GILCHRIST, David, 1832-1920

GILCHRIST, JACK, BEARD, EVANS, SHREVES

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 2/26/2013 at 10:02:25

Obituary of David Gilchrist

David Gilchrist was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., May 16th, 1832, and passed away at his home I home in Fairfield, Iowa, march 31, 1920, aged 87 years, 10 months and 15 days.

He was united in, marriage to Miss Martha Jack, January 19, 1860, to this union were born 14 children, nine sons and five daughters. The wife passed away February 9, 1916, and three children have gone before: Mardie, who died in infancy; Mrs. Jennie Beard in 1902, and Joseph Milton in 1916. The following remain: Bailey and Harry of Moscow, Idaho; John and Charles of Gifford, Mont.; Mernice of Holden, Mo.; Lloyd of Shelbina, Mo.; Collier of Milton, Iowa; Mrs. L. C. Evans of Fairfield; Mrs. W. B. Shreves of Des Moines, Iowa, and Norris and Lillian who made their home with their father and cared for him until his death.

While next to the oldest of a family of eight, he survived them all.

Besides the children he leaves 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, and other relatives, with a host of friends and admirers whose friendship he had won by his inspiring personality and sterling character.

He enlisted in Company B, 139th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Sixth Army corps and fought in most of the principle battles of the Rebellion. He was wounded at the battle of Spotsylvania Court House, which wound gave him much trouble through the remainder of his life.

He came to Iowa in 1868, settling on a farm near Birmingham, Iowa, where he had resided ever since, except the year 1910, when he lived in Birmingham. The 1st of March, the son and daughter, moved to Fairfield, where he soon after moving took to his bed.

He first united with the Presbyterian church, but later transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church at Birmingham, where he held his membership until death. He talked to the loved ones at his beside on Sabbath last, quoting to them the scripture and seemed to have the conscious presence of the Joy of the Lord.

Charles, Lloyd, Norris, Lillian, Mrs. W. B. Shreves, Mrs. L. C, Evans and the grandson Merle were present with him when he passed away.

The funeral service was held in the Presbyterian church at Birmingham, on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock, in charge of Rev. C. L. Tennant of Fairfield, and the interment was in the Maple Hill cemetery by the side of his wife.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, Page 299, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA