"Lawrence Myrl Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Remster, was born on August 13, 1905, in Ottumwa, Iowa, where a part of his early life was spent. In 1918 he moved, with his parents, from Van Meter to Chariton, Iowa, where he resided until May 6, 1921, when he met his tragic death by drowning, his age being 15 years, 8 months, and 23 days.
"Lawrence was an admirable boy, displaying his kind disposition with a pleasant smile for everyone. He went about each day's tasks with no thought of complaint and with an unusual willingness to accomplish the duties that fell to him. In the home he never slighted the work that fell upon him to be performed.
"Among his playmates we have never heard him spoken in any way but the highest terms. Although possessing a rather quiet disposition, he enjoyed the pleasant things that came along, yet never forgetting to be polite in his manners and thoughtful of those about him. For the past year he had been employed at the Busy Bee Shoe Shop mornings and evens and Saturdays, where his industriousness was visible at all times, and he performed his work in such a cheerful manner it was a delight to be in his presence.
"The various teachers with whom he was daily associated, and previous teachers as well, have only the highest words of praise for him. He had won the love and affection of each one of them.
"He has answered the summons from over yonder and has gone down thru the Dark Valley. The Master has piloted him safely across the Mystic Riveer of Death into that Beautiful Haven of Rest. His short life's work is finished here, but his coming into the home and school has left a lasting impression for good that will increase as the years go by.
"The following poem was written as a tribute to his memory by one of the eighth grade girls:
'A dear one from us is gone; a voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our ranks, which can never be filled.
Many times his friends will miss him, but his memory will remain,
And the comforting thought comes to us, Our Loss is Heavens gain.'
Those left to mourn their loss are the father, mother, four brothers and one sister: Rolley Edward, Roy Earl, Raymond Quinton, Beulah May, and Lester Everett, as well as many other relatives and friends, and to them the deep sympathy of the entire community will be extended."
[CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May 12, 1921]
Notes: Lawrence was drowned when attending a picnic. His tombtone has an error on the date of his death, which reads 1922, but in actuality is May 6, 1921.
[From the CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May, 1921]
"Young lad drowned, Lawrence Remster is seized with cramps while swimming - body soon recovered - with young companions had started on a picnic - affair saddens many hearts--
Relatives and friends were shocked last Friday afternoon by the news that Lawrence Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Remster of E. Armory Ave. had been drowned in what is known as the "Eikenberry Pond" in the east outskirts of the city. As there was no school on Friday afternoon, Lawrence and his brother Earl and some friends obtained permission to go on a picnic. They had gone but a few minutes when it was reported that Lawrence was drowning in the Eikenberry pond, where the boys had decided to indulge in a swim. Lawrence was seen to go down, and while some of the boys tried to rescue him, others summoned help. Among those to respond to the call for assistance were Mayor Van Arsdale and City Clerk Householder. The water in the pond is only about six feet deep, and Mr. Householder, who is quite tall, with a rope tied around his waist, waded into the pond, the water striking him on the chin, and soon found the body of young Lawrence and with the lifeless form in his arms, was pulled from the pond by Mayor Van Arsdale and others. Dr. Dave Storie, who appeared on the scene, gave medical attention and attempted to resuscitate the lad, but life was extinct.
"It is thought that the boy was seized with cramps soon after entering the water and was drownded before help could reach him. The body was removed to the home of the grief stricken parents, which he had left but a few minutes before, so happy and carefree.
"On Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, largely attended funeral services, conducted by Elder E. W. Vurtis, were held at the United Brethern Church after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest at the Chariton Cemetery. [Unreadable] - and beautiful, tender messages of love for the dead and sympathy for the living. Six classmates, Norman Wells, Gwynne Runnels, Lawrence Bolton, Clifford Wells, Russell George, and Carl Carnego acted as pallbearers. The seventh and eighth grade pupils and their teachers attended the last rites in body."
"Lawrence was an admirable boy, displaying his kind disposition with a pleasant smile for everyone. He went about each day's tasks with no thought of complaint and with an unusual willingness to accomplish the duties that fell to him. In the home he never slighted the work that fell upon him to be performed.
"Among his playmates we have never heard him spoken in any way but the highest terms. Although possessing a rather quiet disposition, he enjoyed the pleasant things that came along, yet never forgetting to be polite in his manners and thoughtful of those about him. For the past year he had been employed at the Busy Bee Shoe Shop mornings and evens and Saturdays, where his industriousness was visible at all times, and he performed his work in such a cheerful manner it was a delight to be in his presence.
"The various teachers with whom he was daily associated, and previous teachers as well, have only the highest words of praise for him. He had won the love and affection of each one of them.
"He has answered the summons from over yonder and has gone down thru the Dark Valley. The Master has piloted him safely across the Mystic Riveer of Death into that Beautiful Haven of Rest. His short life's work is finished here, but his coming into the home and school has left a lasting impression for good that will increase as the years go by.
