John B. Deal, highly esteemed resident of Jefferson, died at his home here Monday evening, following an illness due to his age which extended back some years. He had been in better health than usual this spring but a month ago he became afflicted with an intestinal ailment from which he failed to recover. During the later years of his life he had been cared for by his daughter, Miss Lillie Deal.

Funeral rites will be conducted at three o'clock this afternoon at the Methodist church. Services will be in charge of the Rev. R. W. Swlck, assisted by the Rev. A. E. Slothower of Dallas Center, a former pastor. Burial will be in the Jefferson cemetery.

John Deal, son of Samuel and Priscilla Brown Deal, was born October 8, 1839, at Waynesburg [Waynesboro], Vlr. When he was eight years of age he moved with the family to Bloomington, Ill., where he grew to maturity, and on the 13th of March, 1862, was united in marriage with Madora Johnson. Here they established a home and resided until 1883, when they moved to Tracy, Minn., where they lived until they came to Iowa In 1892, and settled at Winterset. While In Minnesota he served as a member of the county board of supervisors and was urged to go to the state legislature. The latter honor he refused. He was a man of sterling worth and a Christian gentlemen in every sense of the word. In childhood he was converted and joined the Methodist church, being a consistent member for more than three-quarters of a century. During that time he filled different church offices, giving freely of his time as well as his money.

Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Deal, two of whom preceded him in death. Mrs. Deal passed away June 12, 1921, while their son, Fletcher, died In May of 1916,. And Arthur in the autumn of 1925. In the spring of 1901 the Deals moved to Greene County, settling on their farm in Jackson Township, moving to Jefferson about twenty years ago when they purchased their present home on east Lincolnway.

While Mr. and Mrs. Deal accumulated a comfortable home and lands, their greatest heritage and contribution to society was the rearing of their children to become worthwhile citizens and Christians. Wherever Mr. Deal established his home he soon became a leader in the community, and one of the most highly respected citizens.

He leaves four sisters, none of whom will be able to come to Jefferson for the funeral. These are Mrs. Elizabeth Elkins and Mrs. Addle Wright, of Bloomington, Ill.; and Madame’s Emma Garvey and Jennie Staubus, of Danvers, HI. In addition to the eleven children who survive him are thirty grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren.

The surviving sons and daughters are: Samuel Deal, of Bloomington, H. William Deal of Jefferson; John Deal, of Newton, Kansas; Mrs. Eunice Williamson, of Bloomington, Ill.; Miss Lilly Deal of Jefferson; Mrs. Jennie Rogers of Des Moines; Charles Deal of Tracey, Minn.; Lee Deal, of Jefferson; Mrs. May McNeal of Kansas City; Mrs. Lydia Young, of Winterset; and Frank Deal of Jackson Township.

The Jefferson Herald, Jefferson, Ia.
Thursday July 31, 1930