Fobes, Gates 1826 - 1908

FOBES, BLODGETT, MALTBY, UPDYKE, MCNEAL, BEEHMANN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/27/2022 at 16:01:38

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 13, 1908, P2 C2

Gates M. Fobes, a resident of Orleans from 1855 until 1861-2, when he came to Decorah to reside, died of apoplexy at his home in Cherokee city on the 3d inst. Particulars are given in another place, as they come to us in the semi-weekly Democrat. During his residence of seventeen years in Decorah he was engaged with G. F. Francis and M. H. Howard, now a resident in Texas, in pork packing, ere that industry centered in the great manufactories in Chicago, Kansas City and other points. This was profitable for three years, and would have been the fourth if the profits had been taken as they ought. During his residence here he was an ardent republican, a supporter of churches, and an ardent participant in all that went to promote agriculture in all its branches.

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 13, 1908, P4 C2

SUDDEN DEATH IN CHEROKEE
OF GATES M. FOBES, A PIONEER WINNESHIEKER.
Occurred February 3d, at an Early Hour in the Morning—Apoplexy the Cause—Ages 81 years last August.
A copy of the Democrat printed at Cherokee this state, dated the 3d inst., brings us this intelligence:--
G. M. Fobes, another prominent citizen of Cherokee, is numbered with the dead. The community was shocked again this morning when the news of his sudden demise was spread. The death of Mr. Fobes occurred at the home of his son-in-law H. A Maltby, where he and his wife had been making their home some time. He had been slightly affected with grip, but yesterday was around as usual, and spent a part of the afternoon at the McNeal home near by. At about four o’clock this morning his wife observed him raise up as if to get out of bed. As she spoke to him he sank back and expired before the members of the household could reach his bedside.
Gates M. Fobes was born in Ontario county, New York, in the town of Gorham, August 25, 1826. Here he grew to manhood, and after completing his education at Lima college assisted his father in extensive milling and farming operations. He was united in marriage with Miss Emily Blodgett in his 24th year. Six children were born to them. They are Mrs. Henry Maltby of Cherokee, O. B. Fobes of Mareus, Mrs. Linda Updyke of Michigan, Mrs. D. W. McNeal of Cherokee, Mrs. O. C. Beehmann of Colorado and Miss Susie, who is teaching in Colorado. In 1855 Mr. Fobes moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling on government land, where he remained six years. He then removed to Decorah, where he resided seventeen years. He was for four years engaged with others in the pork packing business. He came to Cherokee county in 1876, locating in Amhurst township. For a good many years he has resided in Cherokee. Mr. Fobes was an Odd Fellow, having been a member of Oakfield lodge of Genesee county, N. Y., organized by Horace Greeley.
Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made. Miss Susie Fobes, on her way home from Colorado was taken sick Saturday at Omaha and was obliged to go to a hospital there. O. B. Fobes went from Mareus to look after her, so there is difficulty in fixing a time for the funeral.

Transcriber's Note: He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee.