James R. Gilchrist

GILCHRIST, NELSON, STOUT, PATRICK

Posted By: Jennifer Perkins (email)
Date: 7/5/2005 at 13:47:23

James R. Gilchrist April 29, 1864-March 22, 1932

Obituary
James R. Gilchrist

James Robert Gilchrist, youngest son of Orr W. and Eleanor Nelson Gilchrist was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, on April 29th, 1864 and passed away at the Jefferson County Hospital, Fairfield, Iowa, at 9:30 A. M. on Tuesday, March 22, 1932. at the age of 67 years, 10 months and 22 days.
When three days old his mother passed away. At the age of 12, he came to the home of his uncle, John Nelson, where he lived until 21 years of age. From Aunt Lide Nelson he received the mother love his heart longed for and which he cherished all through life.
At the age of 21 he went to Montana, where he lived seven years, being superintendent of the Marcus Daly ranches. On July 3, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Ludema Patrick of Corvallis, Montana. In the fall of 1893 he purchased a farm in Van Buren County and returned with his wife and baby son to make his home there. In the fall of 1910 he rented his farm and moved to Keosauqua, Iowa, where he engaged in the Coal and Ice Business, retiring because of ill health, he moved to Fairfield in October 1926, where he has since resided.
He united with the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church in 1890 transferring his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Keosauqua, upon his removal there.
He was a memberof the Masonic Lodge No. 10, Moore Chapter, Royal Arch 23, El Chanan Commandery Knights Templar No. 28 and the Modern Woodmen of America, all of Keosauqua.

He served on the school board for several years.

He was a man of sterling qualities, honest and upright-always living by the Golden Rule.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, four children, Orr of Bonaparte, Mrs. Blanche Stout of Mt. Pleasant, and Wayne of Fairfield. Four grandchildren, Mrs. Ruby Van Pelt of Keosauqua, Evelyn Gilchrist of Bonaparte, Dayne Stout of Mt. Pleasant, and James Manning Gilchrist of Keosauqua. One son, James Ren preceded him in death on April 1, 1910. Three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Templeton of Anaconda, Montana; Mrs. Mary Kemper and Miss Nancy Gilchrist of Delray Beach, Florida; one brother, Hugh Gilchrist of Anaconda, Montana; John Nelson, a cousin with whom he shared the love and confidence of a brother, and a large circle of friends who mourn his departure.
Friday afternoon, following short services at the Hoskins Funeral home in Fairfield, the body was taken to the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, where services were conducted by the Rev. J. C. Behrens of Hedrick, a former pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Keosauqua. Messrs. Wayen Davidson, Ora Williams, and Walter Beer sang, "Riches of Love", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beautiful Land".

The pallbearers were Robert Barker, Harvey Brewster. George Kerr, and Gayle Wolf of Keosauqua, George Bowers and Anderson Patton of Fairfield, long time friends of the deceased. Burial was made in the family lot at Miller's Chapel.
Those attending from a distance were: Hugh Gilchrist, Anaconda, Montana; Ross Nelson of Lincoln, Nebr.; Dr. Audley Nelson of Sidney, Iowa; Walter Gilchrist and son Ralph, and Miss Emma Gilchrist of Knoxville, Iowa; Webb Barker and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pittman of Des Moines.
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy during the sickness and death of our husband anf father. Also for the beautiful floral offerings.

The family

Source: Marietta (Nelson) Scrapbook