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Lorenzo
Miner |
Lorenzo Miner was born on Aug. 22, 1858 in Des Moines County, IA, the son of Nathaniel and Susan (Abbott) Miner.
He was raised in and around West Point, Pleasant Ridge Township, Lee County, IA.
When the federal census was taken in 1880, Lorenzo was unmarried and operated a farm with his single brother John near West Point, Pleasant Ridge Township, Lee County, IA. Making her home in their residence that year was 19-year-old unmarried sister Minerva.
On Oct. 29, 1884, when Lorenzo was age 25, he married 19-year-old Cora Foggy (Feb. 13, 1864-1920), daughter of George and Sarah J. (McKay) Foggy of Lee County. She was six years younger. Rev. Arthur Stott officiated at the nuptials. Their union held fast over the span of 28 years until cleaved apart by death.
The censuses of 1900 and 1910 both show the Miners living in on a farm in Pleasant Ridge Township, Lee County. In 1908, when Lorenzo's father died, their post address was Denmark, Lee County. They did not reproduce.
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Gazebo in Denmark's Star Park, 1909 |
In about 1909, the Miners celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Lorenzo was stricken with appendicitis in the winter months of the new year in 1912. He underwent surgery, "but the case was a fatal one and while every known remedy was applied it was to no avail," reported the Fort Madison Weekly Democrat. Sadly, he died in the family home in Pleasant Ridge Township on Feb. 25, 1912 at the age of 54. He was laid to rest at Fort Madison, with funeral services held in Denmark's Congregational Church by the hand of Rev. Henry Henn. A newspaper obituary said he "was a successful farmer with a large acquaintanceship and will be much missed in this community."
The summer after his death, Lorenzo was named in a Keokuk (IA) Daily Gate City article in connection with the Lee County Old Settlers Association annual meeting held in Rank Park. His was among many names of deceased settlers read aloud at the event. Hon. John E. Craig gave the keynote remarks, saying "You old settlers and pioneers are well worthy of your welcome because you are the representatives of a state greater than the 'kingdom of Judea' when the fame of Solomon with his riches and glory filled the earth."
Cora joined him in death on Oct. 22, 1920. She rests with her husband at Atlee Cemetery, also known as Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Madison.
| Copyright © 2000, 2007, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2024 Mark A. Miner |
| Karen Kester generously has contributed valuable content for this biography. |