GREGORY, Numidia: Died 1897

GREGORY, ALMOND, JOHNSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/22/2017 at 20:52:16

Obituary.

Numidia Gregory was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, November 23rd, 1823. When he was three years old he moved with his parents to Morgan county, Indiana, and at the age of twenty-one came to Iowa and settled near Richland on the farm where he spent his declining years. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Zelinda Almond, seven children were born to them, five of whom are still living.

In 1873 he suffered the loss of his companion and in 1878 he was united in marriage to Martha Johnson, five children were born were the result of this union, four of whom with his wife survive him.

He was a cabinet maker by trade and although he improved an eighty acre farm, the greater part of his active life was spent at cabinet work. During his life he made nearly 400 coffins and it was his wish that he be buried in one which his own hands had prepared.

He united with the Friends church about fifty years ago of which he has been an esteemed member ever since. During this time he served the church as an overseer three or four years, as an Elder twelve years, as clerk of preparative meeting seven years and also acted for a time as clerk of meeting of ministry and oversight. His life has been one of integrity and uprightousness. He was afflicted for a number of years and at times has been a great sufferer. When postrated about two weeks ago he seemed to realize that he was near the close of life. His trust and confidence was in God. He was resigned to the Lord's will and prayed that the angels might come to bear him home. As the end drew near his son saw him reaching out as though he would take hold of something and he said: "Heaven. Heaven is right there."

He passed away May 21st, 1897, aged seventy-three years, seven months and twenty-eight days.

The funeral service was held at Woolson in Friends church, May 23rd, 1897, and was conducted by Rev. Comfort.

The reaper of death has come again
And with his sickle keen,
He took the shock of corn full ripe
To that home to us unseen.

When upon his bed of sickness
Oft he sighed, "Oh for sweet rest,"
Now we think of him resting
Leaning on the Saviors breast.

He has passed through many trials
Which the settler only knows,
Soon this country once was barren
Bloom and blossom as the rose.

Oft he's fashioned with is own hand
Casket for both old and young,
But he's gone to that blessed haven
Where no funeral dirge is sung.

One by one we cross the portal
One by one we join the throng,
There with loved ones gone before us
Sing the glad redemption song.

Wife and children grieve not for him
But with faith and hope await,
Until you, too, hear the welcome:
"Enter in the Pearly Gate."

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 119, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Iowa