CREELMAN, Matthew 1837-1902

CREELMAN, GAMMELL, FISHER

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/23/2011 at 18:34:46

Mitchell County Press
Aug. 6, 1902

Obituary

Matthew Creelman was born in Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, on November 28, 1837, and died at Charles City, August 1, 1902. He learned the harness-making trade while a boy and when a young man became a citizen of the United States, living a short time in Boston, then came west, locating in Cedar Fals, Iowa, where he remained several years. He then came to Osage for a short time, and after a trip to Montana and California in 1863 and 1864, he returned here to make his home.

He was married in 1868 to Jean Gammell, a native Nova Scotian. Four children were born to them: Walter, who is in the United States Navy, Lois, who is married to Mr. Fred Fisher of Charles City, Josephine, one of our city public school teachers, and John, who makes his home in Osage.

Mrs. Creelman died 14 years ago, leaving the children to the care of their father who has faithfully filled the place of both parents and kept the home for them as long as he lived.

He has always followed the harness business, being in partnership with J. H. White for many years, and later with E. P. Shipherd. The last four years, when his health permitted, he has travled in the interest of the Sidney Pole and Shaft Co.

His health began to fail four years ago and he has had several severe attacks of sickness which confined him to his home for several weeks at a time. Last February he was taken with the final attack of Bright's Disease which ended his life.
About three weeks ago, he was taken to Charles City to the home of his daughter, where loving hands cared for him until his death, which came Friday morning at 4:20 o'clock.

The body was brought to Osage Saturday evening, being accompanied by a body of his fellow Masons who went to Charles City for the purpose.

The funeral sermon was preached by Dr. W. W. Gist, and was filled with words of cheer and comfort to the stricken loved ones. The services throughout were in charge of the Knights Templars. He was buried in the Osage cemetery. Mr. Creelman was known as an honest, upright man and was a conscientious citizen of his country.