Gleason, John 1856-1933

GLEASON, OMARA

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/17/2016 at 18:30:54

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, December 12, 1933

JOHN GLEASON PASSES DIVIDE
Popular And Well Known Resident Dies After A Lingering Illness

John Gleason, well known pioneer resident of Plymouth County, died at his apartment in the Lamar Hotel, Sunday, December 10, at the age of 77 years. Mr. Gleason had been in failing health for some time and for the past five weeks had been confined to his room.

Mr. Gleason was born in Montreal, Canada, December 13, 1856, and was the son of Michael Gleason and Eliza O’Mara, who migrated from Ireland shortly after the year 1847, known historically as the potato famine year.

His parents came to Iowa when Mr. Gleason was seven years old and settled near DeWitt. The father died shortly after the family was getting a start in life under tenable conditions sought by early settlers. After living at DeWitt for ten years the mother with a large family of young children came to LeMars, seeking advantages to a new settlement just being opened to home seekers. The family acquired land near Crathorne which they developed and farmed with success.

Mr. Gleason, with his mother, after leaving the farm came to LeMars where he spent the remainder of his life. She died thirty years ago. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death, James, Martin, Thomas, Michael, Anna and Margaret Gleason. Three nieces and two nephews survive him, Mrs. Thos. Trautt, Mrs. Frank Trautt, Mrs. Axel Bay, J. D. Gleason, and M. J. Gleason, all of Akron.

The funeral will be held this Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock in St. James church, Rev. Father L. J. Cooper officiating and interment made in the Catholic cemetery.

Mr. Gleason was widely known in the county where he lived for sixty years. He was a friendly man, a devoted son and brother, and accomplished many good deeds without ostentation. He lent a helping hand to his kin and many others, word of which he himself never dropped. He possessed good judgment of values and human nature, and a strong sense of humor. The writer, who has known him for years, never heard him make an ill natured remark or disparage any of his acquaintances or neighbors.