Alfred Madson 1868-1908

MADSON, SMITH, MACGREGOR, OSBORN, WHITE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/24/2019 at 08:09:06

10 December 1908 - West Branch Times

Alfred A. Madson, eldest son of Neal and Minnie Madson, was born in Alburg, Denmark, Oct. 11, 1868, and died at San Diego, Cal., Nov. 11, 1908, age 40 years and 1 month.

When three years old he emigrated to America with his parents and settled in Marshalltown, Ia. Three years later they moved to West Branch, where his mother still resides. His father was called Home two years ago, after years of patient suffering.

Alfred received his education in the West Branch School and Cedar Rapids business college.

He was united in marriage to Emma J. Smith, Aug. 6, 1890. To this union was born three children, Ralph C., Ethelmae and Oscar Neal. Ralph C. died when 5 weeks old.

At an early age Alfred became his father's partner in the tailoring business, where he remained several years. In February, 1900, he went to Davenport, and became one of the firm of the Davenport Tailoring Co., and served that company as cutter. He was master of his chosen work, a thorough and successful business man. His health failed in 1904 and since that time he and his family have journeyed from place to place in a vain search for health. In October, 1907, went to San Diego, Calif. He was confined to his bed most of the time for 10 months. His beautiful Christian character was exemplified by his patience and cheerfulness, always so thoughtful of those who ministered to him and so thankful for everything.

His early religious training was in the Quaker church and by earnest Christian parents and was converted at an early age. In 1892 he and his wife united with the Methodist church in which he has ever since held some prominent position. He was a devoted Christian and made his profession count for Jesus by his honest, upright daily life, his untiring devotion to his family and friends. He was a member of Davenport Lodge No. 37, A.F. & A.M., The Eastern Star and M.W.A.

Of seven sisters and one brother only three sisters survive him--Marion MacGregor, Eva Osborn and Laura White, who with his mother, wife and two children mourn their loss, yet they mourn not as those without hope. In John 3-16 we read, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."