Galer, John 1840-1929

GALER, GIFFORD, BEISNER, SMITH, PEACH, TINDAL

Posted By: S. Ferrall, IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/1/2015 at 23:29:25

Another Civil War Veteran Passes - John Galer, Nearly 90 Years of Age

John Galer, a veteran of the Civil war and much beloved citizen of Osborne county, passed to his reward last Friday, the end coming at the home of his son, C.M. Galer, in this city, where he expressed a desire to pass the remaining days of his long and useful life.

Since leaving his home in Alton about 10 years ago he has spent much of his time in Downs, where he became a familiar figure. Altho nearly 90 years of age he was spry and active and retained an exceptionally clear mind up until the time of his late illness, a few weeks before his death.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at Osborne Sunday at 2:30, the pastor, Rev. LeRoy Arend, officiating, assisted by Rev. Thompson of the Congregational church. Brother Masons escorted the body from the Tindal home to the church and at the grave in Osborne held the usual Masonic rites, the oration being delivered by H.A. Meibergen of this city. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends from Downs and Osborne.

John Galer, eldest son of David and Jane Galer, was born March 22, 1840, in Center county, Penn. and died at the home of his son, Chas. M. Galer, at Downs, Kans., November 29, 1929, at the age of 89 years, eight months and seven days. He was the eldest son of a family of seven children, who with his parents have all preceded him in death.

When he was 14 years of age his family moved to Bridgeport, Wisc., where he grew to manhood, he later moving to Littleport, Iowa.

On Sept. 21, 1861, he answered the call of his country, enlisting in the 11th Penn. Volunteer Cavalry, where he served as bugler in Company A and was honorably discharged Sept 21, 1864.

He was married to Esther Gifford April 19, 1866, at Littleport, Ia., and there they made their home for several years, he being employed as a teacher in the rural school for 16 years.

He came to Osborne county, Kansas in April, 1878 with his wife and three small children, and took a government claim in Mt. Ayr township. He taught the first term of school in a little sod schoolhouse and organized District 46. They endured all the hardships of pioneer life and raised their family of four sons and four daughters, seven of whom survive.

The loving wife and mother was called to her reward Dec. 17, 1898, and he bravely faced the task of raising his family alone. The eldest son Earl F. died at Lambert, Okla., six years ago.

Those left to mourn his passing are: Mrs. L.C. Beisner, Natoma; Mrs. W.E. Smith, Hays; George G., Skidmore, Mo.; Chas. M., Downs; John F. of Burr Oak; Mrs. C.A. Peach, Grand Junction, Colo.; and Mrs. Ray Tindal, of Osborne, with whom he has made his home for the past 10 years. All were present with their father during his illness except George, who was unable to come.

He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In 1880 he was converted and joined the Methodist church, of which he remained an active member, transferring his membership to the Osborne M.E. church several years ago. In 1886 he was ordained a local pastor and often filled the pulpit when necessary.

He joined the Masonic lodge while living in Iowa, later transferring his membership to Alton when that lodge was organized, and at the age of 70 was conferred the honor of a life membership in that order. He was actively interested in lodge work and held many different offices during his membership. He was a member of the Eastern Star and served several terms as Worthy Patron.

He was a charter member of the General Bull Post No. 106 G.A.R. at Alton until it disbanded, after which he joined the O.M. Mitchell Post No. 69 of Osborne.

In 1903, with his three younger children, he moved to Alton, where he made his home until the marriage of his youngest daughter in 1910. Since that time he has made his home with his son Chas. M. and daughter, Mrs. Ray Tindal.

~The Downs News and the Downs Times; Downs, Osborne co., KS
Thursday, December 5, 1929; front page (included photo)

Note: A similar obituary appeared in the Alton Empire on the same date. Additional info. in that obit included:

"Mr. Galer had been bed-fast for only a few weeks previous to his death .."

"He went to Kansas City a few weeks ago for an operation and since has not been able to be out much."

"Masons from Alton, Downs and Osborne lodges were present and the oration was given by H.A. Meibergen, of Downs. Three of his comrades, S.B. Farwell, B.F .Hilton, and R.R. Hays, attended the funeral."

"Burial was made in the Osborne cemetery by the side of his wife, who had recently been moved from the Pleasant Plain cemetery to the Osborne cemetery."

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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