Gifford, Emily 1839-1920

GIFFORD, CONGER, GOODWIN, LOGAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2010 at 07:29:45

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Aug. 24, 1920

THE LIFE OF A GOOD WOMAN

Love of home, love of friends and love of youth were the outstanding characteristics of a lifetime of rare happiness, a lifetime that came to a close last Wednesday, August 18, when Mrs. Henry B. Gifford passed away at her home on East street. For a year and a half her health had been failing gradually, but she was active and cheerful to within a few hours before her death. For thirty-six years of her long and richly fruitful life her home has been in Grinnell, and those thirty-six years have resulted in friendships whose sincerity emphasizes the splendid worth of one of Grinnell's finest ladies.

Emily Conger, daughter of Asher and Polly Conger, was born in Canton, N.Y., on November 6, 1839, one of a family of seven children. She came to Dubuque in the early sixties to visit a sister and it was here that she met Henry Gifford, her future husband. At the outbreak of the Civil war a regiment was formed in and near Dubuque and Mr. Gifford volunteered his services. He served nine months in the army and upon his return to Dubuque the young couple were married on April 15, 1862. During the fifty-eight years that have ensued since that happy day, there has been little to mar the happiness of their home. Both devoted their lives to each other and to their children and the family life has been a beautiful example of love and devotion.

Four children, all of whom, with the father, survive her, were born to them. They are Mrs. Amy Gifford Goodwin, Mrs. Frances Gifford Logan, Charles Clark Gifford and Helen Winifred Gifford.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gifford made their home in a number of cities in the east at different times, finally coming to Grinnell, thirty-six years ago. The years have been kind to Mr. and Mrs. Gifford and the associations they have formed have constantly added to the pleasures which they have richly deserved.

Mrs. Gifford was one of the earliest workers in the Cemetery Association and was a member of the Priscilla Club of this city. Her interest in progress as well as her liking for and popularity with younger people explains her youthful views of life and though her death came when she had reached an advanced age, it may truthfully be said that her spirit was still young.

Funeral services were held at the home on Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W.C. Wasser of the Methodist church, who spoke feelingly of the splendid life just ended. Pall bearers were six war friends of Mrs. Gifford--Dr. E.S. Evans, E.A. Marsh, W.C. Rayburn, John Manly, V.G. Preston and J.H. McMurray. Interment was in Hazelwood.