Rev. William Gough

WALSH - GOUGH - PRINGLE

Posted By: Deborah (email)
Date: 10/16/2004 at 15:35:41

Newspaper Clipping -- paper not identified

OBITUARY

Rev. William Gough, was born in Glouchester, Glouchestershire, Eng., July 23, 1817, and here he grew to manhood receiving his education in the schools of Glouchester and Cheltenham. His Godly mother early taught him the way of salvation in which he walked throughout his long pilgrimage.

After his conversion he felt divinely called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ which he did faithfully giving the word of life no uncertain sound.

He began his ministerial career at the age of 25 years preaching for the Wesleyan Methodist church in England for about 8 years, or until 1850 when he immigrated to America to enter a wider field of usefulness, coming directly to Illinois were he united with the Methodist Episcopal church taking work in Pittsfield where for two years or more he proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Here he first met Miss Susanna Walsh, who had recently arrived from Dublin, Ireland. She became his wife March 9, 1852, and together they lived, loved, and labored for more than forty-eight years, when God took her May 11, 1899, and for a little over eight years, he was waiting for the summons to join her and a son and daughter which had died in youth.

In 1853, he moved to Maquota, Iowa, the birthplace of Upper Iowa Conference. Here he was appointed
by Bishop Asbury to the Midwest Creek charge where he labored faithfully for the salvation of souls. enduring hardships and privations incident to itinerary life at that early day, but God gave him many precious souls for his hire.

Two years later he came to Janesville, Iowa, where the work was less encouraging. His circuit reached 100 miles, and oft through cold and snow he rode to break the bread over fifty years ago. This circuit consisted of six preaching points, each located on or near the Cedar River, including the present site of Waterloo, Janesville, Waverly, Plainfield, Nashua and Charles City. He preached six days each week, fording swollen streams and encountering peril on every hand. He visited the sick and comforted the afflicted - his faithful wife sharing his labors - and many were led by him to accept Christ as their Saviour some of whom are still living witnesses. others are telling the story "saved by grace" in a fairer clime.

His next charge was in Clarksville and adjoining points where he and his wife lived for some years, moving later to his farm north of this place in order that their children which had come to bless the home might be better trained in ways of usefulness.

In 1869 he with his family came to West Point township, purchasing the farm now owned by his son, T. A. Gough, located five miles northeast of Bristow. The family remained on the farm, but he still sustained his relationship to the conference, that of an ordained traveling minister preaching at Union Ridge and and other nearby points until about 1880 when on account of years and infirmity he retired from active work, but continued to preach whenever an opportunity and health permitted. His last sermon to a public congregation was delivered in the U. B. church at this place Oct. 21, 1906, the occasion being "Old People's Day" and was heartily appreciated by all. Some of the most powerful sermons were preached during his last illness, his mental faculties being very alert and his soul filled with the love of God.

Rev. William Gough, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Butler County, and for nine years a resident of this place, after several weeks of severe suffering due to debility of age, passed peacefully away at 1:25 a. m. May 30, 1907.

A kind father had gone, a safe counselor, a sure friend. His children rise up and call him blessed, while his hosts of friends regret his departure, and Methodism as sustained a severe loss.

The funeral services were held in the M. E. church at this place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Dr. J. W. Bissell, presiding elder of Cedar Falls, assisted by the regular pastor, J. D. Perry, and Rev. Chaffee of Dumont, Rev. Breaw of the U. B. church at this place and Rev. Hollett of the Christian church together with Rev. Wolcott of Allison were also present. The discourse on the resurrection was very comforting to the bereft.

His entire family of children were with him frequently during his illness, and were present at the funeral,
namely: Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kephart of Kesley; W. C. Gough of Clarkfield, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Gough of Clarksville and daughter; Mrs. O. J. Van Vleck of Shell Rock; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Gough, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Gough, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Corey and families. Those who were present and more distant relatives from abroad, were: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. James Walsh, and Mr. and Mrs. Delos Walsh of this place; Mr. and Mrs. James Pringle of Greene; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Mc Cracken of Greene; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Pringle of Greene.

A large concourse of friends and neighbors were also present at the funeral services. Interment was made in the Pilltown cemetery beside the remains of his wife and family departed. The bereft have the sympathy of the entire town and community in their loss.