The death of this highly respected citizen occurred last Friday in his home, in which his granddaughter, Miss Florence Poland, was his housekeeper and loving companion, and his daughter, Mrs. W. S. Barker, living next door. His illness was brief, and only a few weeks ago he was able to attend church, as was his life-long habit.
The funeral services were held in the M. E. church at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, in charge of Rev. E. A. Lang. Rev. L. L. Lockard, of Anamosa, preached the sermon and Rev. L. C. Lemon, of Oelwein, followed with a brief address, but both spoke feelingly and eloquently out of the fullness of their hearts and in admiration and love for one of the most devoted, faithful and conscientious citizens who ever honored and blessed the home, church and community life of this city and county. The following obituary was read on this occasion:
Ephraim Strawman was born August 7th, 1828, in Marion county, Ohio, and died February 2d, 1920, at Anamosa, Iowa, aged 91 years, 5 months and 26 days. He was the second of eight children born to Jacob Strohman, who came from Switzerland in 1821, and his wife, Christina.Rookmic. His five brothers, John, Daniel, Jonas, Emanuel and Samuel, and his two sisters, Caroline and Christina, preceded him in death.
Ephraim married Christina Alspaugh March 28th, 1852, in Marion county, Ohio, and two years later they moved to Iowa. Eight children were born to them—David Melvin, who was born in Ohio, Jacob Henry, Mary Alice, later Mrs. Poland, now deceased, Samuel Sylvester, William Franklin, Rosetta, now Mrs. W. S. Barker, Charles Daniel and Margaret Adella, now Mrs. G. F. Farragher, of Mt. Vernon. Jacob Henry died in infancy and Mary Alice in 1892.
After coming to Iowa, Mr. Strawman bought 160 acres of land four miles east of Anamosa, from Wesley Todd, for $3.12 an acre. Only five acres of this land were broken, and deer, were frequently seen, in that vicinity. He remained on the farm for forty-eight years and then moved to Anamosa. Mrs. Strawman died in September, 1900.
His boyhood and early manhood were spent in a religious atmosphere, for his father and mother were members of the Evangelical Association for over forty years, and their home was always a religious center. Ephraim made the family altar the chief-cornerstone of his home, and the duties of seed time or harvest were never so pressing as to crowd out the hour of devotions with his family.
While living in Ohio he was a member of the Evangelical Association. After moving to Iowa he joined a United Brethren Class and later became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he gave ceaseless energy and tireless devotion. He was class leader through all the years of his membership, and never was so happy as when in this service. He was an ardent prohibitionist and never missed an opportunity of raising his voice in the temperance cause. For years he has been known to his many friends as "Father Strawman" and his cheery voice and smile will be missed. His was a life simply but greatly lived, and he needed no introduction to his Christ when he entered the pearly gates. His acquaintance was of long standing and intimacy.
He leaves, besides six children, eighteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The choir sang "Home at Last," "Home of the Soul," this latter selection being by Mr . Strawman's special request, and:"All the Way My Savior Leads Me." The choir was composed of Mrs. Lawrence Miller, Mrs. J. A Belknap, Rev. C. L. Gould and Mr . E. A . Cromer, with Mrs. W . B. Skinner at the pipe organ.
The pall-bearers were Messrs. W . L. Lamb, J. A Belknap, W. H. Prentice, Harry Alspaugh, Lawrence Miller and Samuel Knapp.

Source: Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, 20 February 1920. page 1
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