Christopher Wilson (1909)

WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 4/11/2010 at 16:20:13

Winterset Reporter
Thursday, April 1, 1909
Page 6

Pioneer Dies

Christopher Wilson, of Earlham, and one of the oldest residents of Madison county, died last week and was buried in Earlham Sunday. Mr. Wilson was one of the best known farmers of the northern part of the county. He was 81 years of age.

He entered the farm from the government on which he lived since 1853 until a few years ago when he moved into Earlham. He was one of the notable characters among the early settlers of the county, and he always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, April 1, 1909

A Pioneer Gone

One of the best known and respected citizens of this community passed away last Friday when death claimed Christopher Wilson. He had been sick for the past two years, and for the last year had been confined to his home most of the time. While his death was not entirely unexpected, yet when it did come it caused genuine sorrow and regret among his friends.

Funeral services were Sunday afternoon in the Friends meeting house. Wm. Bowles, a boyhood and lifelong friend of the deceased, was the principal speaker. Interment was in Earlham cemetery.

Christopher Wilson, son of John and Lydia Wilson, was born Dec. 13, 1827, near Indianapolis, in Marion county, Ind.; departed this life March 26, 1909, aged 81 years, 3 months and 13 days. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1853 and the same year entered the land comprising his farm west of town where he lived until five years ago when he moved to Earlham.

He was married to Rachel Smith in 1864. Her death occurred in 1867. He was married to Martha Newby in 1870. Four children grew up in this happy home: Ida M., Clarence E., Lillian and Winifred. All were with him until the last except Ida M. Griffin of Fredricksburg, Virginia. He is the last brother of a large family. Four sisters survive him---Nehusta McKibben, Edna Cramer of DeSoto, Hannah Barnett of Oklahoma, and Rebecca Bunch of Stuart.

He was a life long member of the Friends church, going with the conservative branch at the separation. He was a true friend, a loving husband and father, kind and forbearing in health, patient in sickness. Although his last days were full of suffering he was never heard to complain, but bore all with the patience of one who is waiting for the summons—“Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”
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Dexter Sentinel
Dexter, Iowa
April 1909

Christopher Wilson, son of John and Lydia Wilson, was born 12th month, 13th, 1827, near Indianapolis in Marion Co., Indiana, and departed this life 3rd month, 26th, being 81 years, 3 months and 13 days old. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1853 and entered the land of his present farm the same year, and where he lived until 5 years ago, moving to Earlham at that time. He was married to Rachel Smith in 1864. Her death occurred in 1867. He was married to Martha Newby in 1870. Four children grew up in this happy home: Ida M., Clarence E., Lillian and Winifred, all of whom were with him until the last except Ida M. Griffin of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

He is the last brother of a large family, four sisters surviving him: Nehusta McKibben, Edna Cramer of DeSoto, Hannah Barnett of Oklahoma and Rebecca Bunch of Stuart.

He was a life long member of the Friends Church, going with the Conservative Friends at the time of the separation. His was a triumphant death; many times he remarked that he was only waiting—waiting to meet his Maker. He was ever a true friend, a loving husband and father, kind and forbearing in health and patient in sickness. Although his last days were full of suffering, he was never heard to complain, but bore all with the patience of one who was waiting for the summons.

The funeral was held Sunday from the Conservative Friends’ church in Earlham and interment made in the Earlham cemetery.

Mr. Wilson was one of the early pioneer settlers of Penn Township, an honored, upright and useful citizen, ever doing his part as a man faithfully and well. It is with sincere sorrow we learn that he has passed to that Great Beyond from whose bourne no traveler returns.

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