Poling, Silas – 1840-1917

CHIVINGTON, FERGUSON, POLING

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:32

An old and respected citizen of Colfax, Mr. Silas Poling died Wednesday morning, Sept. 12 at 6 o’clock at the home of his brother at Albion, Iowa.
The remains arrived here Thursday accompanied by his niece, Mrs. J. J. Ferguson. Final arrangements for the funeral are not determined, pending the arrival of a brother from Canada.
Source: The Colfax Clipper; September 13, 1917

Silas Poling
The funeral services of Silas Poling were held in the Methodist church Saturday at 2:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Cannom, pastor assisted by Rev. M. Stahl of Lake Worth, Florida, former pastor four years in Colfax.
The Masonic Lodge of Colfax also E. D. Duncan Post G.A.R. and W.R.C. were in attendance and many other sympathizing friends and neighbors glad to pay tribute to the life of a noble citizen and true patriot.
A quartette: John Davis, Miss Sarah Dale, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. VanDyke sang “In the Sweet Bye and Bye,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arm” and “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” Rev. M. Stahl then supply at Highland Park M.E. church Des Moines, formerly Mrs. Poling’s pastor here offered prayer in which he referred to Mr. Poling as “a good soldier for Christ and for his country.”
Rev. Cannom’s address was founded upon Revelations 7, 13 to 17 verses. The life of this pioneer, a real man, loyal to God, to country, to home and to Colfax was portrayed in sympathetic and dramatic way, a splendid tribute to one he dearly loved. He had been chaplain of Duncan Post of r25 years, a kind and affectionate husband and true friend.
He was a character separate and apart from the usual routine of life, original, resourceful, charitable, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Rev. M. Stahl spoke of Mr. Poling and Gen. Weaver as the two men who had especially cheered and sustained him by their constant attendance and intelligent, appreciative response during his ministrations here from 1900 to 1904. Referring to the lives of individuals, as of nations, he contended that there is a great divine purpose back of men like Bro. Poling. To illustrate: Thru our Revolution in 1776, it was a battle against “taxation without representation” but God’s purpose was farm higher than that, the founding of the greatest democracy on earth, when the Rebellion came, we understood it to be a war against state’s rights, against dismemberment of the great union, but when God’s purpose was written in the record, four million human slaves were free. So when God makes up the record of men like Poling, there is far more to it than we supposed.
Deceased was born in Union county, Ohio, August 18, 1840. In 1843 came with his parents to Van Buren county, Iowa. In 1854 moved to Mahaska county. In 1856 came to Greencastle, Jasper county.
He was united in marriage December 25, 1860 with Belinda Chivington, who departed this life August 2, 1915, after 55 years of happy home life. October 4, ’61 he enlisted in Co. B, 13th Iowa Inft. And served till Nov. 1, 1864.
Returning from the war they moved to Monroe, Iowa, and resided till 1870, then came to Mound Prairie township, east of Colfax. While living here their orphan niece now Mrs. Alveretta Ferguson came to live with them and continued to abide with them as their daughter till her marriage.
In 1873 they moved to Menlo, Iowa, remaining 3 years. In ’77 they moved to a farm northwest of Colfax. In 1882 during the revival meeting at Plummer Grove he was converted and became a member of the Methodist church, ever faithful to the end.
In 1887 they moved to Mingo for 3 years, then came back to the farm. In 1901 they moved to Colfax to pass their declining years. His death came unexpected at the home of his brother, Arthur Poling at Albion, Iowa, in the early morning of Sept. 12. His brother talked with him when he arose, and Silas said he was feeling better than the day before. When Mrs. Poling arose to prepare breakfast she noticed him breathing heavily but thought nothing. When they called for him for breakfast he had passed over the river.
He was a member of Riverside Lodge No. 389 A.F. and A.M. and a charter member of E. D. Duncan Post No. 253, G.A.R. Interment in Oak Hill cemetery.
Rev. Stahl read the poem Dirge of a Solder. (the poem was included in the text)
Source: The Colfax Clipper; September 13, 1917