Gifford, Stephen B. died 1887

GIFFORD, ADAMS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/31/2022 at 21:04:57

Elkader Register, Thur., 18 Aug. 1887.

At the residence of Edmund Gifford, in Read township, on August 15th, 1887, occurred the death of Stephen B. Gifford, who was among the early settlers in Read township, aged 51 years and two months.

Stephan B., son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gifford, was born in Oxelie, Wyoming County, New York. When he was but seven years of age his parents moved to Iowa, locating in Clayton County. Here he resided until 1859, when he got the gold fever, and went to Pike's Peak, Colorado. After a few years at that point he went to Nevada, and then to California. Soon after the family at home lost trace of him, and for three years no news of his movements reached the anxious family circle at home, but finally news reaches them that the wanderer has reached Montana, and that he was basking in the smiles of Dame Fortune, and in 1873, after an absence of fourteen years, he paid a visit to the old home in Clayton. Soon thereafter he went to Missouri, and for five years he was engaged in the drug business in that state, but fortune had ceased to smile and he again sought her favors in the mining districts of the west, finally locating at Telluride, Colorado, where he resided until about two weeks ago, when, accompanied by his sister, Mrs. S. K. Adams, he returned from his wanderings of nearly thirty years to die in the home of his childhood. Tender, loving hands and medical skill did all in their power to restore him to health, but of no avail, and he has gone to join his parents in the life beyond the grave.

He was a man of sterling qualities, well liked by all who knew him, and many there are who will sincerely mourn his death. He leaves three brothers, W. W., Edmund and Gideon, and one sister, Mrs. Adella Adams.

Deceased was Past Grand of Golden Gem lodge, No. 62, I.O.O.F., of Colorado, and Master of the Masonic lodge of Telluride.

The funeral on Tuesday was conducted by Elkader lodge, I.O.O.F., and he was buried beside his parents in the East Side cemetery.