David Orman, Sr. "Ottumwa Courier" December 19, 1888: David Orman, died at his home adjoining Ormanville, Wapello county, Friday night, aged 89, and was buried on Sunday, a large concourse of citizens from the surrounding country attending the funeral services. Mr. Orman was twice married, the first time 65 years ago, and was the father of fourteen children. He left a large number of children and grandchildren, one of his sons being the father of twelve and another of nine children.

Several years ago he cut a walnut tree, hauled the log to the mill, assisted in cutting it up into boards, and stored it away to dry, out of which he wanted his coffin made. He also selected Lafayette Thompson and Michael Heckart as the men whom he wanted to make the coffin for him, and his wishes were respected and carried out. A few days before he died he gave directions as to how his coffin should be trimmed and sent to Ottumwa and procured the materials. He was buried in his wedding clothes which he wore when married the first time, even to the silk stockings which he then wore.

He was a man of genial disposition and had hosts of friends and not an enemy, it is said, in the world. Mr. Orman was an old settler of Wapello County, having resided near Ormanville over thirty years to our knowledge.