Gleason, Daniel E. 1860 - 1937

GLEASON, QUINN, PROUTY, BROWN, OPPERMAN, BERNS, RYAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/14/2023 at 01:08:22

Clayton County Register, 17 Nov. 1937.

Funeral services were held last Friday morning in St. Joseph's church, here, for Daniel E. Gleason, who had died at his home Wednesday morning, following an illness of about a year and one-half.

Daniel E. Gleason, perhaps one of the oldest native Elkaderites, was born in Elkader, lived in no other place but Elkader, and died in Elkader. The place of his birth, the place of his residence and the place of his death were all within two blocks.

"Dan," as he was generally known, was born Sept. 14, 1860, and died November 10, 1937, to reach the age of 77 years, one month and 26 days. Up until a year and a half ago he had not known what illness was. Having been a blacksmith and a man who took good care of himself, he had always took good care of himself, he had always been strong and hardy, up to that time. Then a stroke overtook him and, while he rallied, he never fully recovered. As a matter of fact, he had several minor attacks before he closed his eyes in final sleep early last Wednesday morning.

Mr. Gleason was united in marriage with Mary A, Quinn on October 06, 1885, in Cox Creek township. Mrs. Gleason preceded him in death June 30, 1936, but this good couple had the privilege of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary surrounded by children, relatives and friends, on Oct. 06, 1935.

Ten children were born to this union, seven of whom survive. They are: Mrs. Eva Prouty, Elkader; R. V. Gleason, Minneapolis; C. D. Gleason, New Hampton; Mrs. Mary Brown, Minneapolis; Mrs. Veronica Opperman, at home; Wm. J. Gleason, New Hampton, and Mrs. Frances Berns, Strawberry Point. Three daughters, Florence, Sarah and Rose, preceded their parents in death.

Mr. Gleason was the son of Daniel and Johanna (Ryan) Gleason. He received his education in the local schools, but went no further than the first year of high school. He took up and followed the trade of blacksmith, operating a shop on the same spot where he built the home (1921) in which he died. The deed to this property dates back to 1856 and was first issued to Dan's father.

For many years he also operated a livery barn on the location now occupied by the Iowa Produce station and Bente & Cords' implement house, and the house now occupied by J. J. Finnegan and his sisters was originally built by Mr. Gleason on the corner occupied the Mid-Continent service station.

Mr. Gleason always took an active interest in political matters. He was associated during his entire life with the democratic party, and at one time served this county as deputy sheriff. At the time of his death he was one of two justices of the peace for Boardman township. It was in this latter official capacity, particularly, that Dan served well. Many a man, who found himself in the toils of the law, can look back now and know that Dan Gleason meted out common-sense justice.

While he cherished highly the friendship of people of his own age, he was fond of children and they were fond of him. He had a greeting and a pleasant word for all.

Besides the seven children, he is also survived by 12 grandchildren and a host of friends.

The Rev. J. P. Taken officiated at the services in St. Joseph's church and also at the burial in St. Joseph's cemetery, where now four generations of the Gleason family are buried.

Casket-bearers were: E. F. Seifert, L. J. Palas, E. C. Fitzpatrick, J. J. Finnegan, G. H. Meyer and John L. Schneider.