John W. Loofboro was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 21, 1834, and died at
Welton, Iowa, June 3, 1906.
He was the son of Davis and Mary (Maxson) Loofboro. When he was about sixteen years of age his parents moved from Ohio to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Farmington, Peoria Co. In 1857 he removed to Weldon, Iowa, making the journey by team, being among the early settlers. July 8, 1859, he was married to Susan Forsythe, at Jackson Center, Ohio. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 26th Iowa Volunteers, remaining in the service three years. When he enlisted he left his young companion, with their first-born son, to struggle with anxiety and toil. While in the service he was twice wounded. One of his wounds was long in healing, keeping him in the hospital a long time. While convalescing, he served as head cook some time. To Mr. and Mrs. Loofboro were born six children, five sons and one daughter, all of whom and the mother survive, and were present at the funeral services. One of the sons is Rev. Eli. F. Loofboro, of New York city. He also leaves one brother, I. N. Loofboro, of Welton, and a sister at Baker City, Oregon, to mourn their loss. It was brother Loofboro's good fortune to have Christian parents, and being religiously inclined he early professed his faith in Christ and has lived a devout and consecrated life. June 26, 1869, he was ordained to the office of deacon in the Welton Seventh-day Baptist Church, serving the church with honor to the time of his death. During the last two years especially he has seemed to be ripening in Christian experience and it could be truly said of him, He has come down to his grave as a shock of corn fully ripe. In his death and in the death of his brother, L. A. Loofboro, who died a little less than a year ago, the little church of Welton has lost two of its strong pillars. Our loss seems to be irreparable and were it not that we have an Infinite helper we could hardly help but be discouraged. G. W. B.
