RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2018
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
Again, the information in this week’s column came from the Opal and Lester Saffell family papers, which are currently held in a private collection in Lubbock, Texas. The fragile newspaper clipping likely came from a Montgomery County, Iowa, newspaper (possibly the Red Oak Express) probably published in February 1917. (Some punctuation, capital letters in proper names, and other letters or words have been added for clarity and readability of the clipping. All-caps for surnames are used for emphasis.)
”Levi HAMLIN was born in Stark County, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1837, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. E. MERIWETHER, Sunday, Feb. 11, 1917, at Ontario, Cal. His wife died 4 years ago at the home of his brother, Jno. HAMLIN, here at Elliott. His physical strength gradually gave way until in his closing days he was quite helpless.
In early boyhood, he moved with his parents to Westfield, Ind., and in 1858 was married to Miss Elizabeth COPPLE. Seven children were born to them, four of whom have died. The three living are Mrs. C. E. MERIWETHER and Earnest HAMLIN of California, and Albert HAMLIN of Utah.
Mr. Hamlin was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted about April, 1864, and served until the close of the war. He was in Sherman’s division in his march to the sea.
There remain to mourn his loss, a sister, Mrs. Elmira HIATT, of Minnesota; a brother, Jno. HAMLIN, of Elliott; and the three children, grandchildren, and other relatives.
The body was accompanied to Elliott by Clay MERIWETHER, a grandson. The funeral was held at the M. E. Church at 1:30 p. m., Sunday, and the services were conducted by Rev. D. B. S. PRATHER. The music was nicely rendered by Miss Bertha WEST, pianist, and Mrs. Chas. GEESAMAN, Mrs. F. H. OSBORN, Miss Mary WEST, Miss Olive OSBORN, John WEST, and Wm. LUKE.
The pall bearers were John HAMLIN, Jr.; Frank HAMLIN; Bert HAMLIN; Albert GODFREY; O. K. OLSEN; [and] Roy GRINNELL. Interment at Hillside Cemetery.”
On the back side of the above article are some miscellaneous items appearing under “Climax,” referring to the former town of Climax in West Township in Montgomery County, Iowa.
“J. N. KLEPINGER spent a few days in the home of his son, Walter, recently.
Ed WOODIN spent Monday night in Red Oak in the home of his mother, Mrs. C. S. WOODIN.
Walter KLEPINGER and family and father, J. N. KLEPINGER, spent Sunday in the home of C. E. KLEPINGER.
Mr. and Mrs. George STRAIGHT and sons, Lloyd and Theodore, made a business trip to Red Oak Friday.
Mr. and Mrs. Emmett SMITH and Mr. and Mrs. Robert SMITH autoed (sic) to Red Oak Friday.
D. M. CONKLIN spent several days of last week here on his farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur ALLEN and Mr. and Mrs. Sherman ALLEN were Red Oak shoppers Saturday.
P. W. CLAWSON and daughter, Frances, were Red Oak business callers Saturday.
L. O. and C. A. ALLEN attended the hog sale in Red Oak Saturday.
O. E. DAVIS received the sad news one day last week, announcing the death of his uncle, John WOTON, who died Feb. 11 at his home in Beatrice, Neb.”
(End)