RUNYAN OBITS



MARTHA J. SMITHART RUNYAN

Martha J. Smithart was born in Kentucky, on March 29, 1845 and died at her late home in Sigourney, Iowa, November 11, 1906, aged 61 years, 7 months, 14 days.

October 24, 1865 deceased was married to Rev. John E. Runyan, whose death occured in July, 1902. To this union seven children were born, six whom are now living and three were present at these services.

Mrs. Runyan became a member of United Brethern Church in her early life, and retained her membership in that denomination until death transferred her to the Church Triumphant. During her life she generally enjoyed good health but two years ago disease attacked her constitution of which she finally surrended.

Services were held in Rock Creek Church, Ollie, Iowa. The Rev. Palmer officiating. Interment took place in Rock Creek Cemetery.

BROWN, JAMES HARVEY, 1863-1947

James Harvey BROWN, son of James and Mary Jane BROWN, was born in Keokuk county, Jackson township, five miles northeast of Martinsburg on October 22, 1863, and departed this life on the farm where he was born, December 9, 1947 aged 84 years, one month and 17 days. He was the last member of his own family, and had always resided on the farm of his birth, excepting for three years spent in the nearby community.

He was born in a primitive log cabin, when this land was first being settled. The Indians were his neighbors, and he often related of spending many happy hours playing with a little Indian boy who lived in a nearby tepee.

He was united in marriage to Laverna Belle RUNYAN on May 21, 1885. To this union Nora, wife of Bert REINIER of Hedrick and Howard who passed away May 26, 1933. The devoted wife passed to the Great Beyond, January 30, 1930. He is survived by two grandchildren, Clell REINIER, who has resided with his grandfather for many years, and was his constant companion, ever helpful to him in his declining years; also, Alice wife of Orville DALBEY of Hedrick, who helped with the care of her grandfather in his last illness and one great grandchild, Gary REINIER, who brought much joy and pleasure to his heart in the last year of his life.

He was seriously ill some three weeks and his every need was supplied by his immediate family. All that loving hands could do was done, but the Master said "Come up Higher." "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn, cometh in his season."

Mr. BROWN was very staunch in his belief of truth and sincerity. He did his duty as he saw fit, and left unto the Lord the rest, always trying to be just and honest to his fellow men. He firmly believed in Prov. 12-17, "He that speaketh the truth sheweth righteousness." He believed in deeds not creeds, and he patterned his life after the Golden Rule. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do you even so to them ."

An early pioneer, a strong character, a noble man has passed from our community. He will be missed by his family and a host of friends.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Rock Creek church with the Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence Hight of Packwood in charge and burial will be in Rock Creek cemetery. The body will remain at the Reynolds Funeral Home until time for the services.

Source: Keokuk County News and Sigourney News Review, December 10 and 18, 1947







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