Jennings, Edwin C.1857 - 1941

JENNINGS, STAHL, HARBAUGH, MCDONALD, STRUBE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/2/2024 at 11:59:37

Clayton County Register, 12 Feb. 1941.

GARBER: Funeral services were held last Friday, Feb. 07, in the St. John's Evangelical and Reformed church of Garber for E. C. Jennings. Burial was made in the Mt. Harmony cemetery with the Rev. C. P. Schrupp officiating.

Pallbearers were: Ralph Oldham, Art Willman, Fred Schrader, Frank Feidt, Frank Smith and John L. Costigan. Honorary pallbearers were: Thor Fiske, Henry Schnepf, Henry Haack, Jeff Walters, Pat Cassidy and Joe Kainz.

Edwin C. Jennings, son of William and Julia Jennings, was born in Mallory township, this county, on Feb. 13, 1857, and he died quietly, after several days' illness, on Feb. 04, 1941, having attained the age of 83 years, 11 months and 22 days. His entire life was lived in this community.

On March 17, 1885, he was united in marriage to Lena Stahl of Elkader and to this union four children were born. This home was saddened on Jan. 18, 1891, when his wife died. Of this family there remain, Laura of Littleport and Mae of Edgewood, Jennie and Earl having preceded their father in death.

On Oct. 26, 1892 Mr. Jennings married Malinda Harbaugh of Garber. After eight years of married life she, too, died on Oct. 15, 1900. To this union two children were born, Arthur G., who is living on the home farm and Walter Ray, who died in infancy.

From the time of his first marriage Mr. Jennings spent the remainder of his life on his farm near Garber. This long residence on one place made it possible for him to become invaluable to the community, and he became the sponsor and supporter of a number of the community's organizations. In 1895 he was elected to the board of directors of the Elkport public school which position he held for 15 years. In 1910 he took a leading part in organizing the Garber creamery, becoming its first president. He served three terms, from 1921 to 1930, as county supervisor. From 1909 on he continuously was a director of the Garber Farmers Savings bank and since 1933 was its president. He also was president of the Clayton County Insurance company for over 25 years, and for the major part of his life he was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. These many years of public service have gained for him many friends.

Besides the three afore-mentioned children, he is survived by a half-brother, George McDonald of Elkport, a brother, Harmon Jennings of Cedar Rapids and a sister, Matilda Strube of Garber and 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.