Mattson, Gustof (or Gustav), 1842-1915

MATTSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/12/2012 at 20:46:18

VERY SUDDEN DEATH
Gustof Mattson Suffered Fatal Apoplectic Stroke Thursday

Gustof Mattson died suddenly about nine o'clock last Thursday evening [April 15] at his home in this city [Hawarden] from a stroke of apoplexy, at the age of 73 years, 1 month and 15 days. He had attended to his duties as usual about the house and in the garden during the day and had not complained in any way, so that his death came very unexpectedly to the members of his family and many old friends. Short services were held at the home Monday morning and the body was then taken to Big Springs where funeral services were held and interment was made. Rev. R. A. Arlander, pastor of the Big Springs Baptist church, conducted the funeral services.

The deceased was born March 1, 1842 at Ekenas, Annehara Parish in the Province of Vestergotland, Sweden. He came to the United States in March 1869 and settled the same year on his homestead at Big Springs, Union county, S.D., where he has had his home until a year ago when he retired from farming and moved to Hawarden. He was united in marriage to the now widowed wife, Dec. 5, 1872. In this union he had one son and four daughters of which three daughters, Anna, Hilma and Nettie survive him.

He was converted during a revival at Big Springs in 1874 and baptised by Rev. P. A. Ring June 28th the same year. He has ever since been a faithful and consistent member of the Big Springs Baptist church. In 1891 he was elected deacon, which office he held until his death, although he could not take active part the last year. He was not a man that demanded a leading position, rather resigned and unpretentious, but he manifested nevertheless that he loved the church and the cause of Christ and he had the fullest confidence as a sincere Christian from all who knew him.

He was a pioneer of the Big Spring colony and an early member of the church and the place that had been his home for more than forty years was very dear to him. It was a trying experience to him to leave the old homestead and the church. He was so deeply rooted and too old to transplant, and somehow he could never feel at home in his new circumstances, though as it appeared to others he now should have enjoyed his well earned rest and leisure and comfort of the new home.

Peace be to his memory.

Source: Hawarden Independent, April 22, 1915.

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Another news note from the same issue of the HI:
Miss Hilma Mattson of Deadwood, S.D., and Miss Nettie Mattson on Manley, Iowa, arrived Saturday, having been summoned by the death of their father, G. Mattson.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index spells his name Gustav.