GILSON, Mabel M. (Shaffer) 1880-1962

GILSON, SHAFFER, FREDRICK, ODELL, BOWER, WHITFORD

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 10/29/2012 at 19:07:14

Mabel M. Gilson, the daughter of John and Susan Shaffer, was born on July 25, 1880 at the homestead in Fayette county where the Ed and Gene Wenger families now live.

She passed away at the Postville Hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at the age of 81 years.

She was baptized at an early age in the Turkey River at Elgin and became a member of the United Brethren Church. Later in life she united with the Illyria Community Church where she was a regular attendant, and active in the christian Endeavor Society. She was a lover of music and always took an active part. In 1920 her membership was transferred to St. Paul's Methodist Church in Elgin where she attended faithfully as long as she was able and saw that her children were in Sunday school wherever they were living. She was a charter member of the Woman's Society of Christian Service at St. Paul's and of the Social Hour Club, attending when able.

She received her elementary education in District No. 1. After completing the 8th grade she took the Teachers examinations in West Union. After attending Institute and receiving her certificate she wasn't old enough to teach so she attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette for one year and clerked in the Capper and Shaffer Store where her father was a partner. She taught for several years in the rural schools of Fayette county.

On August 27, 1902 she was united in marriage with H.B. Gilson of West Union. They became the parents of four children: Donald of Elgin, Dorothy (Mrs. William Fredrick) of Des Moines, George of Dubuque and Wayne of Clermont, all of whom are living and who helped their parents celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 27, 1952. In addition to her children she has 10 grand children. Mrs. Gilson was happy in her home with her family around her.

Her parents, sister Mary, brothers John M. and Raymond W. preceded her in death. She leaves a brother, Isreal of Fayette, 3 sisters: Myrtle (Mrs. Fred O'Dell) of Milwaukee, Etherl (Mrs. John Bower) of Santa Ana, Calif. and Hazel (Mrs. Guy Whitford) of West Union; also many nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed very much.

Interment was in the family lot at the Illyria Cemetery with Herbert Ash, Louis Becker, Clifton Wilson, Forrest Shaffer, Ralph Shaffer, all of Elgin and Gutherie Shaffer of Maquoketa as casket bearers.

~Elgin Echo, January 10, 1962