Rev. Hiram Essex
The funeral services of Rev. Hiram Essex, pastor of the Copperas Creek Chapel, were held at the church last Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. F. Kline, of Smithville U.B. church. A very large number were present to pay their last respects to one who had labored in their midst for many years, bringing joy and comfort to many hearts. The local lodge of Woodmen, of which the deceased was a member, was well represented.
The following obituary is taken from a proof kindly furnished us by the London Mills Times:
Rev. Hiram Essex was born at Henderson, Knox Co., Illinois, in 1855, where he remained during the early part of his life. At the age of twenty-eight he was converted and united with the United Brethren church of that place under the ministry of Rev. H. F. Kline, where he served as class leader and Sunday School Superintendent for four years when he felt that he was called to be a minister of the gospel, and he entered upon his labors as a pastor at the age of thirty-three.
His first charge was Astoria circuit, where he served one year. He was then called to the work at London Mills, serving three years. Twelve years later he was returned and this time served five years as pastor. He was appointed to the Glasford field, where he served five years, from which place he was sent to Baylis, Ill serving that people three years. He was returned to Glasford again for one year. In the fall of 1902 he was elected presiding elder of his district and remained in office for three years. He was pastor for the Fairview Center church for three years, from that field he was again called to Glasford, where he labored nearly three years, when the summons came and his labors ended.
In 1877 he was united in marriage by Rev. W.B. Shinn, to Miss Sarah Katherine Watters, of Henderson, who remained a faithful companion through all the trials which he had to meet. To this union seventeen children were born five of which preceded him to the spirit world: three infants, Seth Eugene age 8 and Monta Lula age 16 years. The following children are left to mourn the loss of a devoted and loving father, and to comfort their widowed mother: Dr. Clarence, Louisa Cullmer, Margaret Ogle, and Biram all of whom reside at London Mills; Angine Payne of Glasford, Ella Clinebell, who resides at Bartonville, Eli, George, Susie, Lester, Dorance and Virgil are still at home with their mother. There remains of his immediate family, two sisters and three brothers: Maria Willstead of Bryant, Ella Watters of Galesburg, and a twin brother Biram of Canton, Henry of Lincoln, Ne. and George of Clover Bar, Alberta, Canada and many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
His illness began the early part of February, where he was taken to the Deaconess Hospital at Peoria. Though his condition was considered serious, he did not cease from the duties of his pastorate until about eight weeks ago, when his physical condition compelled him to remain in bed. His mind was not clouded at any time, and he enjoyed visiting with the many friends who called on him during his illness. Everything known to medical science was done to stay the ravages of the disease which was preying upon him, but death came in spite of all that loving hands could do, on the evening of July the twenty-sixth.
He fought a good fight, kept the faith and has gone to receive the crown which the righteous judge has promised to all those who endure until the end.
The funeral services were held in the United Brethren church at London Mills on Saturday afternoon, July 29th, Rev. kline of Smithville officiating, Rev. Shinn of Gilson, Rev. Todd of Monmouth, and Rev. Metsker of London Mills, assisting. Over 500 people were in attendance to pay their last respects to the deceased. The burial was made in the East Midway Cemetery.
The floral offering were many and beautiful. The singing was rendered by Mrs. Julia White, Miss Frances Swigert, Messrs. Wayne Wilkins and George Hutton. Mrs. Cleo Harlan presided at the organ.
Glasford Gazette, Glasford, Peoria County, Il (Exact Date Unknown) 1917