Mode [Moses] D. Compton, fifty-nine years old, well known in this county and city, was found dead in bed early Saturday morning [July 19, 1919] by his wife, who had gone to awaken him at his home one mile east of Edinburg, in Johnson County. Mr. Compton attended the races at Edinburg, Friday, and enjoyed the day. A stroke of apoplexy was said to have been the cause of his death, according to a statement of Dr. Sheek, Johnson County coroner.
He was born near Lewis Creek, Selby County, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Compton. Five years previous to the past March he had lived on the Harry Compton farm two and one-half miles northwest of Fairland. Recently he purchased the small farm near Edinburg where he was living when his death came.
He was married twice, his first wife being Mrs. Laura Mitchell, to whom seven children were born. One son died the past March of influenza. The others who survive the father are Roscoe and James, both of near Edinburg and Mrs. George Holdcraft, Mrs. Lucy Hayes, of near Edinburg, and Misses Tressie and Helen Compton at home. A sister, Mrs. Helen Watts, also survives.
He was married the second time to Miss Anna Bills, who survives. He was a man of exceptionally strong character and one to whom persons were easily attracted.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman