Gates, Elijah 1825-1912

GATES, GIBSON, KLOTZBACH

Posted By: Bart Hamlett (email)
Date: 3/7/2016 at 21:36:59

Elijah Gates was born March, 28th, 1825, at Edwardsburg, Grinville County Canada. He departed this life t his home in Edgewood, Iowa, June 18th, 1912, his age being 87 years, 2 months and 20 days.
He was married to Ellen W. Gibson, February 1st, 1854, at Ogdensburg, New York. To this union were born four children, Jennie R., who died October 14, 1894, Sarah Klotzbach, living at Atkinson, Nebraska, Isaac P. of Laurel, South Dakota and G.E. of Edgewood, with whom the deceased had been living.
Seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren, shared the affection of the one who has gone from us.
Mr. Gates moved to Almoral, Delaware County, Iowa, in the year 1857, where he engaged in farming. In 1864 the family moved to Elk township, Clayton county near the present village of Wood, Iowa. At that location, Mr. Gates in addition to farming operations established a saw mill, a great convenience to the community at that time.
Removal was made to the residence in Edgewood in the year 1889, where his home has since been.
In early life, the subject of this sketch became a Christian and united with the Congregational church. He and his family were intimately connected with the early history of that church in Edgewood and have for years continued consistent members. When the present church building was erected, a large share in the expense was cheerfully assumed, in addition to which many days work were given by the willing hands now silent forever. Always generous in support of the church and of public enterprise, workers along those lines, were always made welcome at the cheerful home of " Father Gates".
Mr. Gates was a great lover of music, being in earlier years proficient in singing. The first instrument of the kind, owned in this vicinity, was the "Melodin", he many years ago purchased for his daughter Jennie. In a sense he was a patron of the art, and the influence exerted by him and by members of his family, still lingers and will continue to bless and gladden the lives of many.
The departed in a remarkable degree possessed the confidence of his fellow men.
For many years after coming to Edgewood, he served as Justice of the Peace, finally refusing a re-election to a further period of service.
For several years, failing strength had lessened his hold on active pursuits but his interest in worthy enterprises continued and his last visit to the church was on "Decoration Day."
Funeral services were held at the Congregational church, on Friday, June 21st and were conducted by Rev. M.J. P. Thing, of Hopkinton, Iowa, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. L. Hubbell of this place.
The body was laid to rest in the family ground, in the Edgewood cemetery.
( as printed in the Edgewood Journal, June 20, 1912 )