GIDLEY, Richard L (1841-1887)

GIDLEY, MABEE

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 7/17/2017 at 09:13:58

Malvern Leader
Malvern, Mills County, Iowa
Thursday, May 5, 1887

Death of R.L Gidley.

On Wednesday morning at 2:15 o’clock the spirit of R.L. Gidley took its flight to the great beyond and his body lay in the embrace of death. While the announcement of his death was not unexpected it nevertheless brought sadness to the community of which he has been a respected member for several years. Mr. Gidley was of English birth and with his parents removed to America in his fifth year, locating at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at the latter place - the first lodge organized in that State. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in defense of his country, participating in a number of battles, and was wounded in the hip at the battle of Gettysburg. From the battle field he was sent to the hospital at Philadelphia where he remained until mustered out. Turning his face westward he came to Malvern in 1869 and formed a partnership with a Mr. Heck as contractors and builders and some of the best buildings in this vicinity are the result of his skill. Mr. Gidley three different terms filled the Mayoralty of Malvern and was twice elected Master of the Masonic lodge, and also held an official position in the G.A.R. Post. He continued to work at his trade until the first of October, 1886, at which time he assumed the duties of the Malvern Postoffice by appointment of President Cleveland. He was married to Miss Sena Mabee, his surviving wife, on the 15th day of April, 1878, and with her leaves three children, two sons and a daughter. A brother in Rapid City, Dakota; a sister in California; and two sisters at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, remain of his father’s family.

Mr. Gidley was very much attached to his family, always kind and affectionate in his home, and the blow comes with a heavy weight upon his devoted wife who ministered untiringly to his wants during the two weeks of his fatal illness. For several years he suffered from pulmonary difficulties, but the immediate cause of his death was organic disease of the heart. He was 46 years of age on the 4th day of last June.

The funeral services will occur this afternoon at 2 o’clock, the masonic fraternity and G.A.R. Post accompanying the body to the Presbyterian Church, where the exercises will be conducted by Rev. W.V. Jeffries, assisted by Revs. W.O. Allen and G.H. Brown. After services in the church the societies will again take charge of the exercises which will be conducted at the grave.

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Civil War Veteran
Co I 2nd Wisconsin Infantry