Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-12-14
Indian Summer.
A FAMILIAR VOICE is sTILLED
Funeral and Interment of John w.
Groves at the Capital City

ANS
The death of John W. Groves. whose
untimely passing, at Madison, Deem
Der 4th, brought genuine sorrow to a
large circle of relatives and friends
in this, his old home community,
where he so long lived and grew to
manhood and early entered profess
sional and business pursuits, as it did
to other parts of the state, his ac-
quaintance being extensive. In his
going there is firm attestation to the
genuiness and true characteristics of
the heart and head of John Groves;
of his answering loyalty to commun-
ity and friends, his tenderness to home
and family, his tireless energy and
enterprising shirt. Wherever situat-
ed he formed many warm and lasting
friendships because of his whole heart
edness, generous attitude and goodfel-
lowship. Throughout life he was new.
er too much engrossed in his own af-
fairs to serve a friend or one in want
or distress, either by day or by night.
In business he was leader, in enter
prise real doer, in official station
vigorous, farseeing and trusty.
The transformations obsequies for
this friend were held from the First
Methodist church in the Capital City,
last Wednesday, conducted by the ia
vorite cousin of deceased, Rev. Frank
NuZum, who paid most feeling and
fitting tribute to his manliness and
striking qualities. Many, both in high
and lowly station, were present to pay
a fearful 'adieu. The church and the
home were bowers of floral pieces.
Flags on the city hall and Elks club
house were at half staff, the Elks at
tending the services in a body The
remains were laid to peaceful rest by
honorary and active pail bearers re-
presenting different sections of the
state, in Forest Hill cemetery, at Mad
ison, beautiful spot where shoulder
the dust of many who were strong in
life friendship with the departed
John w. Groves was born at Perry
county, Ohio, in January 1855, his par
ents being Wesley and Lizzie Groves,
who moved to Vernon county soon
following the birth of this son, locat-
ing on a farm near Ross. The family
moved to Viroqua in 1865. John was
educated in the district and Viroqua
high school, and at an exceptionally
early age commenced teaching, con-
tinuing in that profession, as a vigor-
Gus and practical instructor for some
years in both Vernon and Richland
counties. He also taught singing
school and penmanship. He embark
ed in the musical instrument trade in
1879, following that most of his bust
ness career, engaging later in real
estate at Madison. With his family
Mr.. Groves moved to the Capital City
about twenty years ago where he serv-
ed most acceptably as mayor, and was
assistant superintendent of public pro-
perty during the administration of
Governor Davidson. He was for a
time an employe of the National Re-
publican Congressional Committee,
and his duties brought him in contact
with the foremost men of the United
States in his official travels.
While teaching at Woodstock, Rich
land county, Mr.. Groves married Miss
Rachel E. Biehl, who survives him,
as do his daughter Regina and son
Asa B. Also his brother Asa E.Groves
and sister Mrs. Lou Cook, both of Port
Arthur, Texas, together with innum-
cradle uncles, aunts and cousins in
Viroqua section.
Mr.. Groves death was primarily
caused from diabetes of long standing.
Although fully aware of the impend-
ing result for some years, he never I
relaxed his vigorous attitude, but
cheerfuiiy did his part in life's busy
struggle manfully and in a spirit
worthy of emulation.