. church, offered prayer. At 1:30 o’clock the funeral procession left the Hoopes residence and at 2:00 o’clock the relatives and a large assemblage of friends gathered at the Musserville M.E. church to pay a last tribute of respect to the dead. The services there were quite short but very impressive. The double quartette sang, “In the Sweet Bye and Bye,” after which Dr. J.C.W. Coxe, of Washington offered prayer. A short funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Clapp, and a few well selected remarks were made by Rev. Coxe after which “Rock of Ages” was sung by the choir.
Summary of Remarks. A summary of the remarks made by the pastor are as follows:
We come here at this hour with a feeling of subdued reverence. In the presence of the dead we are reminded of those words in which the Psalmist set forth the nature and brevity of human life when he said, “Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening.” Ps. 104-23. The evening of life has passed into the night in which no mane can work. The lamp lighted has gone out, the evening is closed, what of his life? There appears in his early life, his religious training, his young manhood, marriage, conversion, his home and family life, the factors and forces, which operating one upon another reveal those traits and incidents which distinguish his individuality and mark his character. Bro. Hoopes was a man of strong individuality. This was nature’s gift to him which was increased by his early life-pioneer in its nature, augmented by his innate ideas of rectitude and intensified by his conversion. This individuality was also marked in his public life. As a public man he stood for something, and so forcibly that men recognized his position. There was a strong individuality in his life as a Christian. He combined Christianity with business. He served God not only with his heart but also with his head; he was one with whom his pastor could wisely take “sweet counsil.” As a citizen, public spirited, in church life, most active, efficient and faithful, in home life, a loving father, an affectionate husband, and a kind neighbor and brother beloved in the Lord.
At the Grave. The cemetery was reached shortly after 3 o’clock and the services at the grave were conducted by the Knights of Pythias, Rev. Clapp offering but a short prayer. All the relatives were present at the grave, the principal mourners being Mrs. Hoopes, her sons, Frank and Fred Hoopes, and the aged parents of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. L. Hoopes. The floral offerings were profuse and especially beautiful, being sent by the many friends of Mr. Hoopes, including H.J. Heinz, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the others besides those sent by the Maccabees, Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Rathbone Sisters.
Public Benefactor. Among the many friends of Mr. Hoopes by whom his death is keenly felt is H.J. Heinz, the head of the H.J. Heinz Company, of Pittsburgh, Penn., who has repeatedly inquired about the health of Mr. Hoopes during his sickness. The local brand of the Heinz pickle works was secured mainly through the efforts of Mr. Hoopes, an at that time an ever living friendship was created between the two gentlemen. The departed one was also one of the organizers of the Island Canning company, and was chosen its first president. He was one of the incorporators of the Muscatine street railway and a director and member of the executive committee until he sold his interest. He was instrumental in securing other improvements in the city, and was a general benefactor. The brilliant success of his idea of wholesale market gardening led others into that line of business that has made the once despised flats of Muscatine island to blossom as the rose and spread, it’s fame far and wide throughout the country. The family and relatives have the sincerest sympathy of the public in their great loss of such a kind and good helper as we was laid to rest by them today.
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