John Stiles Handley 1825-1922

HANDLEY, LEAK

Posted By: Kathi Haymond (email)
Date: 11/21/2025 at 11:17:37

Afton Star Enterprise
Afton, Iowa
Thursday 10 Aug 1922 Page 4

Obituary of "Grandpa" Handley

John Stiles, son of Micheal and Rody Handley was born in Athens County, Ohio September 7, 1825 and departed this life at his home in Lorimor July 31, 1922, aged 96 years, 10 months and 24 days.

He moved with his parents to Montgomery County, Indiana at 14 years of age, studying the blacksmith trade at Indianapolis for 6 years.

In 1847 he came to Des Moines when it was but a small village of a few sod houses.

On November 7, 1850 he was married to Lucretia A. Leak at Crawfordsville, Indiana. Ten children were born to this union: William H., Matilda C., Samuel M., Charles W., John F., Ed H., Ferris P., Elvira L., Harvey O., and Celia A. Five of the children preceded their parents in death, three in infancy, Samuel M., and Elvira L., growing to young manhood and womanhood.

In 1851 he united with Methodist Church in Fredericksburg, Indiana and has lived faithful and conscientious through his long journey of life. He was always a willing church worker, working for the betterment of his community. He served as superintendent of different Sunday Schools for many years.

He volunteered for service during the Civil War but was rejected on account of ill health.

In the Spring of '76 he moved with his family to Iowa and settled on a farm in Dodge Township, Union Co. living there for thirty years.

In December 1905, he moved to Lorimor. Since the death of his wife on November 9, 1906, he has had the loving and patient care from his only surviving daughter, Celia.

He has remained unusually well and hearty during his last years, being able to visit his old home in Indiana two years ago, visiting the graves of his deceased children. His last illness was brief, with severe but patient suffering. His children were all able to be with him during his last sickness.

He leaves to mourn the vacant chair, 4 sons and 1 daughter, 9 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, all of whom were present at the funeral. Also a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held at the M. E. Church in Lorimor Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Carl Brown of Conway, and Rev. Jasper Weber. Interment was made in Afton Cemetery.-Lorimor Journal.