TENNANT, Robert J. (1850-1940)

TENNANT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/2/2025 at 17:23:23

Robert Jasper Tennant
(April 1, 1850 – June 22, 1940)

R. J. Tennant, 90; Funeral Monday
One of the Oldest Ministers In Length of Service in Iowa-Des Moines Conference
The Rev. Robert J. Tennant, 90, one of the oldest ministers in length of service in the Iowa-Des Moines Conference of the Methodist Church, died at his home Saturday, June 22. Services were held Monday afternoon at the Methodist Church at 2:30. They were in charge of the Rev. Dr. John L. Hillman, assisted by the Rev. F. W. Simpson. The body was taken to Mt. Ayr Tuesday for interment where services were held at the grave. The Rev. Mr. Tennant had made his home in Indianola for the past 20 years. He was ordained as a deacon in 1880 and received his first appointment to Derby that year. He retired from his appointment at Tennant, Iowa in 1920 after 40 years of active service.
Native of Ohio
Robert Jasper Tennant was born at Uricksville, Ohio, April 1, 1850. When he was six years old his parents move to eastern Iowa. As he grew to manhood he learned the carriage maker’s trade and worked in Rock Island, Ill. It was there under the influence of Edward Spencer, one of the great characters of Methodism, that he was converted. He entered Hedding College, Abingdon, Ill. He entered the annual conference on trial in 1880 and two years later was received into full membership. All of his ministry was spent within the bounds of the Des Moines Conference serving 22 of its charges.
Served 22 Charges
They were: Derby, Walnut, Oakland, Casey, Adair, Wiota, Cambridge, Scranton, Pilot Mound, Pleasant Hill, Churdan, Nevinville, Cambria, VanWert, Knowlton, Milo, Columbia, Ellston, Dana, Riverton, DeSoto, Grant and Tennant. In 1920, having passed the age of 70 years, he was given the retired relation but continued as a pastor one year longer. On Nov. 24, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora Gouldin whom he met as a student at Hedding College. They were the parents of nine children. Two, Bessie and George, died in childhood and Susan died in 1922. Those surviving besides the mother are: Baton of Malvern, Mark R. of Miami, Fla; Lida (Mrs. L. E. Parkins) of Boston, Mass.; Joyce of Chariton; Rose (Mrs. Barrett McFadon) of Palo Alto, Calif.; and Myrtle (Mrs. Clarence H. Smith) of Fergus Falls, Minn. Also surviving are nine grandchildren. In November 1931, the Rev. and Mrs. Tennant celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with all of their children and grandchildren present.
Seven Attended Simpson
Seven of the children that grew to maturity attended Simpson College and four of them graduated with a bachelor’s degree. He had attended regularly the sessions of his conference until last fall when failing strength prevented. The only surviving member of the Rev. Mr. Tennant’s immediate family is Addison Tennant of Mr. Ayr, a brother, who is 84 years old. He attended the services. Out-of-town persons who attended the services included Mr. and Mrs. A. Tennant, Ernest Tennant of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gleason, Mrs. Roy Wright of Knoxville and Mr. and Mrs. Addison Tennant of Mr. Ary. Indianola Tribune, Indianola, Iowa, Wed., June 26, 1940, p.1