Bits and Pieces ~ Bluhm and Vach
The Old Fairfield City Cemetery
19. GIFT: ADAM, Died Jan. 19, 1865, In the 73d yr. of his age.
20. GIFT: SARAH, wife of Adam Gift, Died Feb. 6, 1868. In the 68th yr. of her age.
*(Smith) Her father, a Revolutionary Soldier. See Evans History of Wapello Co.
21. GIFT: (W. face) “Father & Mother”
(S. face) GEO. GIFT, SR., Died Dec. 28, 1866, Aged 69 yr. 5 mo. & 26 ds.
(N. face) CATHARINE, Wife of GEO. GIFT SR., Born Apr. 13, 1804, Died Apr.
22, 1880.
22. GIFT: GEO. GIFT, JR., Died July 21, 1895, Aged 62 ys. 3mo. 28 dys.
23. GIFT: REV. LUDWICK, Born Aug. 7, 1829, Died Apr. 1, 1897, Aged 67 yrs.7 mos. 24 ds
Fairfield Ledger
Mar. 12, 1868
Page 3 col. 4
OBITUARY, ADAM GIFT, who died suddenly at his residence in Cedar Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, Jan. 18, 1865, in the 73d year of his age, and wife SARAH GIFT, who died Feb. 26, 1868, aged 66 years and 2 months. For the last fifteen years they have resided in this county, having moved from Allegany Co., Md., in the fall of 1852…Methodist Protestant church.
Fairfield Ledger
April 28, 1880
Page 3 col. 8
DIED. GIFT—At her residence in Fairfield, April 22, 1880, of pneumonia, MRS. CATHERINE GIFT, aged 76 years and 9 days. She was born in Bedford County, Pa.; her maiden name was Cunningham. In 1850 came with her family to Jefferson County…Her husband, GEORGE GIFT, died in 1866…Lutheran Church…
Fairfield Ledger
July 24, 1895
Page 3 col. 4
DEATH OF GEORGE GIFT…..who was well known to all the older residents of Fairfield, at MRS. HEATER’S home near the Rock Island depot Sunday afternoon from an affection of the heart….Son of MR. and MRS. GEORGE GIFT, both of whom died in this city many years ago. He was born in McConnellsburgh, Penn., March 23d, 1833. When about 17 years of age, he came to this county with his parents, and was married in 1885 to MRS. CASTER of Ottumwa…But one other member of the family now resides in this county, MRS. JOHN MCWHIRTER. The remains were interred in the City Cemetery, by the side of his parents, Monday afternoon….
Fairfield Ledger
April 7, 1897
Page 3 col. 3
LUDWICH[sic] GIFT was found dead in his room at the Park Hotel, Ottumwa, Thursday morning…Remains brought to this city Friday, and were interred in the City cemetery by the side of those of other members of the GIFT family. MR. GIFT was a son of the late GEORGE GIFT, SR., was born at McConnellsburgh, Penn., and was in the 69th year of his age. With his parents he came to this county in 1849 and remained here until 1861. After spending a year or two in Mahaska County, where he was married to ELIZA J. ORNBAUM, he removed to the Pacific slope, making his home in Washington and Idaho until his return to this city in June, 1896. He was the father of five children. One drowned; the other four perished from diphtheria within 9 days. Wife died about 5 years ago. M. E. Church from early manhood; since 1890 licenses preacher…..A sister, MRS. JOHN MCWHIRTER, survives him in this city.
GIFT – Civil War Soldiers.
GIFT, CHARLES –Co. A, 15th Iowa Inf. Reg.; age 21 when enl. Feb. 19, 1862; born Maryland.
GIFT, JACOB – Co. B, 19th Iowa Vol. Inf. Reg.; age 19 when enl. Aug. 9, 1862; residence, Salina; born Penn.
GIFT, JAMES W. – Co. B, 19th Iowa Vol. Inf. Reg.; age 24 when enl. Aug. 9, 1862; residence, Salina; born Penn.
GIFT, WILLIAM – Co. G or C?, 30th Iowa Vol. Inf. Reg.; age 33 when enl. Aug. 9, 1862; residence, Fairfield; born Va.
Fairfield Ledger
Jan. 3, 1894
Page 3 col. 4
CHARLES GIFT, of Fairfield, is the new County Treasurer. He is a native of Allegheny County, Md., and is 53 years old; has been a resident of Jefferson County since 1852. He was a member of Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry, and served three years in the army. Prior to 1884 he lived on a farm, although he has taught sixteen terms of school in various portions of the county. Since that year MR. GIFT has resided in Fairfield, where he has been engaged in the harness business…
Fairfield Ledger
Aug. 31, 1898
Page 3 col. 5
CHARLES GIFT HAS PASSED AWAY….CHARLES GIFT was born in Allegheny County, Md., August 9, 1840. When a lad of 12 years he removed with his parents to Jefferson County and most of his life was spent on the farm in this vicinity. When the war of the rebellion began he early responded to President Lincoln’s call for troops, enlisted in Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry, and saw three years of active, creditable service. After his return from the army, April 22, 1869, he was married to MISS MAGGIE F. PARKER of Birmingham, who survives him. They were the parents of four children, MAUD, VINNIE, ALTA and WILLIAM GIFT, all of whom reside in this city. WILLIAM GIFT of Ottumwa, MRS. ELIZABETH DUNCAN of Salina, and MRS. KATE MCWHINNEY of Washburn, Ill., are surviving brother and sisters….First Methodist Church.
Fairfield Tribune
Apr. 26, 1899
Page 7 col. 4
Marriage of MR. DELZELL N. GREEN and MISS. ALICE MAUD GIFT, at home of the bride on West Broadway, last Thursday night at 8 o’clock. MR. GREEN is the oldest son of L. H. GREEN and has for many years past been in the business of photographer…..His bride is the daughter of MRS. CHAS. GIFT…..Home on West Broadway.
Jefferson County Republican
June 19, 1903
Page 4 col. 3
MRS. SUSAN PARKER died at the home of her daughter, MRS. CHAS. GIFT….in her 87th year….remains taken to Birmingham.
Fairfield Ledger
March 23, 1904
Page 6 col. 4
WILLIAM GIFT, who was resident of this county from 1860 to 1865, died very suddenly at his home near Ottumwa Wednesday. He was a brother of the late CHARLES GIFT of this city, was 76 years of age and a farmer. MR. GIFT was a member of Co. G, 30th Iowa Infantry, enlisting in this county.
Jefferson County Republican
Jan. 6, 1911
Page 1 col. 2
Comrade JACOB GIFT died Dec. 27th. We clip the following from the Western Advocate, Mankato, Kansas, of Dec. 30th: “JACOB GIFT, one of the wealthiest citizens of this community, died Tuesday morning at his home just southeast of Mankato, after an illness of several weeks. Interment in Mankato cemetery. Deceased was in his 67th year, was a member of the G. A. R. post of this city. He leaves a wife and one daughter, MRS. E. L. DILLMAN.”
Jefferson County Republican
Mar. 11, 1910
Page 1 col. 2
MRS. J. W. GIFT of Chula, Mo…..Her husband was a 19th Iowa Inft. boy in the Civil War. They were both Jefferson County people….
Fairfield Ledger
May 2, 1900
Page 3 cols. 7 – 8
OBITUARY. ELIZABETH GIFT DUNCAN died April 25th, near Salina. She was born near McConnellsburg, Fulton County, Penn., April 4th 1833. When a child she moved with her parents to Allegheny County, Md., where she grew to womanhood, and in the fall of 1852 the family came to Jefferson County. She was united in marriage with JAMES B. DUNCAN May 3d, 1855. Four children were born to them, who, with the husband, a brother and a sister, survive her….Two sons, FRANK and PRESTON, who resides in Ottumwa. HARLAN resides in Lincoln, Neb…..Joined M. E. church in 1856….The funeral sermon was preached in the Richwoods church by her pastor, REV. JOHN H. TAYLOR, of Salina, after which the body was laid to rest in the cemetery just west of the church…..
(See also Vols. 1, 2, 3, JEFFERSON COUNTY RECORDS.)
Fairfield Ledger
Mar. 6, 1930
Page 2 col. 5
Last rites for MRS. MARGARET F. GIFT, pioneer resident of this city, who passed away yesterday afternoon, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the home, 502 W. Broadway. Interment Evergreen. The members of the Woman’s Relief Corps and the Daughters of Union Veterans will attend in a body. MRS. GIFT was born at Birmingham, Iowa, Feb. 20, 1844, the daughter of JAMES H. and SUSANAH PARKER, pioneer settlers of Iowa. Married CHARLES GIFT Apr. 22, 1869, and he preceded her in death Aug. 30, 1898. He was a Civil War Veteran. For the past 27 years her daughter and husband, MR. and MRS. DELZELL GREEN, have lived with her and tenderly cared for her in her declining years. Besides MRS. GREEN she leaves the following children: MRS. WILLIAM MATHER and MRS. PEARL MCELHANY of California, and WILLIAM PARKER GIFT of Oregon. Methodist church.
The Old Fairfield City Cemetery
24. MORRISON: (N. face) THOS. F., Died June 29, 1884, Aged 72 yrs. 4 m. 7 days.
(W. face) MARY MORRISON, Died Jan. 22, 1872, Aged 71 yrs. 7 m 5 d.
(S. face) ELIZA A., Wife of A. COURTNEY, dau. of JAMES
MORRISON, Died March 13, 1881, Aged 77 yrs. 17ds.
Fairfield Ledger
March 30, 1881
DEATHS—March 13, in Fairfield, of consumption, ELIZA . COURTNEY, Aged 77 years
15 days.
