William Sivil 1829-1906

SIVIL, GOSS, MACKLIN, CLARK, LANGWITH

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 21:28:06

William Sivil.

Wm. Sivil was born in Cummingsby, Lincolnshire, England, July 1, 1829, and died June 26, 1906, at 7:35 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Floyd Macklin, in Bonaparte, Iowa, aged 76 years, 11 months and 25 days.

He was baptized in infancy in accordance with ritual and custom of the Church of England.

The parents of William moving to London he was there reared, educated and learned his trade, that of shoemaker, and in the making or selling of footwear he has spent his entire life.

In 1852 the parents with their sons, John and William, came to America, landing at New York, and for a month tarrying in Pittsburg, where John remained until 1854. Mrs. and Mrs. Sivil with William came to Lee county, Iowa, where they located. At different periods William took up his residence at Keokuk, Iowa, and at Cairo and Griggsville, Ill.

He made several trips to England and on his last visit to the land of his nativity, on Mar. 4, 1874, married Miss Emma Goss. While in England one child was born and there died. Shortly after this bereavement they came to Iowa. The following children were born: - William H., Austin Goss, Mrs. Bessie Macklin, and Miss Emma Mary. These with nieces, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark and Mrs. Edwin Langwith, sur- [sic] him.

He was made a Mason in the spring of 86 by Coche Lodge no 290, Illinois. He united with the Bonaparte Lodge No. 73, Jan. 53 [sic], 1872. He held the offices of Junior Warden 1876-69 [prob. 1876-79]. Senior Warden 1879-82, Worshipful Master 1882-85 and again 1891-92, Senior Deacon 1892-94.

He was a charter member of LaFayette Chapter*1, Royal Arch Masons organized here in Bonaparte Nov. 10, 1870, and held all the offices of this chapter from the lowest to the highest.

His membership with the Eastern Starr [sic] dates back to February, 1900, the time of the organization of Magnolia Chapter.

As a citizen he has bourne a repu- [sic] for honesty and uprightness; sober and industrious, not loud or ostentatious, but strictly reliable. You always knew where to find him, how he stood on questions of morality or civic righteousness such as are common to a community.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 10:00 A. M. in the M. E. church, Rev. Wehn officiating. Many members of the orders to which he belonged were present, and took charge of the services in the Bonaparte cemetery where his body was interred.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am not related and am posting this for those who may find this person in their family history.