Lucas Counties Oldest Settler Here for Homecoming
J. P. Sellers of South of Chariton Was Born 84 Years Ago in Cedar Township.
Is Still Hale & Hearty
J. P. Sellers of South of Chariton Was Born 84 Years Ago in Cedar Township.
Is Still Hale & Hearty
From the Russell Union Tribune of Oct. 10, 1935
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An interesting visit with Lucas County's oldest native citizen, J. P. Sellers of Benton Township was our privilege during Homecoming. Mr. Sellers was born in Cedar Township on the farm now operated by his nephew, Mark Sellers, about ½ mile from the original Lucas County home of Wm. McDermitt, the first settler.
Mr. Sellers, a well-preserved old man, will be 84 on his next birthday and the oldest living resident born in Lucas County. Fifty-five years ago he married and moved to the farm in Benton Township upon which he still resides. Mr. Sellers was accompanied to our office by Mr. Bill Woodall, the originator of Lucas County’s Old Settlers Picnic that was held south of Derby. The picnic, which was held each year until the last few years and which he hopes to reestablish as soon as conditions will warrant.
Mr. Woodall lived south of Russell on the Isaac Wiltsey farm known later as the Bob Lewis farm. Thirty-eight years ago and moved to his present location south of Derby which he has made into one of the picture farms of Southern Iowa. Both gentlemen were thoroughly enjoying the renewal of acquaintances at the Russell Homecoming here.
Mr. Sellers, a well-preserved old man, will be 84 on his next birthday and the oldest living resident born in Lucas County. Fifty-five years ago he married and moved to the farm in Benton Township upon which he still resides. Mr. Sellers was accompanied to our office by Mr. Bill Woodall, the originator of Lucas County’s Old Settlers Picnic that was held south of Derby. The picnic, which was held each year until the last few years and which he hopes to reestablish as soon as conditions will warrant.
Mr. Woodall lived south of Russell on the Isaac Wiltsey farm known later as the Bob Lewis farm. Thirty-eight years ago and moved to his present location south of Derby which he has made into one of the picture farms of Southern Iowa. Both gentlemen were thoroughly enjoying the renewal of acquaintances at the Russell Homecoming here.
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John P. Sellers
Long Life Ended – Had Lived in Lucas County All His Life
Prominent Farmer Dies at Home South of Chariton – Saturday, Rites Are Held Monday
Born in Log Cabin – He Helped Build Otterbein Church in Benton Township.
Long Life Ended – Had Lived in Lucas County All His Life
Prominent Farmer Dies at Home South of Chariton – Saturday, Rites Are Held Monday
Born in Log Cabin – He Helped Build Otterbein Church in Benton Township.
From the Chariton Leader – Feb. 23, 1937
John P. Sellers, 84, prominent Lucas County farmer, died Saturday at his home in Benton Township, south of Chariton. For years he had been recognized as the oldest native resident of Lucas County. Born in a log cabin in Cedar Township, October 16, 1852, he grew to manhood on his father’s homestead.
Following his marriage in 1880 he established the home in Benton Township where he lived until his death.
Funeral services for Mr. Sellers were held Monday afternoon at two o’clock at the Otterbein Church, conducted by Rev. Talbott. Burial was in the Chariton cemetery. At his request the scripture lesson for the rites was read from the ninety-first Psalm, and the text was taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Before his death John P. Sellers requested that the text for his funeral sermon be taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Following his marriage in 1880 he established the home in Benton Township where he lived until his death.
Funeral services for Mr. Sellers were held Monday afternoon at two o’clock at the Otterbein Church, conducted by Rev. Talbott. Burial was in the Chariton cemetery. At his request the scripture lesson for the rites was read from the ninety-first Psalm, and the text was taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Before his death John P. Sellers requested that the text for his funeral sermon be taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
The verses are:
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Surviving Mr. Sellers are his wife; three sons, Clifford and Harris Sellers, both of Benton Township and Thomas Sellers of Des Moines; three brothers, including Nathan Sellers of Norfolk, Va., a twin, William Sellers of Des Moines and Thomas Sellers of Lucas County; 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Mr. Sellers became a member of the United Brethren Church in 1885. He helped build the Otterbein Church, not far from his home, and was absent from service only when poor health prohibited attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Sellers celebrated their golden wedding anniversary seven years ago and the observance still holds a prominent part in the history of the community.
Mr. Sellers became a member of the United Brethren Church in 1885. He helped build the Otterbein Church, not far from his home, and was absent from service only when poor health prohibited attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Sellers celebrated their golden wedding anniversary seven years ago and the observance still holds a prominent part in the history of the community.
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