George Stansbury 1818-1897

STANSBURY, WELSH

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 3/29/2011 at 19:41:36

George Stansbury died at his home in South Oelwein
Wednesday, March 3, 1897. He was born in
Muskigan county, Ohio, Feb. 18, 1818. He was
therefore 79 years and 15 days old. On January 7, 1840,
he was united in marriage to Margaret Welsh. Twelve
children were born to them, four of whom died in
childhood. His aged wife, six sons and two daughters
survive him. He emigrated to Fayette county, Iowa in the
fall of 1849, he being one of the first pioneers of the
county. He first settled near West Union on what is known
as the Kinsey farm, resided there about four years and in
the spring of 1853 he sold his farm and with his family
started for the east, traveling in wagons two months and
as he could not find a place that suited him better than
Fayette county he came back and settled on a farm about
seven miles southeast of West Union on what is called
"patch prairie", where he cultivated the soil for nearly 38
years. In 1892 he sold again and with his wife moved to
Oelwein where he resided until his death. He had lived in
the county nearly 47 years. He was always most hospitable
in his home where friends and visitors were always accorded
a hearty welcome. You who have known him have lost an
old neighbor and many of you a good friend. He noted for
his honesty with his fellow men, was a frugal and very
industrious farmer. His life was one of ceaseless toil to amply
provide for his aged wife whom he left only to soon follow.
God permitted him to live to a ripe old age. He was spared to
see the fourth generation in his family and now he will be
missed for his will be vacant. He had poor health and had
been failing gradually for some time. He has paid the debt we
all must pay. He realized he must go and knew all around him
until about noon when he became weaker and weaker and as
the sun was setting he passed away without a struggle, as
peacefully as the itself passed out of sight. His
remains were conveyed to West Union interment.
Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church at that
place conducted by Rev. Conybeare, of the First Presbyterian
church of Oelwein, assisted by an able prayer by Rev. S. H.
Noel.

Oelwein Register - 9 March 1897