Johan Abel (John) Staff 1836-1908

STAFF, RAMSEY, ROMKEY

Posted By: debbie (email)
Date: 5/24/2021 at 09:44:18

Pioneer Resident of Des Moines County is Dead
John A. Staff, one of the pioneers of Des Moines county passed to his reward this morning at 4 o'clock at his home in the country, southwest of Burlington. His illness dates since last January but only during the last two weeks had his condition been serious. No greater testimony of
the high respect in which he was held and the loss felt by his death could be shown than by the widespread sympathy of the surrounding
country in which he lived.
With the death of Mr. Staff, Des Moines county loses one of the oldest and best of its representative men. He put honor before everything else and not an act in his long and useful life was tainted. In this age when the call of power and gold so often drowns the small clear voice of conscience, his sincerity and uprightness have stood out and his honest
principles and good judgement was approved by all men. His wonderful human kindness was never failing and he was an exceptional man in every
way. He was loved by his neighbors, idolized by his family, and honored
by the entire community.
John Staff was born January 2, 1836, coming to this country when fourteen years of age. He married Miss Rachel Ramsey, February 9, 1859.
Surviving are the wife and the following children: Davis A., Charles E., Henry G., Ralph A. Staff and Mrs. Edward Romkey. The funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Shiloh church six miles southwest of Burlington.
Burlington Gazette 7-24-1908