Obituary

Death of J. L. Acheson
Heart Disease Ended His Life at 2 0'clock Yesterday afternoon

“The death at two o’clock yesterday afternoon of John L. Acheson removes from the streets of Newton a familiar figure and from the community a worthy and upright citizen. During the eighteen years of his residence in this city, the deceased had become widely known throughout the county and by his strict probity of character had secured the confidence and esteem of all who came in contact with him.

John L. Acheson was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, April 28, 1827. His early life was spent in the county he was born and he grew to manhood before leaving this parental home. As a boy and a youth his life was marked by the energy and determination with which he endeavored to secure an education. He was essentially what is known in this day and age as a "self-made" man. Although unable to enjoy the advantages of even a common school education, he was a great reader and a zealous student and at night, after the labors of the day had been laid aside by aside, by the light of the pine-knots in the fire-place of his father 's house, he devoted hours to the perusal of worthy books and to the study of their contents. In this way, like many of the rugged characters who have become famous in the annals of our nation, he acquired an education which, though rudimentary, was lasting. At twenty years of age he became a schoolteacher and for sixteen terms he followed this avocation devotedly and with success. Between terms he worked in his father's flour mill. In 1852 he was married to Miss Elizabeth McCollough who fell sick and died less than two years after their marriage. Moving to Jackson County, Iowa, in 1857, he was married in 1858 to Miss Katherine Hasty of that locality. To this union seven children were born, six boys and one girl, of whom three boys and the daughter died in infancy. The other three are living. Mr. Acheson moved to Jones County, Iowa, in 1868 where his second wife died in 1870. He was married October 31st, 1872 , to Mary Jane Bush who survives him. In 1884 he moved to Newton and engaged in business here as a real estate agent.

Since coming to Newton, Mr. Acheson has been prominently identified with the educational and moral interests of the city. He was a member of the senate of Cooper Memorial College at Sterling and was for several years treasurer of that institution. He has served a number of terms on the school board and was one of its most highly esteemed members. Mr. Acheson joined the United Presbyterian Church when eighteen years of age and has been a ruling elder of that denomination since 1868. The local church has found in him one of its most ardent supporters and consecrated workers. For its interests he has labored devotedly and unceasingly, year in and year out. His earnest sincere Christian life was a blessing to the church and a power for good in the community. One of the most marked traits of his character was his unaffected interest in the welfare of his friends and acquaintance. Many a heart has been cheered and encouraged by a sympathizing word or a kind smile from him. During the two years he has been in poor health and especially in the last few months while he has been a great sufferer from heart disease, his sublime faith has shone resplendent and has proved a benediction to those that have been near him. Never a murmur or a word of complaint has passed his lips. On the contrary, he has comforted and cheered those about him. He was indeed a good man and the community can ill afford lose him.

The deceased is survived by his wife and three sons. All of the latter are graduates of Monmouth College, of Monmouoth, Ill. and of the Xenia Theological Seminary and are in the ministry of the United Presbyterian church. Robert H. is located at West Hoboken, New Jersey; James M. at Boyden, Iowa; and John L. at Pine Bush, N.J.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow at half past ten o'clock in the United Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Walton Cemetery". Source: The Evening Kansan-Republican (Newton, Kansas), Thursday, 06 February 1902, page 1; also in the The Boyden Reporter (Boyden, Iowa), Friday, 14 Feb 1902, page 2.