Hardin MIDDLESWORTH

MIDDLESWORTH, WARREN, HICE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/17/2008 at 19:53:23

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1933

PIONEER LIVERYMAN DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS.

After an illness of only a few days, Hardin MIDDLESWORTH, a resident of Mount Ayr for more than fifty years, passed peacefully away Monday morning. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Rhoades Funeral Home, conducted by Dr. Jesse JOHNSON, pastor of the United Presbyterian church, and burial was in Rose Hill cemetery [Mount Ayr].

The death of Mr. MIDDLESWORTH marks the passing of another pioneer resident of Mount Ayr and one whose life in the community was such as to command respect and confidence.

The following brief biographical sketch, prepared by members of the family, was read at the funeral service:

Hardin MIDDLESWORTH was born January 23rd, 1851, in Shelby county, Illinois, and departed this life at the age of 82 years, eight months and nine days. He was reared in a Presbyterian home, his father being a deacon in the Shelbyville Presbyterian church for many years. He resided on his father's farm until his marriage to Elizabeth WARREN in 1874, when they moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa. To them were born four sons: Wilfred C., of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Erle (sic) L., of Kansas City, Mo.; Dey W., of Mount Ayr; and one son who died in infancy. His wife preceded him in death in 1930.

Mr. MIDDLESWORTH spent most of his active years in the livery business in Mount Ayr. He drove the hack between Mount Ayr and Benton, making two round trips each day, thirty miles a day, seven days a week, every week for a period of nine years, riding a total distance equal to four times around the world.

Mr. MIDDLESWORTH, familiarly known as "Dad", was a man of extraordinary energy and vitality. He was sincere and kind-hearted to his friends and acquaintances. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Belle HICE, and a brother, Hugh MIDDLESWORTH, both of Indianapolis, Ind., his three sons, and two granddaughters, Mildred and June Rose.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008