Heman Gibbs (1847-1928)

GIBBS, TIFFT, SHEA, HICKEY

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 7/14/2016 at 22:06:15

Sanborn Pioneer Laid to Rest
Heman Gibbs, Resident of Sanborn Community Nearly Sixty Years Died Friday, January 20

A resident of O'Brien county for more than 57 years, Mr. Heman Gibbs, 91 years of age, died Friday, January 20, 1928 at his home in Sanborn after a lingering illness of several weeks duration.

Mr. Gibbs was born October 1, 1847 at Brantford, Canada, and resided there until 1854 when he lost his mother by death at the age of seven years, and the father with his two sons, Heman and Alexander, and daughter Hattie, came to Center Point, Linn County, Iowa. The family made their home there for 16 years, coming to O'Brien county in the year 1870, and settling on land in Center township when Heman was 22 years old.

He was united in marriage to Miss Katie Tifft, daughter of Captain Claudius Tifft, a pioneer Indian fihter and veteran of three wars. The resided on the homestead in Center township until when they purchased property and moved into the town of Sanborn. Four sons were born to them: Harry, Frank, Milton, and Benjamin, all of whom survive him. Mrs. Gibbs preceded her husband in death, passing on in 1922. Since that time he has made his home with his son Harry and wife.

The earlier years of Mr. Gibbs' life were spent in active occupation. He was a well known and outstanding figure in the community and all who knew him called him friend; ever ready to lend a helping hand, honest and faithful in all his dealings, with cheery words and kindly acts for everyone. During his latter years he was unable to leave his home on account of failing eyesight and general health, and all that loving hands could do wwas done for his comfort unti the end, which came peacefully at 12:30 Friday noon.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church with the pastor, Rev. A.C. Grafton, officiating, who chose as his text, "Enter Thou into the Glory of thy Lord." A quartette composed of A quartette composed of Mrs. A. Vy Brady, Mrs, J. W. CravenB; Dr, J, S. Sanders, and Dr. J. M. Eason, "rendered the following selections; "Going Down tUe Valley" "Heaven is my Home" "In the Garden," with Mrs. Ethelyn Stevens at the piano.

Messrs E. A. Mayne, Chrie Miller, George Smith, Levy Leavor, Ted Boyd, and Dick Leemkuil were pall bearers. The members of the I. O. O. F., of which deceased was a member of many years' standing, attended in a body, and also their auxiliary, the Rebeccas formed a line of escort to and from the church. Many beautiful floral tributes bore silent testimony of the high esteem in which £he deceased was held, and the church was filled to capacity.

Interment was made at Roseland Cemetery.

Besides the four sons he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Hattie Shea of Blanco, Iowa, who with her son attended the funeral.

Other out of town relatives attending were Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Gibbs and daughter Maxine, Mr. and Mrs. Arlo Hickey and daughter, all of Sioux City; Miss Nettie Shea, a niece frpm Moorhead, Minn, and Hart Shea, an old time and close friend of the deceased.
Surviving are also 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, Jan 25, 1928, p1