Joseph James Gongwer
GONGWER, SMYTH, ELLIOTT, BEAN
Posted By: CJeanealogy (email)
Date: 1/30/2018 at 00:56:50
Cedar Rapids Republican Tuesday May 4, 1915
Joseph J. Gongwer was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1847, and departed this life April 26, 1915, at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 16 days.
In 18_5 he came from Ohio to Benton county, Iowa, where he has spent the majority of his years. A few years of his young life were spent in teaching school. He was married to Martha Smyth, May 10, 1870, and to this union two sons were born.
In 1892 he moved with his family to Marion where the home was made for some ten years. Later the family moved to Cedar Rapids for a short domicile, then returned to his farm where his last years were spent.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sicily Grove until the church discontinued. His membership was held at the Methodist church in Marion until transferred in Fairview. His services to the church was loyal and faithful. His attendance was regular until his health failed and he was willing to assume responsibilities as evidenced by the fact that he was a Sunday school teacher for years and for some time a class leader.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his faithful and loving companion, his son Ira, one son having gone on before in 1891, three brothers, Simon of Cedar Rapids, Clark and Isaac of West Branch, two sisters, Mrs. Elliott of California and Mrs. Bean of Kansas, two sisters being deceased, two grandchildren, other relatives and a large number of friends.
He was a man of high moral and Christian ideals, loyal to family, community, his church and his Christ.
He never influenced anyone to do wrong and led others to the higher walks of life. He witnessed to the saving power of Christ both in his conduct and in the nature of his speech. He thought it worth while to introduce man to Christ and point out the way of lofty living. He was never a compromiser in whatever he saw in a clear light. He was frank, sincere, and kind. He made many friends by his social and sympathetic nature. His life has been a force for righteousness and he has left the impress and stamp of life upon others. A fitting tribute would be "He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith."
Funeral services were held at his home, nine miles west of Cedar Rapids, April 29, 1915, where most of the relatives and a large company of friends gathered to pay their last respects to one they loved. Rev. E.G. Cutshall of Fairfax conducted the services and by request preached from the text, "At evening time it shall be light." Zach. 14:2. Interment was made at Marion cemetery.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102865266
Linn Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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