GIFT, Charles 1840 - 1898

GIFT, DUNCAN, MCWHINNEY, PARKER

Posted By: Deborah Brownfield - Stanley (email)
Date: 1/16/2005 at 23:50:26

Added by Admin, October 2023 --

"Jefferson County Republican"
Tuesday, August 30, 1898
Page 4, Column 4

Comrade Charles GIFT Dead.

This morning at 10 minutes before eight Comrade Charles GIFT passed into the great beyond.

Mr. GIFT has been gradually declining for over a year. He visited several health resorts with the hope of being restored to health but the benefits derived therefrom were not lasting. Only a few weeks ago he returned from Excelsior Springs seemingly better and was actively engaged in performing the duties incumbent upon him as secretary of the Fair association, until about a week ogo (sic) when he was suddenly stricken down and it was apparent to all that the end was near and no one realized this fact more fully than did he himself, expressing a willingness to go.

Decesed was born in Maryland Aug. 9, 1840; came to this county in an early day and has made this his home ever since. He enlisted in Co. A 15th Iowa, Inft. and served his country faithfully from Feb. 12, '62 to March 11, '65 and was mustered into the G. A. R. Post in Oct. '65. He was a good soldier and a loyal citizen, always ready to help along any public entererise (sic); was county treasurer for four years; was honest and upright in all his dealings. He leaves a wife, three daughters and one son to mourn their loss.

Funeral services will be held at the M. E. church, of which deceased was a consistent member, Thursday morning at 9:30.

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Original posting by Deborah Brownfield-Stanley --

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 31, 1898
Page 3, Column 5

Charles GIFT Has Passed Away.

Charles GIFT, one of the best and best known men in Jefferson county, died at his home in this city yesterday morning. He had been ill with bright's disease for several months past, and, while his friends were prepared for the sad end in the near future, it scarcely seemed possible that it could come so soon. Mr. GIFT returned from Excelsior Springs, Mo., about three weeks ago apparently much improved in health and feeling quite hopeful of the future. A week later he was forced to succumb to the ravages of the disease, and his death had been expected almost hourly since Saturday.

Charles GIFT was born in Allegheny county, Md., August 9th, 1840. When a lad of twelve years he removed with his parents to Jefferson county and most of his life was spent on the farm in this vicinity. When the war of the rebellion began he early responded to President Lincoln’s call for troops, enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and saw three years of active, creditable service. After his return from the army, April 22d, 1869, he was married to Miss Maggie F. PARKER of Birmingham, who survives him. They were the parents of four children, Maud, Vinnie, Alta and William GIFT, all of whom reside in this city. WILLIAM GIFT of Ottumwa, Mrs. Elizabeth DUNCAN of Salina, and Mrs. Kate McWHINNEY of Washburn, Ill., are surviving brother and sisters.

For many years Mr. GIFT supplemented his labors on the farm by work in the common schools, and was one of the best known and most successful teachers in the county. About ten years ago he removed to this city and was engaged in business here for some time. In 1893 he was elected treasurer of Jefferson county on the republican ticket and served most faithfully in that position for four years. He was elected secretary of the Jefferson county fair last spring, and was compelled to resign the position a few weeks ago because of declining health. Mr. GIFT was a man of excellent character and the highest standing in the community. he was honest and conscientious in the discharge of public and private duties almost to a degree which would provoke criticism, and it is probably that future ill health was due in considerable measure to the exactness with which he conducted the affairs of his official position. In his domestic relations and in his attitude to society his life was almost beyond criticism. His death will be widely mourned. Funeral services will be held at the First Methodist church, of which Mr. GIFT had long been a member and an officer, tomorrow morning at 9:30, Rev. J. A. Boatman having charge of the exercises.

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Added by Admin, October 2023 --

"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, August 31, 1898
Page 7, Column 5

Death of Charles GIFT.

Tuesday morning at 7:46 o'clock Charles GIFT passed quietly away, at his home in this city. He was fifty-eight years and twenty-one days old.

Mr. GIFT was the youngest son of Adam and Sarah GIFT and was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, August 9, 1840. In 1852 he moved to Iowa with his parents, who located in this county, and here he grew to manhood. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. A, 15th Iowa, and served in the war for three years. His parents died within six weeks of each other in 1867 and there are one brother and two sisters still living. They are William GIFT, of Ottumwa; Mrs. Elizabeth DUNCAN, of Salina; and Mrs. Kate McWHINNEY, of Washburn, Illinois, and they will all be present at the funeral. On April 22, 1869, Mr. GIFT was married near Birmingham to Miss Margaret PARKER, who with their four children, survives him. The children are Maude, Vinnie, William, and Alta. For many years he lived on a farm a few miles north of town, but in 1883 he moved to Fairfield. He then become (sic) engaged in the harness business, which he continued until 1893, when he was elected county treasurer. He was re-elected, holding the position until this last year, and giving excellent satisfaction to the public.

Mr. GIFT was a man of high character. He was known all over the county and was respected and esteemed by all. His health had been poor for the past year and since his retirement from office he has been gradually growing weaker. On the twenty-second of last June he went to Excelsior Springs, Missouri, with the hope of gaining strength, and, although receiving some benefit, it was not of a permanent character. He returned home on the tenth of this month, but it was not until last week that he began to grow materially worse. Since Tuesday night he had been unable to leave his bed. He suffered much pain and on Sunday morning last he became satisfied himself that he could not recover. He then called his family to him and had a farewell talk with each, requesting that his G. A. R. button and a flag be buried with him. After noon of that day he was conscious only at intervals and after monday at noon consciousness never returned to him.

Mr. GIFT had been a member of the Methodist church for many years and the funeral will take place from that church Thursday morning at half past nine o'clock. Rev. J. A. Boatman will conduct the services and he will be buried by the G. A. R.

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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 7, 1898
Page 3, Column 1

LOCAL MISCELLANY.

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

... The funeral of Charles GIFT, which took place from the M. E. church in this city Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock, was very largely attended. The G. A. R. and W. R. C. were out in a body to pay a tribute of respect to their departed comrade. ...

(same publication and page, but Column 8 -- )

PROBATE OF WILL

To all whom it may concern:

Notifce is hereby given that an instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of Charles GIFT, deceased, is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Jefferson county, Iowa, and that Monday, September 19th, 1898, at 2 o'clock p.m., it being the first day of the September, 1898, term of said court, has been set for the proof and final hearing of the same.

Witness my hand and seal of said court this 6th day of September, 1898.

[L. S.] WM. L. LONG,
Clerk District Court.
2t36

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Friday, September 9, 1898
Page 1, Column 4

Resolutions of Respect.

Whereas it has pleased the Great Commander to call our Comrade, Charles GIFT, from the Army Militant to the Army Triumphant, from labor to reward, from the society of sorrowing friends and fellow soldiers here to the ranks of the vast majority who have answered the roll call above. It is but fitting that we shall place upon record, some expression, however inadequate, of our deep sorrow; Therefore

Resolved--That in the death of Charles GIFT, George Strong Post No. 19, has suffered an inexpressible and irreparable loss. As he was courageous in battle, so was he conscientious and honest in cousel. He was the soul of honor and honesty. His grand qualities as a comrade and citizen had won for him the love of hall. We who know him best, know that he was worthy all the exalted tributes that have been paid to his character.

Resolved--That the hall of Geo. Strong Post G. A. R. be draped in mourning for thirty days, and that we tender our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased in their bitter bereavement.

Com.{ Perry King
W. B. Murray.
N. H. Baker

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: The G. A. R. is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion. Charles was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, IA, in Lot 2nd.023. Wife Margaret died in 1930 and was buried with him.