Crawford County, Iowa, IAGenWeb

Obituaries

Mrs. A. J. Gary (1855 - 1916)

Denison Review 1-12-1916

Mrs. A. J. Gary Laid to Rest
Funeral Services Held at Baptist Church, Rev. Robt J. Leavens, Unitarian Minister Officiating
Sons Act as Pall Bearers
Death occurred at Independence, Kans. At home of her son, Eugene, on last Tuesday

The funeral of the late Mrs. A. J. Gary, whose death occurred on Tuesday, January 4th, at the home of her son, Eugene, at Independence, Kans. was held at the Baptist church in Denison Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock in accordance with a request which she made just prior to her death that a Unitarian minister should conduct her funeral services. Rev. Robert T. Leavens, of Boston, Mass., who happened to be in Omaha on special work, was secured to officiate. The history of the life of Mrs. Gary was read by Mrs. Lee Barber and after the services the body was laid to rest in Oakland cemetery beside the grave of her departed son, W. Gordon Gary. The sons of Mrs. Gary acted as pall bearers.

The deceased, whose maiden name was Lucretia Parks Munger, was born in Cedar county, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1855. At the age of two years she was left motherless but fortunately she found a home with one of nature's noble women, a Mrs. Joseph Smith, who reared her to young womanhood.

On the 27th of October, 1872, she was united in marriage to Mr. A. J. Gary in Cedar county, Iowa. On Christmas day, 1873, she moved with her husband to Denison, which has been her home since that time. Mrs. Gary was the mother of eight children: W. Gordon, Eugene, Myrtle, now the wife of F. F. Conery, Albert, Floyd Emerson, Pearl Edna, Frank Judson, Cecil Bryan, who with the exception of the eldest, W. Gordon who departed this life on the 26th day of September, 1909 and her husband, are left to mourn her loss, besides eight grandchildren.

She passed away on the fourth day of January, 1916 at Independence, Kans. where she had gone with her husband two weeks previous to spend the winter with her son, Eugene, in the hope of improving her health, which had been very seriously impaired last spring by a serious and violent attack of smallpox. She left no near relatives of her mother's family as they all, with the exception of some nieces and nephews had preceded her to the great beyond many years ago. The immediate cause of the death of Mrs. Gary was due to pneumonia, which set in only a few days after her arrival at Independence. Her daughter, Miss Pearl, was summoned and it was a great comfort to her in the last few days to have the loving care of a daughter.

Mrs. Gary was a good and kind ... (missing rest - please get microfilm of paper)

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Giblin, John L. (1877 - 1918)

Denison Review, May 1, 1918
Death: John L. Giblin Passes Beyond
Young Man, Who Spent Most of His Life at Vail, Dies at Cedar Rapids on Monday, April 22.
Deceased Leaves Wife and Three Children Besides Numerous Relatives - Many Attend the Funeral

On Monday morning, April 22, at about eight o'clock at his home at Cedar Rapids, occurred the death of Dr. John L. Giblin, following an extended illness of about two years of heart trouble. The news of his death was received with universal sorrow but his condition was not such as to cause alarm until a short while before he passed away.

Dr. John L. Giblin, son of Michael Giblin, of this place, was born at Sterling, Ill, Sept. 10, 1877, and died at his home in Cedar Rapids, April 22, 1918, aged 40 years 7 months and 12 days. Most of his life was spent in this town as it was here he grew to manhood. He graduated from St. Ann's academy and later spent three years at college at Dubuque. He followed the vocation of an eye doctor, for many years, during which time he gradually ascended the ladder of success.

He was united in marriage to Miss Mary McNamara at St. Ann's church, June, 1901. To this union one son, John, was born. His wife preceded him to the grave some 15 years ago.

He was again married about 13 years ago to Miss Margaret Rueruda at Cedar Rapids. To this union, two children, Michael and Margaret were born. Surrounded by his loving wife, and devoted children, the angel of death gently severed the fragile cord which separated this devoted son, husband and father from earth and those he loved so dearly.

The funeral services were held at St. Ann's church at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. Solemn requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Murphy, Rev. Father Farrelly of Denison, deacon, Rev. Father Harty, sub-deacon. The spacious church was filled with sympathizing relatives and friends. After mass they accompanied the remains to their last resting place in St. Ann's cemetery.

Besides the sorrowing wife, three children, namely: John, of this place, and Michael and Margaret, who live at Cedar Rapids, his father, Michael Giblin of this place, and one brother, T. J. Giblin, of Denison and two sisters, Mrs. P. Cody, of Manilla and Mrs. Jas. Brogan of this place, besides numerous other relatives and friends are left to mourn his death.

Those from a distance in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Bombhoover and family of Carroll, James Hook and wife of Manilla, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cody and baby, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McMahon and Mrs. P. Cody and daughters Nellie and Annie besides other relatives who accompanied the remains from Cedar Rapids. The pall bearers were P.T. Brogan, John Monoghan, Jas. Brogan, John Brogan, Bert Mitchell and Bart Mitchell.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the sorrowing relatives in this sad hour of affliction.

