Michael Gossman 1856-1922

GOSSMAN, DEGAN, CAUKINS

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/9/2010 at 21:34:38

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
31 May 1922
Page 5

Michael Gossman Died Friday Night

He Was a Resident of Emmetsburg for Perhaps Forty Years

Last Friday night Michael Gossman passed away at his home in this city after a serious illness of a few days. The funeral was held on Monday. Services were conducted in the Assumption church, Monsignor P. F. Farrelly officiating. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. Many old neighbors and friends were in attendance.

We were promised definite particulars but up to the hour of going to press we have not received them. Mr. and Mrs. Gossman located in Emmetsburg about forty years ago. They subsequently made their home in this city. Mr. Gossman was a carpenter by trade and did a great deal towards the building up of our town, especially in pioneer days. He was a good workman and was genial, ready and warm hearted. He was a sincere and upright and had a wide circle of friends. The writer knew him intimately during the greater part of his residence in our community and he always prized his friendship and his loyalty to those whom he esteemed. He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. All have the sincere sympathy of our many citizens in their bereavement.

The Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
7 Jun 1922
Page 1

In our last issue mention was made of the death of Mr. Michael Gossman which occurred at his home in the Fourth ward at 11:30 p.m. Friday May 26.

Mr. Gossman had been in poor health for four or five yeas and unable to do much physical work. On Wednesday, May 17, he was fishing in the lake when he underwent a stroke of paralysis and fell into the water. A man near by helped him out. He seemed to be dazed at first but later walked home. He reached home about 11 and said then that he felt quite well. On the following Saturday morning when he got out of bed he reeled and fell to the floor unconscious. From that time until he died he was confined to his bed and was never wholly conscious. Funeral services were conducted by Monsignor P. F. Farrelly at the Assumption church at 10 o'clock Monday morning May 29. The burial was in St. John's cemetery.

Michael Gossman was born in Morgan County, Ohio on February 5, 1856. He moved with his parents to Winnesheik County, Iowa, where they established their home. In May 1880 he united in marriage with Miss Catherine E. Degan of Elliota, Minn., at Cresco. They located in Winnesheik county where they resided for several years, and then moved to Emmetsburg where they subsequently made their home. Eight children were born to this union. Two sons died in infancy. The others survive their father. They are Sister Mary Adoline, of Mercy Hospital at Dubuque, Edward D. Gossman of Fayetteville, Ark., Joseph M. of St. Cloud, Minn., Robert F. of Hampton, Miss Mary C. Gossman of this city and Mrs. Ray Caukins of Iowa Falls.

Mr. Gossman was a carpenter by trade, and in the early days when he was strong and active he was considered an excellent tradesman, in fact, one of the very best in this section of Iowa.

He was then energetic and ambitious and took pride in excelling in his undertakings.

His prolonged illness was a great trial to him and wore heavily upon him, yet he was patient and never lost his faith, but remained steadfast and true to the end.

When his children were small he took great pride in them and was anxious to have them get off the training that would fit them to take their places in the world and fulfill creditably any duties in which their positions in life imposed upon them.

He is survived by his wife and six children to whom the Tribune extends sincere sympathy.