Obituary - Sires
After a year of imperfect health and many
months of severe sickness and suffering, Mr. John Sires, a worthy and
honorable citizen of our town, passed to his heavenly home last Saturday
near the noon hour.
John Sires was born near Prince Town, Ind.,
March 11, 1845, and died at his home in New Albin, Iowa, May 4, 1918,
aged 73 years, 1 month and 23 days.
When a boy of 7 years, he left Indiana with his
mother and step father, came to Iowa and the family located at English
Bench, Allamakee Co., Iowa, Oct. 5, 1854. This family represented 6
children, 1 daughter and 5 sons. Only one brother is left.
Mr. Sires grew to young manhood at English Bench
where he lived most of his life. On June 22, 1865, he was united in holy
wedlock to Miss Sarah Duff. To this union were born 8 children, 6 sons
and 2 daughters. On April 6, 1882, the mother of this family died, and
the day after the mother's death a daughter 15 years of age passed to
the life beyond, a double sorrow to the bereft family. Dec. 30, 1884, he
was married to Miss Catherine Burroughs and to this union were born
three sons.
Deceased was a veteran of the '60's and served
his country as a true and brave soldier for three years. He enlisted in
Co. B, 27th Regt. Iowa Vol. and at the close of the war received an
honorable discharge.
About the middle of Mr. Sires' life, as his
family was growing up, he thought of the value of a Christian father's
influence in his home. He gave himself to God, became a christian man
and united with the Presbyterian church at Mount Hope where he remained
a true and faithful member until about 6 years ago, he and his wife
transferred their membership to the Methodist Episcopal church, New
Albin.
Mr. Sires was a lover of his home, a devoted
husband and a kind hearted father, providing well for his family. He was
a worthy citizen and a good neighbor. Standing for a high standard of
morals and a religious life with a brotherly paternal spirit. As a
Christian man, his home, the family and his church leaves record to his
christian principles and faithful service, being always at divine
service when he possibly could. But his work is finished. He fought a
good fight - for his country under the Stars and Stripes and then under
the banner of the Cross of Christ. He has kept the faith and now the
Captian of his salvation has called him from service to reward - the
Heavenly inheritance that remaineth with the people of God.
He leaves a wife, 1 daughter, 9 sons, 3
brothers, 34 grandchildren to mourn his loss.
The funeral services were held at the M. E.
church conducted by the pastor, Rev. Piper, assisted by Rev. Padden of
the Presbyterian church, Mt. Hope. The pall bearers were selected from
the M. W. A., of which deceased was a member. The veterians of our town
and some from other towns attended to body. The mortal remains were laid
to rest in English Bench cemetery ... [Unreadable] ... morn.
Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, From which none
ever wakes to weep.
--Iowa Newspaper
--Photocopy of Original
