Ephraim Gans

GANS

Posted By: Harry Emerson (email)
Date: 6/23/2015 at 16:45:31

Obiturary from the Herald-Patriot, Chariton, Iowa

Ephram Gans 1836-1927

March 14, 1927, marks the passing of one of the outstanding pioneers in the history of Marion and Lucas counties. A character unobtrusive, but withal (sic) establishing indelible precepts in the moral development of the community in which he lived.

“Uncle Eph”, as he was affectionately called, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, Jan 15, 1836, the youngest son of Joseph and Barbara Gans. He was married in October, 1860 to Rachel Brownfield and to them were born six daughters and one son. All of the children survive with the exception of one daughter who died in infancy.

In 1863, Uncle Eph heard the call of the west and immigrated with his family to Fremont, Mahaska county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. It was there, in 1872, he embraced the Christian faith with which he has been steadfastly associated until his death. In 1876 he moved to Lucas county going from there to Marion county where his residence has remained. In 1897 his helpmate passed beyond and since then his home has been for the most part with his son, Joseph B., near Purdy.

It is with a mingled feeling of admiration and respect that we contemplate the life span of our beloved Uncle Eph. Born at a time when our country was in its embryonic stage, when the west was in Iowa or a little beyond and when the conveniences to which we are accustomed now would have been but a fantastic dream. We can but partly conceive the untold hardships and sacrifices he, as one of these sturdy pioneers, had to undergo. He was one of the few now living privileged to witness the complete evolution of agricultural methods from the days of the grain cradle until the present efficient grain binder. His life marks the greatest development in the history of our country.

Grandpa Gans was one of these rare characters, endowed with vigorous mental as well as physical facilities and retained them practically undimmed until the last.

Funeral services were conducted March 16, at the home of Rev. Warren Hile of Prairie City, formerly minister of the Belinda Christian church (sic) and a dear friend of the family. He very appropriately dwelt upon the contrast between (sic) the ever changing progress of our country in comparison to the steadfastness of the faith of Uncle Eph which had remained constant and undiminished for the period of fifty-five years.

Interment was made at the Newbern cemetery beside the wife who had prededed hi9m nearly thirty years ago.

Five daughters, Mrs. Cora Litton, of Des Moines; Mrs. Elia Denison of Atlantid; Mrs. Inez Smith, of Lacona; Mrs. Agnes Smith, of Chariton; and one son, Joseph B., of Purdy, twenty-three grandchildren remain to mourn the departure of a loving and honored parent. Our community united, bow our heads and grieve for our mutual friend and neighbor, Ephrim Gans.