Sewell Ellyson 1857-1903

ELLYSON, HILL, SULLIVAN, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/19/2018 at 08:05:36

9 July 1903 - West Branch Times

The community was shocked on Tuesday morning to learn of the death of Sewell Ellyson at his residence four miles north of town. Mr. Ellyson has been confined to his bed for some time, afflicted with bowel trouble, but his condition had not been considered serious until the past few days. His death occurred at about 4 o'clock Tuesday morning.

16 July 1903 - West Branch Times

Sewell Gower Ellyson was born Nov. 24, 1857, and died July 7, 1903, having reached the age of 45 years, 7 months and 14 days. He first saw the light on the farm now occupied by his mother, long known as the "Honey Grove" farm, but a half mile distant from his late residence. He had practically never known any habitation other than these two.

He was married Oct. 25, 1883, to Emma R. Hill, at the residence of the bride's parents near Morse. Four children survive this union, Chester, Hilda, Austin and Hermeone. In addition are left to mourn his faithful wife, his aged mother and two sisters, Mrs. Eva Sullivan, of Baker City, Ore., and Mrs. Ida Campbell, who resides on the adjoining farm.

After an acquaintance covering a period of 38 years, embracing boyhood, youth and manhood, the writer can say without equivocation that he was pure-minded, honorable and upright in every transaction. In every storm of life this brave and tender man was oak and rock, but in the sunshine he was vine and flower. With a passion for God's blessed sunlight and the open air, he early chose the humble avocation of a farmer, in which he became eminently successful and leaves to posterity a fair competence accumulated by 25 years of tireless industry. Deeply interested in the cause of education, he was for many years director of the sub-district in which he lived and at his death was treasurer of the district township of Gower, which office he had held for two or three terms.

We who knew him best and loved him most are sustained in this hour by undeniable assurance that all is well with his pure and gentle soul. The Lord God of Hosts has been his strong refuge for many years, and during his last hours on earth he clung to the Rock of Ages with a tenacity at once inspiring and sublime. Conscious of his approaching dissolution, his mind exceptionally clear and bright, he bade fond farewell to his immediate relatives and friends, giving to each words of comfort and good counsel, and so far adjusted his business matters as it was possible to do. For 17 years he had been prominently connected with the M.E. church, first uniting with it at Honey Grove and later transferring his membership to Oasis.

The funeral was held Thursday at 9 a.m. at his late residence, conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. P. VanHorn, with services at the M.E. church at Oasis and interment in the West Branch cemetery.

And so to our dutiful son, our loving husband, our indulgent father, our true brother, we can but say, "Farewell--a long farewell!" He leaves to posterity a priceless boon in an untarnished name. A.W.J.