Thomas James Kearns

Thomas James Kearns, son of John and Margaret Kearns, was born near Newville, Richmond (Richland ?) county, OH, Jan. 29, 1833. With his parents he moved to Iowa in 1853, and settled 3 miles south of Springville. They came to Ia in a "prairie schooner", theirs was one of three. Many hardships confronted them on their journey but they were not to be daunted. the deceased was well acquainted with the life of a pioneer. He was married to Elizabeth Dunlap, October 28, 1858. To this bond of holy wedlock were born twelve children, 8 boys and 4 girls.He entered a homestead from the government, upon which he and his wife lived continuously till her death, Aug 7, 1895. It was here that they labored and sacrificed in order that the children whom God had given them might be trained in the fear and admonition of the Lord and that they might have the blessings of a christian home. The Father sent for the little boy Joseph and while yet only an infant took him unto Himself.The deceased passed to Homeland as the day was drawing to its close at 6 p.m. Dec. 16, 1910, at the home of his son, Thomas.

He leaves to mourn his departure sons and daughters: Mrs. Anna Bateman, Thomas A. Kearns, Mrs. Mary E. Cook and M. M. Kearns, all of Central City; John N. Kearns, James F. Kearns of Clovis, California; Ira A. Kearns of Fresno, California; Mrs Sadie S. Wilson of Camp, Oklahoma; Mrs Susie Wilson of Grandville, Michigan; Wm O. Kearns of Atlanta, Nebraska; and Rev. Frank V. Kearns of New Sharon, Iowa; fifty-six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, 2 sisters and other relatives and friends.After the deceased lost his companion he made his home on the farm until 2 years ago. Owning to advancing years he found much pleasure in making his home in the summertime on the farm with is son Mack, and in the winter time in Central city with his son Thomas. About 6 weeks ago he came to reside in town, but did not realize that his stay would be so short. In his last days spent amid the joys of tender and loving hands, he had all the body could wish for and his soul was already satisfied by an unfaltering trust in his Heavenly Father. Of his children, Thomas, William, Frank, Mack, Anna, and Mary, were at his bedside when the soul departed the tenement of clay.When a young man the deceased was converted and united with the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal church in 1856. He transferred his membership to Prairie Chapel in 1880, and in that fellowship until his death, a faithful and devoted member.The services were held Tuesday at 10 o'clock in the Methodist Episcopal church, the pastor, Rev.C.E. Luce, preaching the sermon. Rev. B. S. Bower, pastor of Prairie Chapel, Rev. J. Franklin Smith, pastor of the local Congregational church, assisted in the service. was in the Source: page 55 of the book compiled by the caretaker of Jordan's Grove Cemetery)

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