Day, Claibourn 1826 - 1910

DAY, PARLIAMAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/1/2023 at 13:53:36

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 17, 1910 P2 C1

Ralph Parliaman of Sioux Falls was here to attend the funeral of his uncle, Claiborne Day.

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 17, 1910 P3 C4

CLAIBORN DAY PASSES AWAY
DECORAH’S FIRST SETTLER ANSWERED FINAL SUMMONS ON FRIDAY LAST.
CAME HERE IN THE MONTH OF JUNE 1849
Death Lays Heavy Toll During the Week, Claiming Young and Old—Three Deaths from Tuberculosis.
CLAIBORN DAY.
Claiborn Day, the last resident member of the first white family of Decorah, died at his home on John street last Friday, evening, Feb. 11th, at nine o’clock, aged 83 years, 6 months and 5 days.
Thus passed one who saw Decorah grow from the camping ground of the Winnebagos to one of the most progressive cities of Iowa. And in this city building Mr. Day performed no small part. It was in the fall of 1848 that “Uncle Billy” Day, as he came to be known to all, accompanied by his son Claiborn, came from Cassville, Wis., and staked out a claim in Frankville township. It was their intention to return and bring the other members of the family but winter set in and with nothing in the way of shelter prepared even the hardiest pioneer would not venture to brave the winters that were common in those days. The following spring the family came to Iowa, but when they arrived at the claim which had been staked out the previous fall Mrs. Day was not satisfied—a tract of ground that did not possess flowing water was not the proper place to locate and the family pushed on northwest. It was in June that, in following the Indian trails, they found their way into this hill surrounded spot, and when they saw the spring that once gushed from the base of the hill back of the Winneshiek house they knew that here their home would be.
The Indians were still here, but they had ceased to be dangerous neighbors, and soon a log cabin was built that not only housed the family but whose roof sheltered many a weary prospector into the then opening territory of Iowa. Beef, pork, mutton—they didn’t have any, but there were trout in the streams, and deer in the forests, while the wild grass sheltered prairie chicken, quail and pheasant, and what was lacking in other ways was more than compensated for by a whole-souled hospitality that made all feel welcome. In 1856 travel had so increased as to entirely outgrow the capacity of the cabin and the first Winneshiek hotel was built—a frame building in which Wm. Day became the landlord. He died in 1860 but for many years thereafter Mrs. Day continued to conduct it. In 1877 the house was rebuilt and refitted by the sons—Claiborn, John and Richard,--and it was conducted by various parties until 1892{?} when it was purchased by A. J. McClaskey.
Prior to this time—in the sixties—the Day brothers engaged in the live stock and produce business and in 1870 engaged in the lumber business, with yards here and at Cresco. The activity of Claiborn Day was not confined to these later years, however. The early fifties found him advancing the interests of Decorah, and while it may be said there was self interest in his activity it was not carried on without consideration for his fellow citizens. Undoubtedly were all the incidents connected with the locating of the county seat at Decorah to be told it would be found that he contributed no inconsiderable part to Decorah’s success. The spot on which Winneshiek county’s beautiful court house stands was the joint gift of the Days and Wm. Painter. Mr. Day was the first post master.
The activity that began so soon after locating here continued until but a few years ago. Mr. Day served as councilman for several years from the second ward and was mayor for one year.
The deceased was born Aug. 6, 1826, in Tazewell county, Va., and was the oldest of a family of seven. Of these but two remain—John F. Day of New Orleans and Richard Day of Los Angeles, neither of whom were able to be here, the latter being away on a trip to the Orient. On Dec. 2, 1857, Mr. Day married Emma Parliaman. Mrs. Day died in March, 1904. They had no children. About fifteen years ago Mr. Day was gored by a Jersey cow, a pet that had never showed any vicious tendencies, and sustained injuries which left him in a somewhat crippled condition. In spite of this he continued to be out and around until only a few years ago. For one of his age and infirmities his decline in health has been gradual and death came to him peacefully.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, Rev. M. Willett officiating, with interment in Phelps cemetery. The only relative who was able to be presentw as{sic} Mr. Ralph Parliaman of Sioux Falls.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows his name spelled Claibourn.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen