The Lamoni Chronicle
Lamoni, Iowa
March 10, 1904

Obituary of James M. GORSUCH.

A well known citizen of Ringgold county, Iowa, passed away in Lamoni, Iowa, February 28, 1904, at 6:05 p.m., after more than three and a half years of suffering with cancer.

(Note there is a picture of him here.)

He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1849, being fifty-four years, eleven months and twenty-eight days old at the time of his death. When nine years of age he came with his parents to Monroe county, Iowa, where he remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he removed to Ringgold county and began life as a pioneer farmer. He united in marriage with Agnes A. FARMER February 12, 1872. To this union were born two children, Minnie M. ALLEN and Charles E., who, together with their mother, still survive him.

Mr. GORSUCH was an extensive land owner, fine stock breeder and a thorough agriculturalist. He was a man who would not be satisfied without the best of everything; and while proud of his possessions he was one of the commonest of men, character, not wealth or rank, being the standard of fellowship. In 1884 he erected what was and is now the largest and most convenient farm residence in the county.

Mr. GORSUCH was not a member of any church organization; but as a religionist he was very enthusiastic; and for years and during all of his affliction up to his death gave every evidence that his soul was safe in the presence of God. He was a man unmoved by the clamor of the world. Gifted with strong personal magnetism he succeeded in gaining the friendship of thousands. He was very fond of children and during the days of his strength and activity there was hardly a child in the township that could speak a word but what knew him well. He met his enemies cordially as well as his friends and always in a cheerful manner. Storm or sunshine it was "Nice day. How is your soul." The death of this man of God takes from our midst one who has and will be missed by all. His farm was a market place for Riley township where their surplus products could be sold without hauling and driving so far to the railroad. He was a man who stood in the front rank of development of higher agricultural, social and spiritual conceptions. As he felt he spoke, and would rather stand alone in that which he though to be right than to go with the multitude with flowers strewn in his pathway.

Funeral services were conducted by Evangelist Milton A. HUGHS of Wellsville, Kansas, at 9:30 a.m., March 1. The subject, the twenty-third Psalm, as well as the minister, was selected by the deceased, and was read and discoursed upon with great effect, after which the remains were taken to Mt. Ayr, Iowa, for interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

O death where is they sting!
O grave where is they victory!
His soul now joyfully sings
Triumphant over thee.

Copied by Stacey McDowell Dietiker
June 19, 2003