Submitted by Paula Curcio


Giblin, Mrs. Mike (abt 1847 - 1907)

November 20, 1907

Mrs. Mike Giblin died at her home in Vail Sunday, November 17, 1907, at half past two p.m. She was stricken with paralysis a few days before her death and remained unconscious until she passed away.

Mrs. Giblin was born at Castlereah county Roscommon Ireland, about sixty years ago. She came to this country when twenty years old, and soon after her arrival was married to Michael Giblin at Sterling, Ill.

About twenty-five years ago the family came west and settled in Hayes township this county. Two years ago they rented their farm and purchased a beautiful home in town where they expected to enjoy many years of happiness.

The deceased leaves to mourn her death, besides her husband four children. John who lives at Cedar Rapids, Thomas a farmer near Vail and Mrs. Patrick Cody and Mrs. James Brogan also living close to Vail.

In her death a kind patient and loving wife and mother who had done her part in life, passed to the great beyond. Those who remember her during the days she was a resident of this county will join in the sorrow of the husband and children at her departure, but firm in the belief that a true Christian life has ended on earth to enter upon a happier and better one. May her soul rest in peace.

Submitted by Paula Curcio


Giblin, Thomas (1836 - 1920)

Denison Review, April 28, 1920

Thomas Giblin was born in the parish of Ballentubber county, Roscommon, Ireland, in 1836 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John S. Brogan, near Vail, April 18, 1920 aged 84 years.

He came to America in 1864 and settled at Brooklyn, N.Y. where he worked in the iron foundry of Hotchkiss & Fields until 1878, when he came west to Illinois and settled near Sterling. In 1880 he came to Iowa and settled near Vail where, except for a period of four years spent in South Dakota, he has lived continuously up to the time of his death.

Mr. Giblin was married the year of his arrival in America to Annie McLaughlin at Brooklyn, N.Y. To this union were born eight children, three of whom have preceded him in death, two daughters and one son. The others, John S., of South Dakota; Mrs. M. Devaney, of near Vail; Mrs. David McCullough, of Hendricks, Minn.; Mrs. John S. Brogan, of near Vail; Mrs. George H. Knott of near Manilla, and one adopted son, Frank, of Tyndall, S.D. were all present at his funeral.

The funeral was held at St. Ann's church Tuesday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. James Murphy, and he was laid to rest in St. Ann's cemetery.

Submitted by Paula Curcio


Leverett C. Goodrich (1838 - 1899)

Denison Review, Friday, November 10, 1899

Mr. L. C. Goodrich Passes Away After Long Illness
An Esteemed Citizen
L. C. goodrich for Forty-five Years a Resident of Denison, Dies on Thursday, Nov. 9
Funeral Tomorrow

Mr. Leverett C. Goodrich, one of Denison's pioneer citizens, died at his home on Thursday, November 9. Mr. Goodrich had been in feeble health for nearly two years, his invalidism dating from an attack of the grippe. During these many months his health has been bad but it was not until the last six weeks that he was confined to his bed.

Mr. Goodrich was not only a pioneer but he was one of the most active men in building up the new country into a flourishing commonwealth. He was careful, prudent and industrious, his farm was a model not only of good husbandry but of genial hospitality. It was in times of reverses and misfortunes, however, that his character should itself in bold relief. He cheerfully made the best of ill fortune and by his fortitude and bravery gave an example to all.

His name has always been associated with the strictest honor and integrity. He was unpretentious and modest but kindly and charitable in all his dealings. He was one of the men who bore his part in life's battle actively and well, good fortune did not make him vain nor misfortune sour his kindliness. Our entire community will mourn with the faithful wife and daughters and his memory will live long in our hearts.

Leverett C. Goodrich was a son of Isaac R. Goodrich, one of the first men to settle in Crawford county. He was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., April 17, 1838 and came to Denison with his father's family in 1854.

In April 1865 he was married to Miss Rachel Turman and their third of a century of married life has been one of mutual helpfulness and trust. Three daughters were born to them, Mrs. Delia Dier of LeMars, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret DeWolf of Toronto, Canada and Miss Jessie, who has remained at home as a loyal helper and companion.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Goodrich began work on a 45 acre tract of unimproved land in Denison township. Under his careful management this grew to a farm of large proportions. The latter years of his life have been spent in Denison and he dies having the respect of all.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church, Rev. J. B. Harris officiating.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


James Allen Grainger (1868 - 1929)

Denison Review , Wednesday, January 16, 1929

Funeral Services for James Allen Grainger Held Here Saturday

James Allen Grainger, a resident of Crawford county for many years died suddenly Thursday, January 10, after an illness of only a few days duration at the home of his brother, Andrew Grainger.

The remains were brought to the home of his sister, Mrs. Rachel Orr, Friday and funeral services were held from the Catholic church at 9:30 o'clock Saturday morning, Rev. Father Bradley officiating. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery.

