John and Mary La Favre

Jeffrey La Favre - jlafavre@gmail.com

John O. La Favre in his wedding outfit in 1893. He and Mary E. were married February 16th at the bride's home in Jones Township, Union County, Iowa. John O. was born in 1865. Floyd looked up the different spellings of La Favre. Records of Floyd's great great grandfather Abraham, Jr., and his father Abraham Sr., in Augusta and Washington Counties, VA., in the 1780s and the 1790s have the name Lefever or LeFever. In Kentucky it was spelled Layfeevers, Lefevers and Lefever. Later it became Lafever, Lafaver and Lafavre. In the 1850s some were spelling it LaFavre. - Barbara La Favre

News article from "The Enterprise" - Afton's weekly newspaper

MARRIED

At the residence of the brides mother, in Jones township, last Thursday evening, Feb. 16th, Miss Mary E. Huntzinger was united in marriage to Mr. John O. Lafavre, Rev. Fleming officiating. The groom is a successful young farmer of that township, is active and progressive and will make in time one of the substantial citizens of that precinct. The bride, Miss Huntzinger is one of Union county's successful and painstaking teachers and the profession sustains a loss by her retirement. She posseases qualities that will go far toward making the career of her husband happy and successful. The happy pair are enjoying a honeymoon trip to Lucas after which they will settle upon the groom's farm west of Thayer.

End of article

A note from Ivan La Favre: I think the honeymoon was to Lucas County by train, where J. O. La Favre had brothers.

John and Mary with children Floyd and Grace

A young Huguenot boy in France experienced a vision of an uncle being crucified on a wall. He told his mother. She then baked a bible in a loaf of bread and the boy fled with it. The bible is now in a museum in Pennsylvania. This boy was a La Favre relative. Grace gave me this information, but she said it was from Floyd's research. - Barbara La Favre

Floyd (age 7) and Grace (age 3)

Back row (l to r): Grace (born 11-8-1897), Floyd (born 11-28-1893) and Verna (Mildred) (born 3-21-1910), front row (l to r) John O. (born 4-26-1865), Mary Ellen (Mollie) (born 11-18-1869) and John (Ivan) (born 10-5-1906). Mollie died in 1960 and John O. died in 1931.

History of Union County, Iowa
By George Ide 1908
Page 488-489

John O. La Favre

John O. La Favre, a resident farmer of Jones township, is located on section 21. He was born in Morgan county, Indiana, April 26, 1865, and his father, Jacob La Favre, also a native of that state, was of French ancestry. Reared to manhood in Indiana when it was a pioneer district, he aided in its substantial development. When he had arrived at years of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Farr, also a native of that state. He followed farming in Morgan county and while there living seven sons and two daughters were born unto him and his wife. The year 1876 witnessed his arrival in Iowa, at which time he took up his abode in Lucas county, where he purchased a farm, upon which he resided until called to the home beyond, July 22, 1896. His wife died April 11, 1879.

John O. La Favre was a young man of sixteen years when he came to Union county. He had arrived in Iowa when but eleven years of age and was a resident of Lucas county until 1881, when he came to Union county to work by the month as a farm hand. His education was acquired in the schools of both Lucas and Union Counties and he continued to provide for own support as a farm hand until it became possible for him to engage in farming on his own account. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he won Miss Mollie Huntzinger, whom he wedded on the 16th of February, 1893. She was born and reared in Union county, a daughter of W. H. Huntzinger, who removed westward at an early day, becoming one of the first settlers of Union county. He was a soldier of the Civil war, serving with the Union army throughout the period of hostilities and holding the rank of lieutenant in an Indiana regiment. His death occurred soon after the close of hostilities.

