John O. Torrence
Biography
Recorded with Mary's parents in 1870 census
Another son of John and Mary's died in infancy
John and first wife buried Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, IA. Second wife buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Independence, IA, on Lot 581 with Loy family members.
In the Brandon Cemetery, Jefferson Twp.,
section 27, I found on Lot 29: Torrence, Mary E. b.__ d. 3 Oct. 1875 aged 23 y
11 m 25 d
wf/o John O. Torrence
John O. (no stone) b.__ d. 9 Nov. 1897 aged 51 yr 6 m
He died Nov. 9, 1897 at Independence, Iowa of Bright's Disease. They were
buried in Brandon Cemetery, Jefferson Township, Buchanan County, Iowa.
Newspaper clippings
Nov. 3, 1897, Conservative, Wed., Brandon news: "Mrs. Harkness, of western Iowa, is here, called by the serious illness of her brother, John Torrence, of Independence."
The Independence Bulletin-Journal of Nov. 1897 said: "Had been living in Independence, interred in the Brandon Cemetery Friday afternoon, spent most of his life in this vicinity where he was highly respected."
Nov. 17, 1897, Conservative, Wed., Brandon news: "The many friends of John Torrence were pained to hear of his death. The remains were interred in the Brandon Cemetery Friday."
Nov. 18, 1897, Brandon Journal, Brandon news: "John O. Torrence, a former resident of Jefferson Twp, but of late living in Independence, was interred in the Brandon Cemetery on Friday afternoon. Deceased had spent most of his life in this vicinity, where he was highly respected."
Jan. 20, 1898, BJ, Brandon news: "The Torrence farm, northeast of town consisting of 160 acres of land, was sold last week to Cedar Rapids parties for $30 per acre."
Obituary
Nov 17, 1897, Conservative, obituary column: "John O. Torrence, over 30 years a resident of Buchanan county, died at his home in this city, Tuesday night, Nov. 9, after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Torrence was a pioneer of Iowa, having been born in Marion, Linn County, Feb. 16, 1847. At this time the only settlements of Iowa were those of the eastern portion and Marion was on the extreme border of civilization. The deceased spent his entire life in the state. In 1865 he settled on a homestead near Brandon. He was married March 20, 1877, to Miss Louisa Loy who survives him. About a year ago he removed to Independence, residing in the 4th ward where he died. Besides the widow, he is survived by a son, a daughter, two brothers, and six sisters. He experienced religion in 1890, and united with the Methodist church, of which he has since been a faithful and consistent member. He was a quiet and unassuming man, but an excellent citizen of unquestionable integrity. The funeral occurred from the M.E. church in this city Friday forenoon at 10:00 o'clock, Rev. T. E. Taylor officiated. The remains were taken to Brandon for burial."
