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Thomas Squires Hancock

Birth	:	18 May 1824 Putnam County, Indiana, USA
Death	:	9 Nov 1906 Bethelhem, Wayne County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Orepuki Cemetery, Orepuki, Southland District, New Zealand
Coordinate	:	-46.3028250, 167.7240360
Description	:	The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa; Thursday, November 15, 1906 THOMAS HANCOCK, one of the pioneer residents of Wayne County, died at his home at Bethlehem, last Friday night, after an illness of a few weeks' duration. He and the mother of G.J. and H.W. Gittinger, of this city, were cousins, and out of a large relationship which settled in this part of Iowa in an early day, he was the last survivor here, all others having passed on to the great beyond or moved away. MR. HANCOCK was a veteran of the Mexican War and came to Iowa directly at... Read More	The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa; Thursday, November 15, 1906 THOMAS HANCOCK, one of the pioneer residents of Wayne County, died at his home at Bethlehem, last Friday night, after an illness of a few weeks' duration. He and the mother of G.J. and H.W. Gittinger, of this city, were cousins, and out of a large relationship which settled in this part of Iowa in an early day, he was the last survivor here, all others having passed on to the great beyond or moved away. MR. HANCOCK was a veteran of the Mexican War and came to Iowa directly at the close of that conflict laying his land warrant in Union Township, Wayne County, and held title to that land until the day of his death. He was a nephew of the late X.E. West, (or of Mrs. X.E. West) and came from Putnam County, Indiana, to Iowa with the West emigration, which must have been not later than 1848. MR. HANCOCK was well known in Wayne and Lucas Counties and was one of those original characters who impress themselves indelibly on the minds of people and by his long life of integrity and just dealing with his fellow men, had friends by the multitude. At the time of his death, he was not far from 85 years of age and leaves an aged wife and several surviving children, T.J. HANCOCK, southwest from Russell, being the oldest of the family. With the passing away of "Cousin Tom" the writer cannot refrain from dwelling on the pathetic thought that originally, in Lucas and Wayne Counties, his kinsmen were numbered by the scores, but there are today but three or four families whose common blood course through living veins. The funeral was held at Bethlehem, Sunday at 11:00 o'clock, a.m. ------------------------------------- Rev. M.S. Clark furnishes the following obituary: THOMAS SQUIRES HANCOCK was born in Putnam County, Ind., May 18, 1824, and died Nov. 9, 1906, aged 82 years, 5 months and 21 days. His father and mother were natives of Tennessee, the father being a son of WILLIAM HANCOCK, a cousin of JOHN HANCOCK who signed the Declaration of Independence. Father HANCOCK was the youngest of 5 children; he grew to manhood on the farm in Putnam County, Ind., and on the 20th day of June, 1846, enlisted in Company A, lst Ind. Infantry and spent the most of his service on the Rio Grande River during the Mexican War, serving his country as a private soldier to the close of the war. He came to Wright Township, Wayne County, Iowa, on horse back in 1849 and entered land. After returning to Indiana and in 1851 he drove to his new home, making the entire trip with an ox team. He began improving his new home living alone 18 months, and on Feb. 8, 1853, he was united in marriage to MISS NANCY STARR, of Putnam County, Ind. To this union six children were born, T.J., EMILY E. GEORGE, and NANCY J. DAVIS who survive and were present to pay their last tribute to his memory. HANNAH E. THACHER, WILLIAM H. and JOHN, preceded the father to the spirit world. In his younger manhood he united with the Missionary Baptist Church of Bethlehem, and was a faithful advocate of the cause of Christ all through life. He was ordained a deacon on the 22nd day of May, 1870. His ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Ira Blakeley. Father HANCOCK has been a faithful and warm supporter of the Baptist Church in all its engagements, both spiritual and financial, and had a warm feeling for all Christian believers. Four years ago he left the farm and moved in Bethlehem near the church, where he could spend his last days and be of more use to others in advancing the Kingdom of Christ. Surely it can be said of him: He died at his post, and has fought a good fight; he died in the triumphs of a living faith, with good will towards men." While his life has been o'er shadowed with bright sunbeams mingled with dark clouds of sorrow, yet it has been of such a stalwart principle for the betterment of our country and the uplifting of mankind that it is worthy of our greatest admiration. Language fails us when we begin to tell of his deeds of charity shown to the widows and orphans during the civil war, and to those in circumstances of distress later on. Many words can be spoken of him when memory is called back to the wood choppings, corn huskings and public sales he has cried and donated all the fees for his service to those in need; and took great chances in loaning money to assist those in need. Well can it be said that a good man has gone to his reward. He leaves a companion who has been a helpmate to him, through the 53 years of married life, 3 children, 23 living grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one, David Masson, who, Father HANCOCK gave a home during his early life and who was left without father or mother, besides scores of friends to mourn their loss, believing that after a long and well spent life in the service of Christ that what they recognize as their loss is his eternal gain. His last exclamation was that his work was done, his steps were numbered; his race was run, and resented any action of fighting against the Master's will. Well might we say in the language of the Psalmist: "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints," and like Paul "There remaineth a crown of righteousness for him." After brief services at the home, the funeral was conducted from the Bethlehem Baptist Church by Rev. M. S. Clark, of Chariton, assisted by Rev. Webber, of the M.E. Church. The funeral text, being II Corinthians 13:11. "Finally brethren farewell; be perfect; be of good comfort; be of one mind; live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you." The tribute drawn in this sketch was very befitting to the life of the deceased. The floral tribute rendered by the little girls, who always assisted the deceased on decoration day, was very impressive. After the view of the remains, the D.A.R.s led the large procession of sympathizing friends to his last resting place in the York Cemetery, where interment was made. The sorrowing friends have the sympathy of the community.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Thomas Squires Hancock's memorial?
Thomas Squires Hancock's memorial is located at: Orepuki Cemetery, Orepuki, Southland District, New Zealand.
When did Thomas Squires Hancock death?
Thomas Squires Hancock death on 9 Nov 1906 in Bethelhem, Wayne County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Thomas Squires Hancock's memorial?
Latitude: -46.3028250
Longitude: 167.7240360

Family Members:

Spouse

Nancy Newton Torr Hancock

(1832 - 1909)

Children

Thomas Jefferson Hancock

(1852 - 1924)

William H. Hancock

(1854 - 1856)

Emily E “Emma” Hancock George

(1854 - 1936)

Nancy Jane Hancock Davis

(1859 - 1930)

John M. Hancock

(1860 - 1885)

Hannah E Hancock Thatcher

(1864 - 1888)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

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Coordinate: -46.3028250, 167.7240360

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14. Ryal Bush
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Coordinate: -46.2836700, 168.3256000

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16. All Saints Anglican Church
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