GILCHRIST, Daniel Frazer 1835-1915

GILCHRIST, GEORGE, COONRADT, ISABEL, INGRAHAM

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 10/26/2007 at 11:03:02

Mitchell County Press
and Osage News.
January 5, 1916

Obituary-Gilchrist

Daniel Frazer Gilchrist was born in Otsego County,New York, Mar. 12, 1835. Coming from the pure New England stock, he was of strong and sturdy build and character. His father died when he was a small lad and from that time, he had his own way and home to make, thus adding to his strength and independence.

His early boyhood was spent on a farm in New York state. Later he moved to Ohio and then to Racine, Wis., where he was married to Katherine George, July 7, 1856.

In the fall of 1856 he and his wife drove an ox team across the country from Racine to Burr Oak Township, Mitchell county, Iowa. This was in the pioneer days of this county. Osage consisted of one frame house and perhaps a dozen log houses. There was a small store at Burr Oak, but between the store and Osage was wild prairie, over which you could drive anywhere.

Coming here fifty-nine years ago with the strength, courage and enthusiam of youth, he bore his full share of the burdens of pioneer life and has seen the barren prairie blossom into the prosperous commumity we have today with thousands of fertile farms, happy homes, villages and towns.

In 1883 they moved to Osage, where they ever after made their home. Mr. Gilchrist was always interested in the growth and welfare of the town and served as a member of the city council and as street commissioner at various times. He took an active interest in local and national politics and was always found standing loyally for what he thought to be right.

"Uncle Dan," as he was commonly called, was a home builder-always looking out for and helping others. Grandmother George made her home with them twenty-nine years, and for many years Aunt Ann Powers and daughter lived with them.

In the early pioneer days there were no nurses nor undertakers and in his neighborhood it was always Uncle Dan for whom people sent in sickness, and, when death came in their midst, it was always Uncle Dan who took charge of eveything. He was never too busy to answer the call for help in such cases.

With all his assistance to others, he had time to care for his own large family. Father and Mother Gilchrist had six children born to them, all of whom are living. W. R. Gilchrist and Mrs Estella Coonradt, who live in Osage; Mrs. Hattie Isabel, of Seattle, Wash.; and Joseph and Roy Gilchrist and Mrs. Clara Ingrahm, of Barkersfield, California. There are also eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to call them blessed.

Mother Gilchrist preceded her husband to the higher life May, 1914, where Father Gilchrist joined her December 10, 1915, having lived with us eighty years, nine months and eighteen days.
The funeral service was held in the Methodist church on Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. A. T. Bishop, assisted by Rev. Miller. The text was John 6:68: "Lord, to whom shall we go, Thou hast the words of eternal life." Rev. Bishop spoke of him as a sturdy pioneer, who sacrificed to make this splendid country. Rev. Miller spoke of his acquaintance with the man, being a fine tribute to his citizenship.