The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1908-12-17
Death of w. w. peasley.

We We SootOy Wd6 pOIIl III ESbCA
county, New York, Dec. 9, 1858, and
died al his home at Kellerton, Iowa,
Dec. z, 1908, aged 81 years, II months
and ~ days. His early life was like
that OF many another young man, being
spent in working on his fathers farm,
with such educational advantages as
the country afforded. Being the next
to the eldest Of a large family he left
home at an early age and struck out for
himself. He worked at the carpenter
trade and taught school until he saved
enough to enter the law department of
the State University at Iowa City,
where he graduated in June 1875.
In 1876 he located at Davis City, Iowa,
and engaged in the practice of law
Dec. IA, 1879, he was married to II. Allie
Lee, daughter of John Lee, one of the
best known stockmen and shippers
of those days in Decatur county. To
this union was born, while they lived in
Davis City, two daughters, Vergia the
first born who died in early infancy
and Madgo who was yet an infant when
Mr.. Peasiey and wife moved from Davis
City to kellerton, Iowa, in 1854, where
he with his family have ever since re-
sided. Other children were born to
them, OF whom Dorothy and Wayne died
in infancy or early childhood. Those
now living are Madgc, now Mrs. Eugene
Harlan Of Indianola Iowa, Leone, Vera,
Alice, Louise and John, the last being
an infant nine months old Besides a
faithful and loving wife he also leaves
an aged mother, six brothers and two
sisters, his mother and the three broth
ers being present at the funeral.
On his removal to kellerton in 1884,
he entered the banking business, being
the founder Of the first bank in Keller
ton "A years ago. The bank is still
doing very prosperous business, al
though Mr.. Peasley withdrew from the
active management about four years
ago and engaged in the brick and tile
business which he followed for twelve
years, when his plant was DESTROYED by
fire. At the time OF tho fire the bust
ness was becoming ono of the important
industries OF the county, and it's de-
struction was as much of a loss to the
community in a business way as to it's
owner in financial way. After the
loss of his brick and tile plant Mr.. Peas
ley engaged in the lumber business,
forming a partnership with his brother,
Aaron Peasley. This business was in
successful operation at the time Of his
death.
After entering the banking business
at kellerton he discontinued tho prac-
tice Of law at the bar. His knowledge
of law and his known ability to draw up
all kinds OF legal documents, rendered
member Of the community. For years
hi q ri vii NV, 70
and business men on matters of CON-
mercial or legal nature. So far az the
| writer knows he had no church affiliA-
lions. While young man in Davis
City, he joined the Odd Fellows and
Masonic lodges, but did not become
affiliated with either after his removal
to Kellerton. His life was devoted to
his home, his family and his business
He travelled but little, and then only az
business called him. He cared but
little for display in a society way, but
enjoyed his friends in the quiet Of his
| home.
He was devoted husband and kind
and indulgent father. In his last sick
ness he was patient and accomplishing
and when he knew the end was near he
was perfectly composed and clear in his
mind and disposed of his affairs, giving
advice to his wife as to the course she
should psrsue as calmly as if no were
going on journey of limited duration
| The funeral services were conducted
from the homo by Rev. S. E. Brown, at
one o'clock p. M, on Wednesday, Dec. Q
1908, and he was laid to rest in the Gem
etery at Kellerton on the 55th anniver.
sary of his birthday. The bereaved
family have the sympathy OF large
circle Of friends in this, their darkest
hour Of sorrow. j. B. HORNRR.