Theodore Thomas Gaston ~ 1879-1915

GASTON, BASHOR, STITCH, ROBINSON, SHEPHERD, ELLIOTT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 2/19/2002 at 10:11:23

Theodore Thomas Gaston, son of John and Lizzie Gaston, was born near Vernon, in Van Buren County, Iowa, November 14, 1879, and died June 10, 1915, aged 35 years, 6 months, and 26 days.

His parents moved to Nebraska for his mother’s health where she died April 16, 1881. He was tenderly cared for by his grandmother Gaston until the following year when his father was united in marriage to his first wife’s only sister, Miss Martha Bashor, who has always been a true and devoted mother, loving him as her own.

They made their home at Odell, Nebraska, for eight years, then returned to Iowa. In 1896 he made a trip to Colorado and New Mexico, being west about four years, then returned to Iowa and secured employment as a brakeman on the Sante Fe, his run being from Ft. Madison to Marceline, Mo.

He held this position for about ten years and during this time was united in marriage with Miss Mamie Stitch, Nov. 20, 1906. To them were born two children.

They later made their home in Vernon for about four years, returning to Ft. Madison last fall where he was employed at gas welding for the Santa Fe. In the spring he took the la grippe in a severe form, which resulted in laryngitis of the throat. He went to Iowa City, where his throat was operated upon, and later to Oakdale State Sanitarium where the peaceful end came. His father was present at the time of his decease.

He became a member of the Catholic Church during his sickness. The funeral was held at their residence at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with Father Zeiser officiating. A large crowd of relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respect to one who they knew and loved. Some beautiful floral offerings were given.

He was a member of the Modern Woodman and this order had charge of the services at the grave, his cousins, Dan Gaston, Hazen Gaston, Buryl Gaston, Chester Gaston, Harry Robinson, and Harry Shepherd acting as pall bearers. His cheerful disposition will long be remembered by his many friends.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife and two daughters, Leona and Juanita; his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John Gaston of Bentonsport; and two sisters and a brother, Mrs. Cora Elliott of Muscatine, and Davie and Anna Gaston of Bentonsport.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings