Arthur Herrick Needham Laid to Rest (1921)

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A. H. NEEDHAM IS LAID TO REST IN ARNOLD CEMETERY. 

Died at Home of Son In Forest Grove Ore.— Nearly Ninety Years Old. 

     A. H. Needham, father of Frank Needham, passed away at his son's home in Forest Grove Ore., on Thursday March 24th. Funeral services were conducted from the First Methodist church in Forest Grove, Ore. last Saturday afternoon, March 24th. The pastor, Rev. C. R. Carlos assisted by two former pastors of the deceased, Rev. Nathan English and Rev. L. W. Chandler.  The remains were shipped to Arnold where services were held at the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  The service was conducted by Rev. Johnson and internment was made in the Arnold cemetery by the side of his beloved wife.

Obituary. 

     A. H. Needham was born In Lawrence, N. Y., September 7, 1831 and departed to his heavenly home from Forest Grove, Ore. on Thursday morning, March 24, 1921, age 89 years 6 months and 14 days.  He moved with his father’s family to Cleveland, Ohio in 1834, where he grew to manhood working on his father’s farm.  He was educated In the public schools and at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio.  His chosen profession was Pedagogy.  After teaching four years in northern Ohio, he went south to Knoxville, Tcnn., as private tutor, from 1855 to 1857.  He taught In the high school of Warrenton, Mo., from 1857 to 1860. When the Civil war came he enlisted in 1861 in the Second Regiment Iowa Cavalry, as hospital steward and served for five years.  He was a member of the G. A. R. and had a deep affection for all his comrades.  He was married to Camilla E Porter, in April, 1864, and was discharged from the service of his country in 1865.   He moved to Iowa and engaged in farming and teaching during 1866-67.  In September 1868 he moved to Lincoln, Neb., and took up a homestead.  He taught the second term of school in what was then called the Wallingford District, in Lancaster county.  Here he resided until 1883 when he moved to Arnold, Neb., and took up 320 acres of Government land and settled down to rear and educate his family.  He was the father of four children: Frank E Needham of Arnold, Neb., Mrs. Keith Walker of Dix, Neb., and Mrs. E. G. Mills and Leroy Needham of Forest Grove, Ore.  Eleven years ago his wife a dear companion and true helpmeet took her departure for the better land.  He then made his home with his children and four years ago he came to Forest Grove, Ore., where after an illness of two months he peacefully passed away to his eternal reward.

     He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years.  His early Christian life dates back to the time when his sainted mother would gather her children around her and tell them of the love of Jesus.  The loyalty that characterized his devotion to his family and his country, was manifested in his country was manifested in his relation to Christ.  He was an intelligent student of history and sustained his interests in the current events of the day, to the last.  He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends.  His four children are living and besides them he had great delight in his fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  But the company of dear ones that have greeted him on the other shore, exceeds even in number that which he leaves behind. 

CARD OF THANKS 

     We wish in this manner to thank the many friends and neighbors for the kindness and sympathy extended at the time of death and burial, of our father A. H. Needham 

     Signed: The Needham Family

Arthur Herrick Needham (1831-1921) was my g-grandfather on my father's maternal side.  He was an extraordinary man.  I have often considered writing his biography.

Copyright © 2021 by Kevin W. Walker