Mr. Grainger was the son of Patrick and Amanda Grainger and was born at Amherst Island, Canada, Dec. 7, 1868. He came with his parents when but a small boy to Crawford county, Iowa, and until ten years ago, made his home continuously on a farm in Paradise township. After retiring from farming he came to Denison where he has since made his home. He was one of the substantial farmers of the community, quiet, unassuming and highly respected by those who knew him.

He leaves to mourn his death three brothers: Andrew and Ed of Paradise township and Chas. of Stuart, Neb; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Cole of Dow City and Mrs. Rachel Orr of Denison and a number of nieces and nephews. His parents and two sisters have preceded him in death.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Silvanus B. Greek (1826 -1900)

Denison Review, Friday, April 6, 1900 (Photo with article)

Died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John T. Carey, on Wednesday morning, April 4, 1900, Major Silvanus B. Greek aged 73 years and 4 months.

The following biography is taken from the Biographical History of Sac, Crawford and Ida counties:

S. B. Greek was born in Canisteo, New York, December 25, 1826, son of Nathan and Margaret (Norton) Greek, who were of Scotch and German origin. Soon after his birth the family moved to Alleghany county and when he was nine years old they located in Chautauqua County, same state. His father dying when S. B. was quite small, the latter was early thrown upon his own resources.

When he was seventeen he spent one season on the lakes and in the fall landed in Chicago. On his arrival in that city, a green boy, he had but $5 in money. He bought a cap for $1.25 and in making change the merchant gave him a worthless $3 bill, leaving him with seventy-five cents in good money. He paid a farmer fifty cents for carrying his trunk to Rock Island and with the remaining twenty five cents bought bread and meat.

He set out on foot for Rock Island and followed Black Hawk's trail the entire distance, sleeping on the open prairie at night, as he was without means with which to pay for the night's lodging. He landed in Rock Island penniless. There he had expected to go on the river, but not liking the appearance of the river men, he concluded to try farming and hired out to a man for the winter at $9 per month. In the spring he rented his employer's farm and cultivated it one year.

Then he went to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he was variously employed for several years. He served three months in Scott's army. After that he worked at the carpenter's trade and also learned the trade of machinist.

Mr. Greek was married in December, 1850 to Miss Lucina Goodrich, a native of New York State. A year or two after marriage they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and eighteen months later to Butler County.

Mr. Greek's next move was to Crawford county. He brought with him four yoke of cattle, three cows, three yearling calves and a pair of horses. His was the first wagon to cross from Fort Dodge by was of Sac City to this part of the county, and with his faithful wife and two small children he landed here in September, 1855.

In June he had located a tract of eighty acres in section 30, Milford township and on this they settled in September. Here he built a hewed-log house, 14 x 16 feet, which is still standing, now being used as a corn crib. For four years after settling here he was engaged in breaking prairie. By honest industry and good management he was enabled from time to time to make additions to his original claim until he had between four and five hundred acres in one body, besides owning several other tracts of land.

Retiring from the active duties of farm life in 1887, he moved to Denison, where he has since resided. He had lived on his farm all these years, with the exception of four years spent in Denison during the Rebellion. Since leaving the farm he has spent some time in traveling in the south and on the Pacific coast. While in California he occupied a suite of rooms in the LeGrand and took his meals at the Palace Hotel, a wide contrast to his condition when tramping his weary way along old Black Hawk's trail across the prairie to Rock Island, Penniless, friendless, footsore and hungry.

He served as school director seventeen years, township treasurer seventeen years, trustee fourteen years, deputy sheriff two years and justice of the peace for a time. Mr. Greek never had a day's schooling in his life, all the education he had having been gained in the school of experience, but he made a most efficient officer. When he moved to Denison he resigned from the various positions he had held so long and has since been retired.

When he resigned his official positions as township treasurer of Milford township, the township board passed resolutions of regret, also commendation on the manner in which his books were kept, as he turned over one of the neatest and most perfectly kept set of books the township had ever received.

Mr. Greek had a family of five children namely; Seba I., Cyrus A., Wm., Maryett and Sylvanus B. The mother of these children died in 1876. In October, 1887, Mr. Greek married Mrs. Mary B. Rumsey, a native of New Orleans.

Mr. Greek had been in poor health for some time and his relatives and friends knew it was only a question of time before he would be called to his last rest. The funeral was held at the Methodist church on Thursday at 10 a.m., Rev. Harris preaching the sermon and the remains were laid to rest in Oakland cemetery.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Grimes, Billie (1914 - 1932)

Billie Grimes, Age 17 years, Astor, Iowa
Died: January 1, 1932, accidental gun shot wound
Born: December 8, 1914, Astor Iowa
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Grimes
Brother: Howard
Funeral Services: From the home
Burial: Astor Cemetery
Pallbearers: Edgar McCracken, Glen Rutherford, Morrell Knott, Robt. McLaren, Oliver Stenzel and Jas. Theobald
Honorary Pallbearers: Members of the 1931 football team and Billie's senior classmates

Submitted by Helen Carey Papalekas