Gilson, Patrick 183 - 1908

GILSON, GROWNEY, CORCORAN, FREEMAN, CLARK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 03 Sept. 1908.

On Sunday evening, Aug. 1_th (looks like 18th), after many months of suffering with blindness and cancer, our old friend, Patrick Gilson, peacefully answered the welcome summons calling him to his eternal home to be re-united with his beloved wife, who preceded him to the great beyond on February 2_th looks like 21 or 24), 1888. Mr. Gilson was born in county Mead, Ireland, December 26, 183_ (looks like 1833 or 1838), and at the age of 17 years emigrated to this country to join his sister, (now Mrs. James Growney), in New York, who had preceded him to the glorious United States two years previously. He remained in New York for some time then went to Pennsylvania, where he worked in the Iron Rolling Mills and at Glendon of that state, on November 25, 1855. he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Corcoran of that city, where they continued to reside for a couple of years, when they came to Iowa together with James Growney and family, in 1858, and bought adjoining farms near Clayton, where he labored diligently for many years to make a comfortable home for his family, and when his efforts had so far crowned him with success to sufficiently place him in comfortable circumstances to enable them to beautify their well earned home, his good and faithful wife bade a last farewell to her beloved ones and peacefully entered the portals held ajar for her and left him on earth to be comforted in his great sorrow by his sons and daughters that surrounded him and be guarded by the all seeing eye until his spirit was commended to God who gave it. Ten children were born to them to bless this union of which nine survive him to mourn the loss of a loving and indulgent father. They are: Thomas, of Racine, Wis.; Michael, of West Superior; James, of Goldfield, Nevada; John and Mrs. Julia Freeman, of Corning, Cal.; Mrs. Theresa Clark and Miss Agnes, of Chicago; and the Misses Mary Ellen and Kathryn, of this place, who have faithfully nursed and cared for their father during the months of his terrible affliction. In the spring of 18__ (looks like 1880 or 1890) Mr. Gilson leased his farm to Christian Duede, who still occupies it and moved to Clayton, purchasing the Christ Henning property which he rebuilt and improved, making a comfortable home in which he resided until his death. He possessed a retiring nature but was a staunch friend to all who were worthy of his confidence which brought to him the high esteem and friendship of all who knew him. The remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife in the family lot in the Garnavillo cemetery. The surviving family desire to extend their heartfelt thanks to their many friends for their kindness in their hour of sorrow and affliction.