Homer Gongwer 1853-1919

GONGWER, ELLETTE, BEAN, DICKMAN, DOLE, TAYLOR, MCGIRR

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/21/2018 at 08:25:24

13 March 1919 - West Branch Times

Homer Clark Gongwer was born on Aug. 30, 1853, at Marlboro, Stark county, Ohio, and passed to his eternal home Saturday afternoon, March 8, 1919, at 5:35 o'clock, aged 65 years, 6 months and 23 days.

He was the third son of John and Catherine Gongwer of Marlboro, Ohio. The other members of the family are: Simon Gongwer of Cedar Rapids, Isaac Gongwer of West Branch, Ellen Ellette of Los Angeles, Calif., Elmira Bean of Anthony, Kans., all of whom are living to mourn the loss of a kind and loving brother. Those preceding him in death are one brother, Joseph, and two sisters, Levina Dickman and Rossina Dole.

On May 30, 1875, Mr. Gongwer married Miss Margaret Taylor of Alliance, Ohio, and over 30 years they shared each others joys and sorrows together until April 7th, 1906, she passed to her eternal home.

To this union was born three children--two sons and one daughter--L. G. Gongwer of West Branch, Loren L. of Cedar Rapids; Ida May, who lived but two years.

On Feb. 14, 1908, Mr. Gongwer was married to Sara A. McGirr at Alliance, Ohio, who lives to mourn the loss of a loving husband.

To this family circle there were two grandchildren, one grandson, Warren, and one granddaughter, little Esther, who went Home a little while ago.

Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Gongwer spent all his life in agricultural pursuits. After his marriage in 1875, he came to Benton county and lived on a farm near Cedar Rapids for 6 years. In 1883 he moved to Lyon county for 6 years, then moved down to his farm near West Branch in 1889, where he has lived for 30 years and endeared himself to all the people in the community. Mr. Gongwer will be missed by a host of friends.

The funeral services were conducted by his pastor in the M.E. church on Tuesday afternoon, March 11, 1919, at 3:00 o'clock. Messrs. P.V.N. Myers and Harold Yetter and Mesdames W. B. Gerlits and P. C. CLarke, with Mrs. Myers at the organ, furnished the music for the service. They sang very beautifully Mr. Gongwer's favorite hymns. Interment was made in the West Branch cemetery.