Richard James Lancaster 1870-1949
R. J. Lancaster Succumbs At His Home In Lamont
Last Rites Held in Lamont Church, Sunday.
Funeral services for Richard J. Lancaster, 78, who died at his home in Lamont, Thursday, February 3, 1949, were held at the Lamont Methodist Church, Sunday, February 6th. The Rev. James A. Vincent assisted by Rev. George Kelsey, officiated. Music was furnished by Mrs. Arbor Reese, Mrs. E. P. Noble, Mrs. Myrabelle Goebli and Miss Joyce Wilson, the last two being members of Mr. Lancaster’s Sunday School Class. Mrs. Jerry Olson accompanied at the piano. Nephews served as pallbearers and nieces and grandchildren served as flower girls. Burial was in the Cudahay Cemetery at Lamont.
Richard James Lancaster was born August 28, 1870 in Argyle Township, the fourth in a family of eight children born to Thomas and Maria Cook Lancaster. He grew to young manhood on the family homestead, receiving his education in the district school and the Argyle high school. He was a member of the first class graduating under the four-year high school plan when it was established in Argyle.
Following high school graduation, he taught in the rural schools of Lafayette County and served the country four years as County Clerk. Always interested in the out-of-doors, he became engaged in farming in Darlington and Lamont townships. After taking up his residence in Lamont, he served on both the Boards of Education of the Dobbs School and as Clerk of the Town.
On February 24, 1897, he was united in marriage to Edith Bridgman of Lamont, who preceded him in death in May 1931. To this union were born five children: Two who died in infancy, Ethel (Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman), Lela and Hiram, all of Lamont.
Reared under the influence of a Christian home, he has been a member of the Lamont Church for many years, where his influence has been felt in the church, particularly in Choir and Sunday School work.
Since retiring from active farm work, wood carving and wood craft has become an interesting hobby which has filled many busy hours, not only for Mr. Lancaster but for the many 4-H boys and girls whom he has helped on their handicraft projects.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Zimmerman and Miss Lela Lancaster and one son, Hiram, all of Lamont; three brothers, Thomas of Darlington, John and Frank of Lamont; two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Osterday of Lamont and Mrs. Grace Johnson of Wiota; three grandchildren, Mrs. Kenneth Keesy of Orfordville, Mrs. Donald Bublitz of Gary, Ind., and Irving Zimmerman of Lamont; two great grandchildren.
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Submitter: Linda Ziemann--a family researcher