Gilbert, James L. 1818-1899

GILBERT, MURDOCK, COOK, ADAMS, DIERS

Posted By: Dan McDougall (email)
Date: 2/19/2006 at 02:27:48

James Lovell Gilbert.

It was with mingled feelings of sorrow and gladness that our people heard the news that Mr. Gilbert had expired this morning at 3:45 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Marvin Cook. Sorrow that we should never feel his friendly hand clasp see his his pleasant face or hear the kind words that made everybody his friend, as he was a friend to everybody. Gladness that since his race was run, his labors o’er, his mission in life completed, the all-wise God should in mercy relieve him of his suffering.

James L. Gilbert was born in Vermont, April 14th, 1818, and was therefore nearly eighty-one years of age. His boyhood days were spent in Vermont but about 1840 he went to Ohio and on October 2, 1843 he was united in marriage to Eliza B. Murdock, at Rockport, in that state, In the fall of 1846 they came to Clayton county and for two years lived near Garnavillo. In the fall of 1848 Mr. Gilbert entered the land in Read township now owned by F. W, Diers and settled there until 1875 when he moved to Elkader.

Nine children came to gladden the hearts of himself and wife, but four preceeded them to the other shore.

In July 1885 the loving wife and mother was taken from him, and since that time he has lived with his surviving children, making his home most of the time with his daughter, Mrs. E. W. Adams, at this place, until her removal to Milwaukee about a year ago. Since then he has resided with his other daughter, Mrs. Marvin Cook, at whose home he died.

For several years his health has been gradually failing and for several months he has been confined to his bed almost all of the time.

In addition to two daughters mentioned above, three sons still survive: S. L., of Huron, S. D.; J.W., of Storm Lake, Ia.; and M. L., of Sheldon, Ia.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow, Friday, afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Congregational church. Revs. Crum and Fisk will officiate. Internment at east side cemetery.

James L. Gilbert is dead, but to all who knew him intimately his memory will live while they themselves live, His genial, kindly disposition made him many friends, while his uprightness and honor commanded the respect of all who knew him. The sympathy of the entire community is with the sons and daughters in the loss of their beloved parent.
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Notes:
1. I have typed this verbatim from the obituary, including a few typos.
2. The name and date of the newspaper is missing. Someone added the handwritten message “Died March 16th, 1899.”