Lundquist, Gustaf (1824-1918)

LUNDQUIST, HANSON, BEDFORD

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

Stratford Courier
September 19, 1918

Gustaf Lundquist was born August 13, 1824 at Sodermanland, Sweden and died at his home in Stratford, September 11, 1918 and had thus attained the old age of 94 years and 29 Days.

He left Sweden for this country in June 186?. He remained for some time in Illinois, moving to this state in the year 186?. Immediately following his arrival here he commenced farming in what is now known as the South Marion community and on that farm spent the largest portion of his life. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hanson. To this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of one daughter. His wife passed to her reward a little more than three years ago. The children who survive are: Mrs. Fred C. Bedford, Misses Nettie and Nora Lundquist, all of Stratford; Hans Lundquist of South Dakota, Gust, John and Oscar, all of Stratford. Of the other near relatives there are six grandchildren, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law. The two daughters, Nettie and Nora, have taken care of their old father the last years of his life.

Deceased has been a good citizen and Christian. Since 18?? he has been a member of the South Marion M.E. Church. He was gifted with a cheerful and bright disposition. Up to the very last his mind was clear. His death was not unexpected for he had been failing all summer. Though his relatives sorrow over his departure they are glad of the knowledge that he has gone to his reward. His many friends in Stratford and vicinity will miss his jolly smiling face. His favorite scripture passage which he frequently repeated was the confession of St. Paul, “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day.”

Deceased was the oldest man in this community and for several years his face has been a familiar one on our streets. Always jolly, this presence was sure to create merriment for his friends. He was among the first of the settlers to locate in the community south of Stratford. He came when pioneers were scattered when it was many miles between log cabins and the few towns then in existence. Yet he reared a large family and he who had tilled his soil with the hardest of labor and the crudest of implements lived to see the day when the same work was done easily with machinery. He had lived long and well and was ready to depart for the better land.

Funeral services over the remains were held from the family home here Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock and from the South Marion church at 2 o’clock. Rev. Jensen in charge. The remains were laid to rest in the South Marion Cemetery beside those of his wife.