"The following poem was written as a tribute to his memory by one of the eighth grade girls:
'A dear one from us is gone; a voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our ranks, which can never be filled.
Many times his friends will miss him, but his memory will remain,
And the comforting thought comes to us, Our Loss is Heavens gain.'
Those left to mourn their loss are the father, mother, four brothers and one sister: Rolley Edward, Roy Earl, Raymond Quinton, Beulah May, and Lester Everett, as well as many other relatives and friends, and to them the deep sympathy of the entire community will be extended."
[CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May 12, 1921]
Notes: Lawrence was drowned when attending a picnic. His tombtone has an error on the date of his death, which reads 1922, but in actuality is May 6, 1921.
[From the CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May, 1921]
"Young lad drowned, Lawrence Remster is seized with cramps while swimming - body soon recovered - with young companions had started on a picnic - affair saddens many hearts--
Relatives and friends were shocked last Friday afternoon by the news that Lawrence Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Remster of E. Armory Ave. had been drowned in what is known as the "Eikenberry Pond" in the east outskirts of the city. As there was no school on Friday afternoon, Lawrence and his brother Earl and some friends obtained permission to go on a picnic. They had gone but a few minutes when it was reported that Lawrence was drowning in the Eikenberry pond, where the boys had decided to indulge in a swim. Lawrence was seen to go down, and while some of the boys tried to rescue him, others summoned help. Among those to respond to the call for assistance were Mayor Van Arsdale and City Clerk Householder. The water in the pond is only about six feet deep, and Mr. Householder, who is quite tall, with a rope tied around his waist, waded into the pond, the water striking him on the chin, and soon found the body of young Lawrence and with the lifeless form in his arms, was pulled from the pond by Mayor Van Arsdale and others. Dr. Dave Storie, who appeared on the scene, gave medical attention and attempted to resuscitate the lad, but life was extinct.
"It is thought that the boy was seized with cramps soon after entering the water and was drownded before help could reach him. The body was removed to the home of the grief stricken parents, which he had left but a few minutes before, so happy and carefree.
"On Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, largely attended funeral services, conducted by Elder E. W. Vurtis, were held at the United Brethern Church after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest at the Chariton Cemetery. [Unreadable] - and beautiful, tender messages of love for the dead and sympathy for the living. Six classmates, Norman Wells, Gwynne Runnels, Lawrence Bolton, Clifford Wells, Russell George, and Carl Carnego acted as pallbearers. The seventh and eighth grade pupils and their teachers attended the last rites in body."
"Lawrence Myrl Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Remster, was born on August 13, 1905, in Ottumwa, Iowa, where a part of his early life was spent. In 1918 he moved, with his parents, from Van Meter to Chariton, Iowa, where he resided until May 6, 1921, when he met his tragic death by drowning, his age being 15 years, 8 months, and 23 days.
"Lawrence was an admirable boy, displaying his kind disposition with a pleasant smile for everyone. He went about each day's tasks with no thought of complaint and with an unusual willingness to accomplish the duties that fell to him. In the home he never slighted the work that fell upon him to be performed.
"Among his playmates we have never heard him spoken in any way but the highest terms. Although possessing a rather quiet disposition, he enjoyed the pleasant things that came along, yet never forgetting to be polite in his manners and thoughtful of those about him. For the past year he had been employed at the Busy Bee Shoe Shop mornings and evens and Saturdays, where his industriousness was visible at all times, and he performed his work in such a cheerful manner it was a delight to be in his presence.
"The various teachers with whom he was daily associated, and previous teachers as well, have only the highest words of praise for him. He had won the love and affection of each one of them.
"He has answered the summons from over yonder and has gone down thru the Dark Valley. The Master has piloted him safely across the Mystic Riveer of Death into that Beautiful Haven of Rest. His short life's work is finished here, but his coming into the home and school has left a lasting impression for good that will increase as the years go by.
"The following poem was written as a tribute to his memory by one of the eighth grade girls:
'A dear one from us is gone; a voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our ranks, which can never be filled.
Many times his friends will miss him, but his memory will remain,
And the comforting thought comes to us, Our Loss is Heavens gain.'
Those left to mourn their loss are the father, mother, four brothers and one sister: Rolley Edward, Roy Earl, Raymond Quinton, Beulah May, and Lester Everett, as well as many other relatives and friends, and to them the deep sympathy of the entire community will be extended."
[CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May 12, 1921]
Notes: Lawrence was drowned when attending a picnic. His tombtone has an error on the date of his death, which reads 1922, but in actuality is May 6, 1921.
[From the CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May, 1921]
"Young lad drowned, Lawrence Remster is seized with cramps while swimming - body soon recovered - with young companions had started on a picnic - affair saddens many hearts--
Relatives and friends were shocked last Friday afternoon by the news that Lawrence Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Remster of E. Armory Ave. had been drowned in what is known as the "Eikenberry Pond" in the east outskirts of the city. As there was no school on Friday afternoon, Lawrence and his brother Earl and some friends obtained permission to go on a picnic. They had gone but a few minutes when it was reported that Lawrence was drowning in the Eikenberry pond, where the boys had decided to indulge in a swim. Lawrence was seen to go down, and while some of the boys tried to rescue him, others summoned help. Among those to respond to the call for assistance were Mayor Van Arsdale and City Clerk Householder. The water in the pond is only about six feet deep, and Mr. Householder, who is quite tall, with a rope tied around his waist, waded into the pond, the water striking him on the chin, and soon found the body of young Lawrence and with the lifeless form in his arms, was pulled from the pond by Mayor Van Arsdale and others. Dr. Dave Storie, who appeared on the scene, gave medical attention and attempted to resuscitate the lad, but life was extinct.
"It is thought that the boy was seized with cramps soon after entering the water and was drownded before help could reach him. The body was removed to the home of the grief stricken parents, which he had left but a few minutes before, so happy and carefree.
"On Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, largely attended funeral services, conducted by Elder E. W. Vurtis, were held at the United Brethern Church after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest at the Chariton Cemetery. [Unreadable] - and beautiful, tender messages of love for the dead and sympathy for the living. Six classmates, Norman Wells, Gwynne Runnels, Lawrence Bolton, Clifford Wells, Russell George, and Carl Carnego acted as pallbearers. The seventh and eighth grade pupils and their teachers attended the last rites in body."
"Lawrence was an admirable boy, displaying his kind disposition with a pleasant smile for everyone. He went about each day's tasks with no thought of complaint and with an unusual willingness to accomplish the duties that fell to him. In the home he never slighted the work that fell upon him to be performed.
"Among his playmates we have never heard him spoken in any way but the highest terms. Although possessing a rather quiet disposition, he enjoyed the pleasant things that came along, yet never forgetting to be polite in his manners and thoughtful of those about him. For the past year he had been employed at the Busy Bee Shoe Shop mornings and evens and Saturdays, where his industriousness was visible at all times, and he performed his work in such a cheerful manner it was a delight to be in his presence.
"The various teachers with whom he was daily associated, and previous teachers as well, have only the highest words of praise for him. He had won the love and affection of each one of them.
"He has answered the summons from over yonder and has gone down thru the Dark Valley. The Master has piloted him safely across the Mystic Riveer of Death into that Beautiful Haven of Rest. His short life's work is finished here, but his coming into the home and school has left a lasting impression for good that will increase as the years go by.
"The following poem was written as a tribute to his memory by one of the eighth grade girls:
'A dear one from us is gone; a voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our ranks, which can never be filled.
Many times his friends will miss him, but his memory will remain,
And the comforting thought comes to us, Our Loss is Heavens gain.'
Those left to mourn their loss are the father, mother, four brothers and one sister: Rolley Edward, Roy Earl, Raymond Quinton, Beulah May, and Lester Everett, as well as many other relatives and friends, and to them the deep sympathy of the entire community will be extended."
[CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May 12, 1921]
Notes: Lawrence was drowned when attending a picnic. His tombtone has an error on the date of his death, which reads 1922, but in actuality is May 6, 1921.
[From the CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT, May, 1921]
"Young lad drowned, Lawrence Remster is seized with cramps while swimming - body soon recovered - with young companions had started on a picnic - affair saddens many hearts--
Relatives and friends were shocked last Friday afternoon by the news that Lawrence Remster, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Remster of E. Armory Ave. had been drowned in what is known as the "Eikenberry Pond" in the east outskirts of the city. As there was no school on Friday afternoon, Lawrence and his brother Earl and some friends obtained permission to go on a picnic. They had gone but a few minutes when it was reported that Lawrence was drowning in the Eikenberry pond, where the boys had decided to indulge in a swim. Lawrence was seen to go down, and while some of the boys tried to rescue him, others summoned help. Among those to respond to the call for assistance were Mayor Van Arsdale and City Clerk Householder. The water in the pond is only about six feet deep, and Mr. Householder, who is quite tall, with a rope tied around his waist, waded into the pond, the water striking him on the chin, and soon found the body of young Lawrence and with the lifeless form in his arms, was pulled from the pond by Mayor Van Arsdale and others. Dr. Dave Storie, who appeared on the scene, gave medical attention and attempted to resuscitate the lad, but life was extinct.
"It is thought that the boy was seized with cramps soon after entering the water and was drownded before help could reach him. The body was removed to the home of the grief stricken parents, which he had left but a few minutes before, so happy and carefree.
"On Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, largely attended funeral services, conducted by Elder E. W. Vurtis, were held at the United Brethern Church after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest at the Chariton Cemetery. [Unreadable] - and beautiful, tender messages of love for the dead and sympathy for the living. Six classmates, Norman Wells, Gwynne Runnels, Lawrence Bolton, Clifford Wells, Russell George, and Carl Carnego acted as pallbearers. The seventh and eighth grade pupils and their teachers attended the last rites in body."
Gravesite Details
Lawrence's date of death is May 6, 1921. Tombstone was incorrect but never rectified.
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