Theodore S. Hurley was born near Welton, Iowa, December 17, 1858, and died at Riverside, Calif., July 17, 1939. He was the son of Leven and Sarah Babcock Hurley, being one of a family of seven brothers and three sisters.
On Christmas day, 1880, he was married to Miss Eva M. Davis of Garwin, Iowa. To their union were born two sons, Frank A. Hurley of Milton, Wis., and Loyal F. Hurley, of Riverside, Calif. Most of his life was spent in his native state of Iowa, where he labored as a carpenter and builder, conducting at the fame time a truck and fruit farm. In the spring of 1903 he moved to Milton, Wis., in order to give his sons an opportunity to attend college. After two or three years spent there, and a year in California, he returned to his Iowa home. In his later years he spent about a year with his son in Wisconsin, and the last five years in California. The wife and mother died in December, 1937, since which time he has resided with his younger son.
The home in Iowa was the customary home of visiting ministers and evangelists who came to the community. Mr. Hurley was the church chorister for many years, and was also in constant demand to sing for funerals all around the countryside. He was also a deacon of the church, and when there was no pastor he acted as the official leader of the group. People expected to see him at every church service just as they expected to see the sun rise.
Although he was absent the last few years, his church membership was kept in the little church where he had served so long.
Mr. Hurley had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In his active days he personally knew the owner of nearly every farm within ten or a dozen miles of his home. And because of his honor and rectitude he was respected by everyone. His word was as good as his bond, and he was honored accordingly.
He is survived by his two sons; a sister, Mrs. Mary Clement, of North Loup, Neb.; a brother, Charles F. Hurley, of Riverside, Calif.; five grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; and a host of friends. 'The memory of the just is blessed.'
