Gifford, Henry B. 1834-1924

GIFFORD, DICKINSON, CONGER, GOODWIN, LOGAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2010 at 07:09:11

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Tuesday, July 1, 1924

H.B. GIFFORD IS CALLED BY DEATH

Resident of Grinnell for Past Forty-Two Years Died Saturday Morning.

HAD LONG AND HONORABLE BUSINESS CAREER HERE.

In Partnership With Late J.C. Manly He Did Much for Upbuilding of Grinnell.

Henry B. Gifford, son of Henry and Phoebe Dickinson Gifford was born at Syracuse, New York, November 29, 1834. From his father, who was engaged in the salt business, he learned the principles of business practice that later characterized his own business career. At the age of nineteen in the year 1854 he joined the company of the pioneers who were at that time moving out to occupy the Mississippi valley. Traveling down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi he located at Dubuque. There he worked at various mercantile lines. He was one of the first conductors for the Illinois Central on the run west from Dubuque to Waterloo. As a member of a crack military company in Dubuque known as the Governor's Grays he enlisted in the service of the Union in 1861 in the 1st Iowa and served for nine months.

On April 16, 1862, he was married to Miss Emily Conger of Dubuque. To them were born four children, Mrs. Amy Gifford Goodwin, who died four years ago, Mrs. Fannie Logan, of Waterloo, Charles and Winifred. Mrs. Gifford's death on August 18, 1920, brought to a close a companionship of fifty-eight years.

Forty-two years ago, Mr. Gifford came to Grinnell. The same year he entered into partnership with John C. Manly and they conducted an extensive grain business in Grinnell and vicinity. They were also associated in various investments in real estate. The partnership, which continued until Mr. Manly's death was remarkable not only for its business efficiency, but also for the loyal friendship that cemented and provided satisfactions other than monetary returns.

Thirty-three years ago Mr. Gifford erected the home at 829 East Street and there he continued to live quietly and simply with his family and his neighbors until he passed away last Saturday morning, June 28. He is the last to go of eleven brothers and sisters.

Mr. Gifford's business life was characterized by initiative, industry, and integrity. He was an active and interested member of the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks from almost the time of its organization.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Edward W. Cross from the home Monday afternoon at three o'clock. Pall bearers were M.W. Swisher, W.C. Rayburn, J.H. McMurray, G.H. Hamlin, E.A. Marsh, and F.P. Marvin.