Gates, Samuel Edward 1840-1917

GATES, CLEVELAND SEELEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/19/2011 at 10:32:17

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

SAMUEL EDWARD GATES

At the ripe age of 76 years, Samuel Edward Gates passed away at his home on Elm street on Saturday. He had been failing in health for a long time. He had lived nearly thirty years in Grinnell and had lived the years well. He had no enemies for he was a friend to all men. His days were spent in kindly acts and his thoughts were all kindly thoughts. For twenty years he was a deacon in the Congregational church and when he retired from the position which had held so long he was made deacon emeritus.

Samuel Edward Gates was born in Oswego county, New York, on May 2, 1840. On Sept. 11, 1861, he was married to Sarah L. Cleveland. For five years he and his wife remained in New York state, working his father's farm. In 1866 they moved to Iowa and bought a farm in Iowa county. Mr. Gates was active in the organization of the Presbyterian church in Ladora and at one time during this period was superintendent of two Sunday schools, the Ladora Presbyterian and one in the country.

In 1888 the family moved to Grinnell and settled in the M. Snyder property on west Sixth avenue. Mr. Gates and his son Elmer engaged in the mercantile business for fourteen years after Elmer had graduated from high school. During all these years he was active and helpful in the work of the Congregational church, and continued so until failing health confined him to his home.

Mr. Gates is survived by his devoted wife and three children, Howard Charles Gates of Ladora, Elmer Dayton Gates of Grinnell, and Mrs. Addie L. Seeley of Jonesboro, Ark. There are five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Emma Gates Bale of Los Angeles, and a cousin Alonzo Gates of Adair, Ia.

Funeral services were held from the home on Sunday, conducted by Rev. E.W. Cross. Interment was in Hazelwood.