After his marriage Mr LaFavre and his bride resided upon a farm of eighty acres, which he had previously purchased, and there lived for a number of years, bringing the fields into a high state of rich fertility. Later he bought the Kemmer place of sixty-three acres and still later added more land until he now has one hundred and sixty acres. He has built to and remodeled the house, and the farm with its substantial buildings, well-tilled fields and other equipments indicates his progressive ideas and his practical methods. He uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and keeps in touch with modern ideas of progressive agriculture. He has set out some fruit upon his place and he raises high-grade cattle, having some fine red polled stock, with a pure blooded registered male at the head of his herd. He also raises registered and high-grade Poland China hogs. His farm is thoroughly modern in its equipments and Mr LaFavre is one whose activity and enterprise constitute the source of Union county's agricultural development and prosperity.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born three sons and a daughter, Floyd B., Grace E., and John Ivan, still living; and William J., who died in infancy. The parents are consistent and devoted members of the United Brethren church and in political faith Mr LaFavre is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as affairs which, capably conducted, have brought him signal success. His life proves that prosperity is not a matter of genius as contended by some but is the result of clear judgment, experience and unfaltering industry. These qualities have made Mr LaFavre a successful farmer. He has lived continuously in this state for almost a third of a century, so that its history is largely familiar to him. Events which others know merely from records he has witnessed and has lived to see this region so transformed and developed that it is classed with one of the best agricultural sections of this great state.

end of entry in book - provided by Mike La Favre

John O. La Favre's farm near Thayer, Iowa. Howard La Favre, John's grandson, in photo.

John O. La Favre and his horse team

LaFAVRE FAMILIES - Floyd La Favre

Four La Favre brothers born of French Protestant ancestry in southern Indiana came to Union County. John S., the oldest, came in 1854 with the sole property of one horse. He started working at $25 a month, and before his death in 1921 had acquired 600 acres of timberland and prairie stretching along the north side of a line about where Highway 34 now runs. It extended from Grand River east to Thayer. He was postmaster for eight years in Thayer and for a time co-owner of a general mercantile and hardware store there. But the site of his home was on the north-south road now followed by Highway 169, about half a mile north of its intersection with No. 34. This was also a stage-stop before the railroad came.

John and his wife Sarah, nee Ladema, had six children born here, four of whom were still living in 1887 - Lydia, Catharine, Jacob B. and Jane.

John S. served in Co. H 29th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, from Dec. 1, 1862 to July 1865. He was also a member of the Masonic Order and highly esteemed. John S. & Jacob, his brother, are buried at West Union Cemetery, Thayer.

Jacob, the second brother, lived here from 1864 till his death in 1900. He owned several hundred acres of bottom land and adjoining hills along Grand River south of the C.B.& Q. Railroad. He married Sarah J. Moores, a widow, and to them was born one daughter, Minta, who married Edward Smith.

The third brother Samuel and his wife Margaret did not come from Indiana till 1882, but then they lived in this county 38 years, part of the time on a farm in New Hope Township. Seven children were born to Samuel and Margaret, but only four survived them; Cora Franklin of Creston being the last in this county.

Samuel had served three years and two months in Co. H 33rd Reg't. Indiana Infantry during the Civil War. Samuel is buried at Losimoz(?), IA.

Daniel, the youngest of these brothers, was also a war veteran, having served in the same company as Samuel. He seems to have had little contact with Union County except living on a rented farm about 1875.

John La Favre whose father was a first cousin of these four brothers, came from Lucas County in 1881 and worked for Jacob. He put in an O for a middle name to distinguish him from John S. In February, 1893, he married Minta LaFavre's closest friend, a schoolteacher named Mary ("Mollie") E. Huntzinger. From Jacob this young couple bought 80 acres lying along the north side of the railroad and to the south of the above-mentioned intersection of Highways 169 and 34. Later they bought at least 100 acres more land to the west and continued general farming and stock-raising until they sold the home and moved to Afton in 1919.

John O and Mollie were very hard-working persons, active in church and community affairs and (my copy ends here).

