Gordon, Henderson Adair 1848-1922

GORDON, CLIDE, WHELAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/30/2012 at 12:21:52

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; April 18, 1922

USEFUL LIFE ENDED

Henderson Adair Gordon passed Away
Easter Morning.

Henderson Adair Gordon was born in Cullybecky, County Antrim, Ireland, on May 8, 1848.

His father, Campbell Gordon, was born near Edinburgh, Scotland. His mother, Esther Clide, was born near Glasgow. When he was five years old his father died and when he was ten years old his mother died. By this he was left an orphan to make his way in the world as best he could. Finally he learned the mechanics trade in Belfast. When 18 he sailed to America. After living a short time in Philadelphia he came west to Iowa. From there he went to Texas where he stayed three years, coming back again to Muscatine county, riding a mustang pony all the way through the Indian Reservation.

In 1873 he was married to Eliza Whelan. Four children were born to this union. Edward and Esther who died in childhood, Campbell and Anna who are still living.

In 1874 he moved to a farm in Jasper county. In 1894 the family moved to a farm northeast of Grinnell in order that the children might receive the educational advantages of Grinnell schools and college. In 1919 he moved to the city of Grinnell. It was here on November 2 of last year that the mother passed away. Since then he has been in poor health and last June was taken violently sick from which illness he was unable to rally. During his long illness he has been unusually patient, enduring his pain without complaint.

He was a kind and considerate father, a loyal and patriotic American citizen and a conscientious Christian.

He was a member of one lodge, the Orangemen, in which he took a great interest and always made it a point to be with them at their annual celebration.

His interests were broad and he was ever ready to help any cause that would be of benefit to the community.

Funeral services were conducted this afternoon by Rev. E.W. Cross. Interment was in Hickory Grove cemetery.