William Miller Gossard (1816-1885)

GOSSARD, CORY, LYMAN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/4/2014 at 19:29:37

From Ames Intelligencer October 15, 1885

Sudden Death of William Gossard

Mr. William Gossard fell dead Saturday last, about 9 o'clock a. m., at his residence southeast of Ames, on what is known as the Squire Cory* farm. Mr. Gossard left his house in apparent good health, for the purpose of putting some pigs in a pen near by. He was heard to call the animals in his usually cheerful tone of voice, by his wife, who was only a short distance away, and young lady in the home also by Mr. C. E. Taylor of this city, who was approaching him, but sheltered from his observation by a clump of bushes. When Mr. Taylor reached him he found Mr. Gossard lying on his back dead. He had apparently fallen backward and died without a struggle. He had been complaining for some weeks of pain in his side and the vicinity of his heart, and his sudden death was not entirely unexpected.

Mr. Gossard was born in Ohio, and at the time of his death was 60 years of age. He was the father of six sons and two daughters--four of the former serving in the Union army during the war, and being spared to return to the parental roof. Mr. Gossard moved to Story county in 1857, where he resided continuously until his death. His wife died a number of years ago; and two years since he was united in marriage to Mrs. Cory.* He was highly respected by all who knew him. His sudden death cast a feeling of sadness over the whole community; and the bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of our people in their deep affliction.

* SUBMITTER'S NOTE: William Miller Gossard married first, Sarah J. Ely on 3 November 1836. She died on 10 August 1881. On 15 August 1883 he married Charlotte A. (Lyman) Cory, widow of Squire Martin Cory.