Gifford, Henry Rev. 1809 - 1881

GIFFORD, HILL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/12/2025 at 06:04:15

Elkader Register, 01 July 1881.

Rev. Henry Gifford, died at his residence in Read twp., June 26th, of heart disease and dropsy, aged 72 years, 1 month and 27 days.

The subject of this short sketch was born at Paulet, Vermont, April 29th, 1809, and when at the tender age of 6 months he was deprived of his father by death. The family then removed to Ox_lie, N.Y., where he resided until 1842. It was at this place that he met and married Miss Lucetta Hill, Jan. 08th, 1831, who survives him. In 1843 they came to Iowa, and located on what was then known as Volga Bottom, where they resided until December 1857, when the family removed to Read twp., where he died. By his wife he had 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls, of whom there are five now living.

While we greatly mourn his loss, we are encouraged by the conviction, that his whole life was a preparation for a happy death and a favorable judgment. His funeral occurred on Monday, June 27th. A large congregation assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the remains of this honored man, among whom were many of the early settlers of the county; six of whom acted as pall bearers. An impressive funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. N. W. Bixby, of Edgewood, one of Mr. Gifford's early friends, assisted by Rev. T. E. Fleming. At the grave Judge Murdock pronounced a fitting eulogy, after which they laid all that was mortal of Henry Gifford, the true friend, the good christian and honored man, to rest.