Abbey, Gottlieb (1837-1924)

ABBEY, YOUNIE, WALKER

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 12/28/2011 at 21:07:49

Hawarden Independent
10-23-1924

DEATH OF CIVIL
WARVETERAN
G. ABBEY PASSED AWAY AT HIS
HOME HERE TUESDAY
Was Past 87 Years of Age and Had
Been a Resident of Iowa for
Sixty-nine Years

G. Abbey, an aged resident of this city, passed away at his home here about 8:30 Tuesday morning. He suffered a stroke last Friday afternoon.
When his daughter-in-law, Mrs. J. W. Abbey, who had been making a home for him the past year, returned from an errand Friday evening she found him lying on the floor of the home in an unconscious condition. A physician was immediately summoned but he never regained consciousness. Funeral services were held at 2:30 this afternoon at the Associated Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Wm. F. Vance, and interment was made in Grace Hill cemetery.

Gottlieb Abbey was born in the Canton of Bern, in Switzerland, in February, 1837, so was nearly 88 years of age. His mother died in Switzerland in 1844 leaving the father with four children, three boys and one girl. With these four children the father came to America in 1852 and located at St. Louis, Mo. In 1855 the three boys came to Delaware county, Iowa, and together entered an eighty of prairie land. The combined capital of the three brothers was barely sufficient to pay the $1.25 per acre fee to the government. The father was a cabinet maker and had taught his sons the trade. They worked at their trade and on the farm and were soon prospering.

In 1862 Mr. Abbey entered the Union army as a member of Co. F, 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, his brother Jacob being left in charge of the farm. The 27th Iowa was placed under the command of Col. A. J. Smith. They were first sent against the Sioux Indians in Minnesota then moved into Missouri. Here they took part in the fighting against the guerrilla troops that existed all along the border. On their way to Vicksburg they were halted at St. Louis to defend that city in 1863. They arrived at Vicksburg after Grant had taken that city and were sent on south into Mississippi and Louisiana to clear navigation to New Orleans. After Sherman started on his march to the sea they returned to Tennessee andjoined the forces of Gen. Thomas. Here they took part in the most severe fighting and it was their command which turned the tide in the famous battle of Nashville Dec, 15 and 16, 1864. In this battle the command of Geo. Hood was crushed and the most decisive single battle of the war was won. From this time until the end of his campaign Gen. Sherman was never seriously menaced
from the rear. Mr. Abbey was discharged from the army at Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 7, 1865, and returned tohis farm in Delaware county.

On Nov. 28, 1867, Mr. Abbey was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Younie. To them five children were born, William, John, Elmer, Elizabeth and Lewis. The family prospered. To the farm was added a creamery and in spare moments Mr. Abbey continued the use of his tools in building houses and barns as well as things for the homes. He served his community in various offices, including that of postmaster of Abbeyville. In politics Mr. Abbey had always been a republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864.

In 1893 Elmer Abbey came to Sioux county and one by one the other children of Mr. Abbey followed. Finally
Mr, Abbey disposed of his property in Delaware county and he and Mrs. Abbey joined their children here in 1909. Since coming here Mr. Abbey has not been engaged in any business but has helped his sons with their buildings and kept generally occupied.

He spent two winters in California but did not feel equal to making the trip last year. For a year or more he has been quite feeble but has insisted on helping himself in every possible way. It seems quite possible that he had a slight stroke of paralysis while wintering in California although he did not think so. He was a loyal member of the G. A. R. and a supporter of the church.
He leaves to mourn his death his sons, William, Elmer and Lewis of Hawarden, his daughter, Mrs. Jas. E. Walker of Hecla, S. D., his daughter-in-law, Mrs. John W. Abbey of Hawarden, together with eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

His wife, Mrs. Abbey, passed away in 1913 and his son John in 1920.

Gravestone Photo
 

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