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From: "Nancee Seifert" <>
Subject: [IADECATU] OBITUARY - GEORGE W. HOUDESHELDT
Date: Sun, 1 Dec 2002 19:12:44 -0500

Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, February 24, l898

GEORGE W. HOUDESHELDT was born in Shenandoah County, Va., August 2l, l8l0, and died at the residence of his grandson, J.W. SNAVELY, in Leon, Feb. 2l, l898, aged 87 years, 8 months. The cause of his death was heart trouble and pneumonia.

In his early boyhood the subject of this sketch emigrated with his father's family to the State of Ohio, settling in Jackson County, the name being subsequently changed to Vinton County. On May 7, l835, he was married to ELIZABETH PIERCE. As a result of this union seven children were born -- WESLEY, WILLIAM, ELIZA JANE SNAVELY, who died September l5, l864; GILRUTH, MARGARET SHEWMAKER and ISABEL GOULD, who died June l3, l88l.

In l854 the subject of our sketch removed to Decatur County, arriving in Long Creek Township, Oct. 28, and from that time down to the time of his death he was a resident of this county. He was representative of the yeomanry who wrested our western country from its primeval solitude and made it attractive to the western emigrant.

He was a man who was very positive in his likes and dislikes and one who never forgot a friend. In his early manhood he united with the United Brethren Church and ever after continued a faithful member. He was remarkable in the child-like faith in which he lived the religion he professed.

In politics his opinions were no less pronounced than in his religious views. Believing in the principles of the republican party he supported its nominees unfalteringly.

While the span of his years, from beginning to close, mark the greatest period in governmental history, yet in the simple life he lived and high conception of human character which he ever entertained he was left an example worthy of imitation in those who survive.

He died as he had lived, strong in the belief of a better life beyond, and enjoying the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
--B.W.G.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CARD OF THANKS -- We the undersigned hereby express our thanks to the friends who so kindly assisted us during the recent illness and at the death of our beloved father and grandfather.

WESLEY HOUDESHELDT,
WILLIAM HOUDESHELDT,
S.J. SNAVELY and FAMILY.

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Copied by Cordelia Suzann
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
December l, 2002

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