Decatur County Journal Iowa
June 22, l893
AT REST--GONE HOME.
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In the absence of ELD. F. EDWARDS, we were called to conduct the funeral
services of Brother ABNER M. BURNS, on Tuesday, June 20, l893, who
departed this life at his late residence in Leon, Iowa, Monday, June
l9th, after weeks of weary watching and waiting, but the summons found
him ready and fully ripe for the change.
UNCLE ABNER, as he was familiarly called, was born in Jefferson County,
Ind., October l3th, A.D., l8l5, making him 77 years, 8 months and 6 days
old. He was married to MISS ELIZABETH KINNEAR in l836. In the year
l849, he emigrated to the west and settled in Davis County, Iowa; lived
there five years and in l854 settled in Decatur County, one-half mile
west of Leon, where he and his wife have continued to reside and make
their home.
Ten children were born to them, six of whom--five sons and one
daughter--remain to mourn the loss of a fond and affectionate parent.
The children are badly scattered, i.e. one in Colorado, one in Nebraska,
two in Montana, and two in Iowa.
Brother BURNS has been a professor of religion for over 52 years. His
walk rather than his talk evidenced to the world a character of his
inward joy and life. He and his good wife helped to organize the Leon
Baptist Church 39 years ago, and amid its checkered career of sunshine
and shadows, they have remained faithful.
The floral tributes that covered the casket evinced that his life had
left its imprint upon his neighbors' hearts. Loving hearts cared for
him while sick and tenderly laid him to rest beside the dear ones gone
before. The children were all present save two, who could not get here.
The Scripture lesson was read from Romans 8: l-28, and 38, and 90;
verses of same chapter, used as a text. REV. W.G. HOHANSHELT assisted
us.
We have seldom seen so many aged persons present at a funeral whose
heads were already white for the harvest that awaits us all. May God in
his loving kindness bless and guide his aged companion and all the
kindred is our prayer.
J.H. BURROWS.
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