Jean Baptiste Gerard (1823-1894)

GERARD, OTHELLO

Posted By: Carl Malone (email)
Date: 6/19/2017 at 15:17:33

The Adams County Free Press
Corning, Iowa
February 22, 1894

Jean B. Gerard, an old and respected citizen of Corning and Adams county died at his home Saturday, Feb. 17, 1894, of dropsy, aged 70 years. Funeral conducted by Rev. A. M. Beaman.

Adams County Free Press
Corning, Iowa
March 1, 1894

In Memoriam.

After a protracted illness, J. B. Gerard died at his home in this city February 17, 1894, at 9:15 p. m. at the age of 70 years, 11 months and 24 days. The deceased was born in Lorraine, France February 22, 1823. His father was a Baker by occupation, giving his son a liberal education in his native country. The deceased learned the cabinet making trade and followed it for some time. In 1848 he came to America with the Icarian Community, landed in New Orleans, and two years later was followed by his parents.

In the spring of 1849 he went to Nauvoo, Ill., with E. Cabet and his followers who obtained a bill of incorporation from that state. Several times Mr. Gerard was elected one of the directors, and he occupied the position of teacher in the Icarian schools for sometime, exhibiting marked success in this direction. At Nauvoo his father died of that dread disease cholera, while his mother passed peacefully away in this county in 1873. In 1856, the deceased was married to Miss Theodorine Othello of Geneva, Switzerland.

In 1856, when Mr. Cabet tried to have the Icarian constitution revised, the majority of the society opposed the proposed revision and elected Mr. Gerard president. In 1860 he and his family moved to this county with the Icarian Community. After being connected with the society here for three years, he withdrew and engaged in farming, which he followed until 1892, when he removed to Corning. The deceased was always active and determined in the line of duty. He was a model citizen and was naturally a leader among men, and died without a known enemy. He had the qualifications of a good businessman, and was honest in his dealings with others. He was a kind and loving husband and father, a good neighbor, and for many years worked earnestly for the welfare of his offsprings.

He leaves the sorrowing wife, eight grief stricken sons and a multitude of friends to mourn his sudden demise.