Ellis, Dr. Gideon

ELLIS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/11/2007 at 19:13:28

Jackson Sentinel,
January 12, 1932

Dr.Gideon Ellis, Pioneer Dentist, Crosses the Bar
Had Followed the Dental Profession in This City For 57 Years

The Passing of Dr. Gideon Ellis, sr., which occurred at his late home early Sunday morning, takes from the ranks of our best citizens one who for many, many years had been known and loved by all. Although we realize that Dr. Ellis had contributed a sumptuous share of the upbuilding, the progress and welfare of our city, yet we are loathe to part with those good, grand old pioneers who so long have been welded to the hearts and interests of our community. In a way, their work seems to us as never finished, for their kindly counsel and companionship does not deplete in value even after the days of real activity are done.

It was a pleasure to know “Grandpa” Ellis. True character shone out in every action; his influences were of that noble type and his ever sunny disposition radiated good will and happiness to all with whom he came in contact. But the battle has been gloriously won, respect and honor to his memory are respect and honor to his memory are his earthly reward, and towering above the highest marble shaft is seen that temple of achievement marking a long and useful life that has served to make the world better and brighter.

Dr. Gideon Ellis was born July 17, 1842 at Ellisburg, Jefferson county, N.Y. He was one of the younger members of a family of fifteen children, fourteen boys and one girl, and the last member of this family to be called by death.

When he was seven years of age, the family moved to White Rock, Ill., where he attended the Mt. Morris school. Later the family moved to Jones county, Iowa. In the year 1860 he married Margaret Livingston, a young woman of Scotch parentage, having come with her family to this county at the age of thirteen.

To this union eight children were born. Only three of these children are living, Dr. J. B. Ellis, Dr. G. C. Ellis and Mrs. Nellie Miller, all of this city. The five children who preceded their father in death are, on son Robert L. Ellis in 1905, and four daughters, Mrs. Anna Fenton in 1913, Mrs. Lucille Mattison in 1925, Mrs. Caddie Phillips in 1927 and Mrs. Clara Ellis in 1928. Sixteen years ago death removed the devoted mother of the family.

Dr. Gideon Ellis became a dentist as did three of his brothers. He came to Maquoketa in 1875, and for 57 years he followed the dental profession in this city and was also associated with the Iowa State Insurance company of Keokuk, having collected close to half a million dollars in premiums for the company during that time. Two sons, Dr. J. B. and Dr. G. C. Ellis were graduated from dental schools and joined him in his practice. Later a grandson, Dr. Paul Ellis, also became a member of the firm.

Dr. Ellis has twelve grandchildren and four great grand children living, in whose welfare he was constantly interested. A man devoted to his family and a friend to all children, careful in his dental work to give no unnecessary pain to these little ones.

After the passing of his wife, Dr. Ellis made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ida Rose until death called her. For the past two years Mr. and Mrs. William Fox have kept the home and ministered to him in kindliest ways.

During these later years “Grandpa,” as he was affectionately called by all his young friends, frequently sat by the window in his home reading his paper and watching the children on their way to school. The friendly wave of his hand and his cheery smile will be missed by these young folks.

His sense of humor was keen and the trials and vicissitudes attendant upon his long and active life in no way diminished his irrepressible youthfulness of heart. Death, the grim reaper, dealt him crushing blows in the loss of many loved ones, but he never dimmed the joys of others with his sorrows or burdened them with his troubles. Unsubdued in spirit and undepressed in mind be continued until the end.

Sunday morning, Jan. 10, at 3:45 o’clock, following a brief illness at his home on S. Olive Street, Dr. Gideon Ellis closed his eyes on his 89 years, five months and 24 days of earthly life.

The funeral service was held at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon at the Buchner chapel, the Rev. E. G. Hunt of Lyons officiating. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.

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