Peter Leander McDOWELL

MCDOWELL, GIBSON, REDD, OVERHOLTSER, BRYANT, BROWN, RAYMORE, PIDCOCK

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/17/2008 at 05:27:38

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
July, 1938

OBITUARY - PETER L. McDOWELL

Peter Leander McDOWELL, son of Wriah (sic, should be Uriah) and Margaret McDOWELL, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1851 and departed this life July 24, 1938, at the ripe old age of 87 years, four months and 27 days. His residence at the time of his death was in Beaconsfield. He was an only son in a family of four children. Three sisters, Mrs. Kate GIBSON, Mrs. Malissa REDD and Mrs. Elizabeth [Mary] OVERHOLTSER, have preceded him in death. His family moved from Pennsylvania to Galesburg, Ill., where they lived until coming to Iowa in 1870.

He was married December 27, 1871, to Betsey GIBSON of Decatur county, Iowa, who preceded him in death in September 1915. To this union were born 11 children, of whom an infant daughter and Frank have passed on. Four sons, George, Harry and Oren of Grand River, and Jesse of Beaconsfield, and five daughters, Mrs. Frank BRYANT, Mrs. Geo. BRYANT of Grand River, Mrs. Clarence BROWN of Murray, Mrs. Chas. ALLEN of Creston, and Mrs. Vern RAYMORE of Detroit, Mich.; 51 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren live to honor his name.

A second marriage to Mrs. Serepta PIDCOCK, who survives, occurred November 11, 1918.

He was united with the Presbyterian church when a young man and has kept the faith throughout an honest and upright life, most of which was spent on his farm in Decatur county. He was greatly respected and loved by all who knew him and his departure will be felt by the entire community.

During the two years of his failing health he found great strength in prayer and during his last illness he often sang his favorite song, "Rock of Ages."

FATHER
Weep not that his toils are over,
Weep not that his race is run;
God grant that we may rest as calmly
When our work like his is done.
'Till then we yield with gladness,
Our father to him to keep,
And rejoice is sweet assurance
"He giveth His loved one sleep."

Transciption by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2008