GILCHRIST, Orr, 1891-1942

GILCHRIST, PATRICK, HALL, VAN PELT, MORGAN, STOUT

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 11/25/2012 at 17:42:05

Orr Gilchrist

Orr Gilchrist, prominent Van Buren county business man and dealer in livestock, died at his home in Bonaparte early on the morning of Christmas day, after a serious illness of several months.

Foeling[sic] that his illness would be fatal he had made plans for his funeral service, including selection of officiating minister, pall bearers, etc. He had made a remark to some members of his family to the effect that he did not expect to be here for Christmas.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Bonaparte Presbyterian church conducted by Rev. F. M. James of Fairfield. Masonic burial services were also held at the church conducted by William S. Kennedy. Interment in Miller’s Chapel cemetery.
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Orr Gilchrist, son of James Robert and Ludena Patrick Gilchrist, was born at Hamilton, Mont., May 6, 1891, and passed away at his home in Bonaparte, Iowa, at 12:45 a.m. Dec. 25, 1942, aged 61 years, 7 months and 19 days.

He moved with his parents to a farm near Mt. Zion, Iowa, when he was three years old and continued to live there for 30 years.

On August 10, 1910, he was united in marriage to Edith Hall. Three children were born to this union: Conrad Eugene, who died in infancy, Ruby Deloros and Evelyn LaRae.

In 1923 he moved with his family from his father’s farm near Mt. Zion, to Bonaparte where he engaged in the livestock business and operated a farm. In 1927 he purchased what was later known as the Gilchrist Jack Sprat Store. In 1939 he purchased the Overman grocery store in Keosauqua. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a severe heart attack from which he never recovered. As his health failed, he sold his business interests.

At an early age he united with the Presbyterian church of Mt. Zion. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, the Shrine and the Elks.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Ruby Van Pelt of Bloomfield and Mrs. Evelyn Morgan, who for the past few months has been in California with her husband, Lieut. Robert Morgan of the U. S. Navy, 2 grandchildren, Charles Orr and Robert Eugene Van Pelt. His mother, Mrs. J. R. Gilchrist, one sister, Mrs. Blanche Stout, both of Fairfield, and one brother, Wayne, who recently entered the service from Fairfield.

He was a good citizen, a kind loving father and husband, and upright business man held in highest esteem by his friends and acquaintances.
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We desire to express our appreciation for the many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy during our bereavement.
Mrs. Orr Gilchrist and Family
Mrs. J. R. Gilchrist and Family

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, page 9, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA