Taft, George W. 1807-1882

TAFT, WHITMORE, MATTSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/23/2015 at 03:33:05

Died. Taft - At his residence in East Elkport, Iowa, on April 23rd, 1882, of old age and general debility, George Taft, aged 75 years and 3 months.

The deceased was born in the town of Chelsea, Vermont, in 1807. In 1811 his parents removed to Van Buren, N.Y., where they resided several years. In 1827 they removed to Granvy, N.Y., and on the 21st day of February, 1832, he was married to Nancy C.E. Whitmore, of Fayetteville, N.Y., who died in 1835.

In 1836 he was married to Elmina Mattson, of Van Buren, N.Y., who survives him.

In 1847 he removed to York, Fulton Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1861, when he removed to Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he remained three years especially to educate his children. He then removed to Butler, Ind., where he operated a stave factory until 1867, when he again removed to Iowa, this time he located at Manchester, where he owned and operated a stave factory and saw mill. In 1874 he came to Elkport, where [he] has since resided.

The deceased, up to the time of his death, was the owner of the large stave factory at this place, which gave employment to a large number of hands, and was a great benefit to Elkport and vicinity. He was very liberal and kind hearted and never refused any man's application for work, whether he needed him or not.

Mr. Taft was an honest and upright gentleman; a man who was beloved and respected by all for his goodness of heart and his many noble qualities. He leaves a wife and six grown children to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband and father.

His remains were buried in the East Elkport* cemetery on Tuesday, the funeral being the largest that has ever taken place in Elkport, which shows how high he stood in the estimation of his fellow citizens. The funeral services at the house were very impressive, and were conducted by Rev. L.M. Whitting, of Manchester.

Truly it may be said that a good man has gone to the long home from whence no traveler returns. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad affliction.

Peace to his ashes!

Card of Thanks
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who so kindly assisted us during the late illness and death of our father.
The Family
by O.D. Taft

~Elkader Register, April 28, 1882

*Burial is in the Old Garber cemetery