Elder, Charles M. 1847-1919

ELDER, GROSSENBURG

Posted By: Janet Brown - volunteer (email)
Date: 8/13/2013 at 17:19:33

From the Friday, October 24, 1919 Rock Valley Bee:

Former Resident Dead

Relatives of Chas. M. Elder, a former well-known resident of Rock Valley, received a message Friday advising of his death at his home, Friday morning, at Carter, S.D. Mr. Elder had been suffering from dropsy for some time past but his relatives did not realize that the end was so near. In fact, he was feeling better than usual two weeks before his death.

The remains were brought to Rock Valley for burial, arriving here Sunday morning, and were taken to Valley View cemetery Sunday afternoon, the services at the grave being conducted by W. I. Murphy, a personal friend of the deceased. Mrs. Elder and son, Melvile, accompanied the remains to Rock Valley.

Chas. M Elder was born March 14, 1847 at New Hudson, Michigan, where he spent his early life. He died Oct. 17, 1919, being seventy-two years, seven months, and three days old. When the Civil war broke out, he enlisted with the 8th Michigan Cavalry, Company K and was in active service during the war. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to his home in Michigan, where he resided until 1890 when he came to Rock Valley and lived here until 1909; then he moved with his family to Tripp County, S.D., where he spent the rest of his life.

In 1893, he was united in marriage to Anna Grossenburg. To this union five children were born, Harriet, Melvile, Avis, Francis, and Lewis. Avis died in infancy, and Francis died January 2, 1917. Mrs. Elder and the other three children are left to mourn their husband and father.

Mr. Elder was postmaster in Rock Valley for four years, from 1896 to 1900, and proved himself a faithful and competent man in this position. He was a man who was kind to his family; he was a good neighbor and friend and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends.