Rev. Richard Breeden, 1850-1923

1923 Yearbook of the Iowa Annual Conference

of the Methodist Episcopal Church

--------------------------------------

Rev. Richard Breeden Served Jerome 1898-1900

--------------------------------------

  Rev. Richard Breeden was born at Versailes, Ind., Aug. 5, 1850 and departed this life at Evanston, Wyoming, June 4, 1923.

  In 1855 he came with his parents to Grinnell, Iowa, where they resided on a farm. He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of 12. After he had finished his work at Hazel Dell Academy at Newton, Iowa, and had spent three years at Iowa College, Grinnell, Ia., on November 2, 1875, he was united in marriage to Amanda J. Read, of Gilman, Iowa. They resided on a farm but soon thereafter he answered the call to the ministry and served the North Newton, Iowa, circuit. Six sons and one daughter were born to them. Luther P., of La Jara, Colorado, Ira C., who passed to his heavenly home at the age of eight years, Glenn G., budded on earth to bloom in heaven, Otis S., of Carpenter, Wyoming, Eber N., and John R., of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mrs. Nora M. Morse of Carpenter, Wyoming, these with the mother and twelve grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a faithful husband and loving father.

  After serving the North Newton Circuit for one year he then went to the Northwestern University and completed a course, also at Garrett Biblical Institute, receiving the degree of Ph.B. He served one year at Manitou, Ill., and later in 1887 he joined the Iowa Conference. He served Malcolm, Marysville, Chillicothe, Drakesville, Bentonsport, Lebanon, Cincinnati, North English and Sonora. For two years 1905-1907, he was assistant superintendent of the Home Finding association. During these years of faithful ministry he saw converted and received into the Methodist church 1500 people to say nothing of the many more converted under his ministry who joined other churches. He was evangelistic and faithful and untiring as a pastor.

  In 1908 he moved with his family to Carpenter, Wyoming, where they resided on a farm. He gave several years of ministry to the scattered settlements around his home to those who wanted to hear the Gospel and was instrumental in organizing a Methodist Church at Carpenter, serving as its first pastor. In 1915 he transferred his membership to the Wyoming State Conference and after three effective years he was transferred back to the Iowa Conference in 1918 and remained a member of that conference until the time of his death.

  The funeral services for Brother Breeden were held in the Methodist Church at Carpenter, Wyoming, conducted by the Rev. William T. Dunn, Dist. Supt., of the Cheyenne District, Wyoming state conference. The funeral was largely attended by the people for many miles around in their appreciation of their beloved neighbor and friend. Interment was in the local cemetery.

      "Servant of God, well done,

      Thy glorious warfare's past,

      Thy race is run, thy victory's won.

      And thou art crowned at last."