Floyd (ca. 13), Grace (ca. 9) and Ivan La Favre

Nov. 18, 1990
LA FAVRE DAY
RELIGIOUS ROOTS AND MINISTRY

JOHN IVAN LA FAVRE

My La Favre ancestors are thought to have come to the United States as a part of the Protestant Huguenot migration from France in the late 1600's. I am ecumenical -- I prefer the Methodist tradition -- but I appreciate and respect other persuasions. I am glad for the present, friendly spirit between our church and our Catholic friends. In Pennsylvania and New York, our family name was spelled LeFever and sometimes La Favre. My grandfather, Jacob La Favre, came by covered wagon from Indiana to Lucas County, Iowa. He was among the first members of Pleasant Prairie METHODIST Church north of Chariton. My father, John O. La Favre, went to Union County, Iowa where he joined the Otterbein Chapel of the UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST, about 68 miles southwest of Des Moines. I was converted to Christ in this church at age 6 in 1912. At Afton, Iowa in Union County I joined the UNITED EVANGELICALS.

end of John Ivan's words

AFTON STAR-ENTERPRISE
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1931
Obituary

John O. La Favre, the subject of this sketch, was born in Morgan county, Indiana, April 26, 1865 and departed this life March 7, 1931, at his home in Afton, being almost sixty-six years of age.

When he was eleven years old his parents emigrated in a covered wagon according to the fashion of the day, and settled on a farm in Lucas county, Iowa. The children never forgot the thrilling experiences of this adventure.

At the age of sixteen, Mr. La Favre came to Union county and made his home with his father's cousin, Jacob La Favre.

On February 16, 1893, he was married to Miss Mary E. Huntzinger of this county, and for the next 27 years they made their home on their farm east of Talmage. Their union was blest with five children; Rev. Floyd B., now a pastor of the United Brethren church, Harlem, Montana; Mrs. Grace E. Fox of Mt Etna, Iowa; William J. who died in infancy; Rev J. Ivan, pastor of the Evangelical church of Maxwell, Iowa; and Mildred, teacher in the schools at Russell, Iowa.

Besides his wife and children, he is survived by five grandchildren; one sister; Mrs. Mollie Morehead, Barada, Nebr. three brothers, Grant of Russell; Cliff of Melrose; and Thomas of Chariton, together with other relatives and friends. His going will be mourned by his many friends and neighbors for his life was a distinct contribution to the community in which he lived.

Brother La Favre has led a devout Christian life since his conversion, which occurred at the Otterbein United Brethren church located southeast of Talmage, until he moved to Afton eleven years ago, when he identified himself with the Evangelical church. Brother La Favre was a man among men. We have always found him fair and square in every particular. He was the preacher's friend and helper. He has taken a prominent part in Kingdom service both in and beyond the churches in which he held membership. Servant of God, well done!

The glorious warfare's past,
The battle's fought, the race is won
And thou are crowned at last.

Funeral services were conducted from the Evangelical church Tuesday morning, March 10, at 10 o'clock, in charge of Rev. M. E. shank, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Woolson, pastor of the United Brethren church of Talmage and Otterbein, and interment was made in the Otterbein church cemetery, in the family lot, where his infant son had been laid to rest.

Among the relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral service of J. O. La Favre, last Tuesday, were; Rev. F. B. La Favre, of Harlem, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Fox, Mt Etna, Iowa; Rev. and Mrs. J. Ivan La Favre and baby daughter, of Maxwell, Iowa; G. W. La Favre; of Russell, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Cliff La Favre, of Melrose, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. T. E. La Favre of Chariton, Iowa; Mrs. Verda Hahn, Osceola, Iowa; J. H. Huntzinger, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr and Mrs. Carl Vert of Lorimor, Iowa; Mrs. Tena Allison, of Griswold, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Nichols, Mrs H. J. Wilson of Arispe, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Fox, Mrs. Ralph Cooper, Corning, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Franklin, Mrs. J. W. Milnes, Mrs. Lillie Bridge, and Mrs. Myrtle McGuire, Creston, Iowa

A Tribute

The following words of appreciation were spoken at the funeral service in behalf of the La Favre family, by the eldest son, Rev. Floyd B. La Favre:

"Dear ones, and beloved friends, suffer me to speak for my mother and her children. We would but pay a dept of tribute to him who has been promoted to higher realms.

"We honor him as a faithful husband and father. His love was demonstrated in deeds. He provided us a home at the cost, not of cleverness, but of toil and self-denial. That home had the best of mothers, but he never shirked his responsibilities of a father. Besides the tender prayerful ministries of his wife, he devoted the courageous example of righteousness and firm discipline and encouragement toward noble living.

"He did his Christian duty toward the family-not merely as a priest praying for us, but as a head leading and directing us. He saw to it that there was daily worship in the home; he was up early on the Lords Day. and always took us to the house of God. We appreciate this, though we cannot measure the good it has done us.

"There were restraints in moral discipline, and I shall ever be thankful for his firmness. There was a program of work provided for the children in our home. I could wish the same for every household in the land. There was never a discouraging word as to our educational preparation for the best service, and only delight that his sons should be called to the gospel ministry.

"We bravely try to bring this bouquet of true appreciation today, but we feel that our best tribute will be wrought out in like faithful lives in the tomorrows. And the link taken out of the circle here shall bind us to the heavenly until we too shall finish our earthly task and be released to the presence of our Savior."

Card of Thanks

We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the sympathy and kindness shown us by the many friends and neighbors during our bereavement.

Mrs. J. O. La Favre and Family

end of obituary - provided by Mike La Favre

Obituaries for Mary La Favre provided by Mike La Favre

Afton Star Enterprise March 17, 1960 (Front Page)
Mary La Favre Dies In California

Mary E. (Molly) La Favre, 90 died Monday, March 7, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mildred Yackel at Lodi, California. Her death was caused by pneumonia.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:00 p. m. at the local Evangelical United Brethren church. Burial was in the Otterbein cemetery south and east of Afton.

Mrs. La Favre was born near Thayer in Union County, Iowa, and grew up on the farm where she was born. After teaching school for a few years, she married February 16, 1893, John O. La Favre. They made their home on a farm in Jones Township and later in Afton, where he died 29 years to the day (before) on March 7. For the past 10 years she had made her home in California with her daughter.

Afton Star Enterprise March 17, 1960

Obituary
Mary E. (Molly) La Favre, 90 died Monday, March 7, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mildred Yackel at Lodi, California. Her death was caused by pneumonia.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:00 p. m. at the local Evangelical United Brethren church. Burial was in the Otterbein cemetery south and east of Afton.

Surviving are four children, Rev Floyd B. La Favre of Pacoima, California, Mrs. Grace Fox of La Puente, California; Rev J. Ivan La Favre of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Mrs. Mildred Yackel, of Lodi, California; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a sister Mrs. Wilhelmina Allen of Eugene, Oregon.
“Mollie La Favre, as she was known to her old friends, needs no tribute beyond her life and character- unassuming, unselfish, uncomplaining, full of faith, hope, love and good works to the very end of her long life. She became a Christian in her teens and with her husband was a devout member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church throughout life. Together, they sacrificed to educate their children for a good life.

Memorial services were held in Lodi, California, on March 9 and in Afton, Iowa, on March 12. Interment was in the family plot in Otterbein Cemetery near Thayer where her parents and grandparents are buried.

Funeral services were held at the Afton E.U.B. church, with Rev. Riegle officiating at 2 P.M. Saturday.

Creston Advertiser March 9, 1960

Rites At Afton
Saturday for
Mary E. La Favre

Afton- Mrs. Mary E. (Molly) Le Favre, 90, died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mildred Yackel, at Lodi, Calif. The cause of death was pneumonia.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p. m. at the Evangelical United Brethren church in Afton. Her body will arrive Friday afternoon. The William Coen funeral home will be in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at Otterbein cemetery, south and east of Afton.

Mrs. Le Favre had made her home with her daughter for a number of years. She is also survived a daughter and a son in California, Mrs. Grace Fox and Floyd Le Favre. Another son, Ivan of Cedar Falls, also survives his mother.

end of obituaries

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