Ellsworth, Deighton B. 1822 – 1896

ELLSWORTH, DENISON, NORTON, LOTHROP, TUCKER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:46

Source: Decorah Republican Mar. 12, 1896 P 5 C 3

THE SILENT REAPER.
Three Old Settlers Pass to the Great Beyond.
DEIGHTON B. ELLSWORTH.
On Monday last Death again entered the ranks of Decorah’s oldest settlors and took from it Deighton B. Ellsworth, one of the worthiest and most esteemed of all our residents.
Mr. Ellsworth was born in Lewis Co., New York, Jan. 10th, 1822. When a lad of eight years his parents moved to Cattaraugus Co., then known as “out west” and here he grew up, receiving a common school education and working upon a farm. March 29th, 1848, he was married to Amanda Denison and the same year came west, stopping first at Galena, Ill. He spent some little time prospecting for a favorable business location, and the year following saw him installed as a general merchant at Argyle, Wis. His was the first stock of merchandise to be opened, in this place, where he remained until the spring of 1855, when he sold out and came to Decorah. His first business venture in Decorah was a partnership with A. A. Aiken in a general store which lasted one year. Mr. Ellsworth bought his partner’s interest and continued the business until 1858. In company with the late F. B. Landers he again engaged in general merchandising in 1859, a partnership which lasted until 1874, when he retired and purchased an interest with C. N. Goddard in the pioneer store. In 1880 ho was compelled by ill health to retire permanently from all business of a confining nature, since which time he had applied himself to various occupations that offered him the freedom of outdoor exercise and recreation. Suffering almost constantly from chronic bronchitis and organic disease of the heart, he spent about two years in the south and west, hoping thereby to secure temporary relief. His last illness begun at Christmas time, but up to four weeks ago he was able to be up and about the house. He was then confined to his bed until the silent messenger summoned his spirit.
In 1876 his wife died. Of this union there was one child, a daughter, Mrs. Florence Lothrop, of Boston, Mass. Mr. Ellsworth was married again April 10th, 1877, to Mrs. Harriet B. Norton, of Chautauqua, Co., N. Y., who, with her children, Mrs. J. S. Tucker, Martin and Geo. Norton, and Mrs. Lothrop, survives him.
Truly it may be said of Mr. Ellsworth’s private life that he was a man among men. In 1862 he joined the Congregational church of this city by profession of faith, and until fulling health prevented he was one of its most regular attendants and supporters, living a Christian. Godly life. For years Sunday found him in his place before a large and interested Bible class and his voice was always heard in the midweek prayer meetings. Socially he was a most genial, lovable man, and counted among his friends a large and ever increasing acquaintance. In business he was a constant advocate of all that tended toward the up-building and up-lifting of the community. In fact, Mr. Ellsworth was what so few attain and what everyone must wish to be—a model for his fellow men.
He has gone to his last resting place, full of years and enjoying to the end the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
The funeral service will be held this afternoon at two o’clock at his late residence and the remains will be buried in the family lot in the Decorah cemetery.
The dry goods stores will be closed from two to three o’clock out of respect to Mr. Ellsworth’s memory.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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