Orastus Derb...
Orastus Derb...
Orastus Derby was born 19 APR 1836 in Pembroke, Genesee County New York. He died 9 FEB 1906 in Silver City, Iowa. He was the son of Oren Rex Derby and Caroline Thatcher.
Orastus Derby's wife was Abigale Kleckner. They were married 13 OCT 1864 in Saegertown, Pennsylvania. Their 9 known children were Edgar Mathias Derby, Mary Ellen Derby, Cora Anna Derby, Carrie Lulu Derby, William Henry Derby, Arthur DelRoy Derby, Florence Elizabeth Derby, Ethel Arzela Derby and Verla Naomi Derby.
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He was buried FEB 1906 in Silver City Cemetery.
Orastus Derby
O. Derby, one of our most highly respected citizens died Friday Morning, February 9th, at his home from chronic rheumatism and heart complications.
Mr. Derby has been a sufferer from rheumatism for a number of years but we have never known of him complaining. We have heard him spoken of as a model citizen, kind father and loving husband.
Orastus Derby was born in Genesee County, New York, April 19, 1836, and at the time of his death was 69 years, 7 months and 20 days of age. At an early age he moved with his parents to Meadeville, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood.
He was united in marriage to Abbie Kleckner at Saegerstown, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1864, and to this union nine children were born. In 1877 Mr. Derby and family moved to Osceola, Iowa, and in 1891 came to Silver City. He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and eight children, two brothers and a host of friends.
His loved ones were all at his bedside during the last hours he was on earth, and in tenderness administered to his wants.
In 1873 Mr. Derby united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and died as in the Christian's privilege. Through all his suffering he was ever patient and during his last days he repeatedly said, "God's will be done." Hence death had for him no terror.
On monument -
Derby, Orastus 19 April 1836 - 9 February 1906
Abbie His Wife 11 April 1846 - 4 October 1906
ORASTUS DERBY:
DERBY — In Silver City
1891-1906 (Orastus and Abigail)
1910-1940 (Edgar M. and Florence F.)
Orastus and “Abbie” Derby came from Sagertown Pa., to pioneer in Jamison, Iowa, before semi-retirement in Silver City.
Third generation, moving away, soon learn the true meaning of Home Coming, Reunions, Decoration Day Celebrations, and perpetual Alumni; with engraved memories of teachers, schoolmates, and Bill Hammons (Bell Ringer), for us: our aunts, niece and cousins.
Coasting on the schoolhouse hill; getting lost at Soldiers’ Reunions — we remember people, thick as cornstalks. Campfire Girls with Leona Bays enabled us to use techniques, making unpleasant tasks enjoyable. Good Cheer Girls with Fern Skerritt, presented the four-fold Christian Life. Sunday School picnics in Maddocks Grove. Saturday Sessions with Mrs. Cater, during the Graded Junior League Course. Piano Recitals with Mrs. Gait, held at Jim Burgoins. Max Bryant’s prank of tying our sash to the seat. Precious Indian Relics mounted on the back of the organ; arrow heads so common had been thrown back for others to discover. Herbs, Onion Poultices and Goose-Grease, that made us well. That’s Silver City!
Orastus, having sold his government claim, and the additional eighty, he had purchased at fifty cents an acre, moved to Silver City. Old and care-worn at fiftyfour, Abbie, forty-four. Orastus had lived through nine months bed rest with rheumatism; home remedies brought him through, but especially a family’s loving care. Abbie and the children: William, Roy, Florence. Ethel, and Verla cut trees and raised food to survive. The older children, Edgar M., Anna and Lula, had married earlier. All echoed Orastus’ reaction as he came from Main St. — Stores chuck full of staple foods No shortage!
Lumber yard, full of wood .... No more trees to cut!
Side walks everywhere No more walking in the mud!
Friends No more Indians to appease!
Kerosene Street Lamps No more darkness!
Excitement reigned as Edgar M. and family moved to Mills County, and Lulu won prizes at the Fair for jellies, pillow top, and slumber rolls. Everyone fond of her husband Bruce, a fine carpenter. (He built the Living Room, south, on the Derby house). Sisters, Florence and Verla, used every spare moment at their sewing chest. Ethel, always at Pap’s heels, was handy when needed. Hearing, “Come wash the socks” was just too much! All was peaceful after the dirty dripping socks were properly washed. Many years later, granddaughter Ruth Norman exclaimed, “Imagine that, my grandmother was once a little girl like me."
Orastus contracted to build a square frame home on South Main. He took on new life, as they needed cash for canning sugar and school clothes. Prices like this: Percale 7 cents Gingham 5 cents and Stockings l0 cents — Edgar M., Florence F., and children came in aghast, as they saw the organ used as a payment for building the house.
Walter and Elvira started schooldays at Grandpa’s. Otherwise the house was too quiet. It was Verla who scrubbed Walter’s ears, many a time, and combed Elvira’s hair. William had married Mae Burnham and lived in Belden, Nebraska. Florence visited him, met and married John Greeno, eventually settling in South Dakota. Verla worked in a canning factory at Glenwood, mailed in her oration, graduating with her class 1902. Ethel cared for her parents till the end, 1906.
As Walter stood in the barn yard, he saw, not a run-away, just a doctor racing the stork. Elvira, Edgar C. and Georgia, returned from visiting Uncle Roy, to find baby Floyd and a cranky hired girl. Edgar M. moved his family into his father’s house. Georgia and Floyd stretched to see each gas street lamp being lighted.
George Hornby (another veteran and pioneer) returned to Rhode Island in failing health. Florence F. took Floyd and remained with her father till he succumbed to dropsy.
School days were pleasant, as home teachers Emma Huffaker and Anna Plumb helped us adjust from Osborne Valley; just as Gertrude FaIwell helped us, following her predecessor. In summer Chautauqua was held on the school grounds.
Only Elvira was spared to care for us during the 1918 Flu Epidemic; the hardest part was, keeping Papa in bed. Our home newly wired, used every electric bulb in the house.
Our parents stressed education. Homework, always assisted by Mama. Their Wabash Sons Walter and Edgar C. came, as did Elvira and Floyd from their farms; all came with their families, Georgia from Detroit to Decoration Reunions. Since 1940, we pay tribute to both parents, reared in rugged pioneer life.
Orastus Derb... |
Orastus Derb... |