Fairfield Ledger
July 2, 1884
Page 3 col. 6
DEATH OF THOMAS F. MORRISON….occurred Sunday, June 29, 1884, at the residence of his nephew, S. M. MORRISON, aged 73 years 4 months and 7 days. MR. MORRISON was born in Perry County, Penn., and settled in Jefferson County in 1846. He was unmarried…..blindness….MR. MORRISON was a subscriber to The Ledger for over 30 years, and was always anxious to read or have it read to him. It always gave him pleasure to ride with the editor of The Ledger to the polls on election day, a duty we have performed for the past ten years. He was a cheerful man in his affliction and retained his mental powers to the last….His funeral took place Monday afternoon, and the remains were buried in the Old Cemetery.
25. ROBINSON: COL. JAMES C., July 12, 1790 – Mar. 30, 1896.
Fairfield Ledger
Aug. 9, 1893
Page 3 col. 5
COL. JAMES C. ROBINSON was a caller yesterday. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 6, 1790 and is well preserved for one of his advanced age. He is an interesting and entertaining talker. COL. ROBINSON has been visiting with WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, whose wife is a relative.
(Note: COL. JAMES CAMERON ROBINSON spoke at Old Settlers’ Reunion when over 103. 1893?)
Fairfield Ledger
April 1, 1896
Page 3 col. 2
DIED AT ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE. COL. JAMES ROBINSON, who was undoubtedly the oldest man in Jefferson County, died at the county house in this city Monday. He came here four or five years ago in search of some distant relatives, and finally became a public charge. COL. ROBINSON was a native of Ireland, and his age, according to the census enumerator’s books of 1895, was 105 years. His was a case of rare longevity, and many people are disposed to question the accuracy of the old man’s statements, but he could always silence his critics. MR. ROBINSON came to the United States when a young man, and in 1826 accompanied a military expedition up the Mississippi River to the site of Ft. Snelling, Minn. He was in the government employ for many years, and claimed considerable service in Indian wars, but his name does not appear on the records in Washington because he was not an enlisted man. He was a great reader and a good conversationalist, and retained his mental faculties almost to the day of his death. The remains of this aged man were interred in the City Cemetery yesterday.
Fairfield Tribune
April 1, 1896
Page 7 col. 3
DEATH OF JAMES ROBINSON. Well known to many in this city, though more on account of his extreme old age than for anything else. Died at the poor house here Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock. MR. ROBINSON was in his 106th year. He had never married. Born in County Antrim, Ireland, and was known in that country by MR. NATHANIEL CRAWFORD, who lives south of town. MR. ROBINSON had a personal acquaintance with many noted men in this country and was very intelligent…At one time he was the possessor of a large amount of wealth and during the Civil War fitted out a regiment of soldiers at his own expense. However, a gentleman of untarnished character, kind-hearted and an earnest Christian, he was buried in a pine box and his remains taken to the grave without a single mourner. He had spent many years at Dubuque, this state, and was widely known in the west.
Fairfield Ledger
Apr. 29, 1896
Page 3 col. 3
Some time before his death COL. JAMES ROBINSON, who recently died at the poor house in this city at the age of 105 years, left an old pocket book with a friend in this city for safe keeping. When it was opened it was found to contain $23, and the money has been invested in a marble tablet which will mark his last resting place in the City Cemetery.
Fairfield Tribune
Wed. July 28, 1909
Page 1
SEEK COL. ROBINSON’S BODY. Nephew of Centenarian Traced Him Here—Will Take Remains to Ohio. SAMUEL ROBERTSON, of North Charlestown, Ohio, arrived in this city last Friday and made arrangements for the removal of the body of COL. J. C. ROBINSON from the cemetery in this city to Ohio, where it will be laid in the family plot. COL. ROBINSON died in this city in 1896, aged 105 years, a county charge, and was buried in the in the county plot. Through the efforts of City Clerk WILLIAM LONG a neat stone was erected over the grave, giving the dates of birth and death, and his last resting place has been pointed out to hundreds of people as containing the remains of a centenarian. It appears that COL. ROBINSON was lost track of by the remainder of the family many years ago and drifted into Missouri and from there to Iowa. For many years he was agent for the North American Fur Company and as such was acquainted with such men as DANIEL WEBSTER, JOHN C. CALHOUN, and others of national prominence in that period. These men he met in his trips to Washington to secure necessary papers for carrying on the business of his company.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, COL. ROBINSON was located at Dubuque and at that time was a man of affluence. He is said to have fitted out a company of soldiers with his own money and taken them to the front. He was a man of much intelligence in his day, and would have remained in good circumstances, without a doubt, had it not been for an injury received on his head, which decreased his capabilities.
At one time he secured title to 20,000 acres of land in Nebraska, and it is believed there is a chance of relatives now getting this if the facts can be established. MR. ROBINSON, who traced him to this city, is looking the matter up…While here he looked up the account of the death in the files of The Tribune and took a copy of the announcement with him. Arrangements were also made with the F. D. KERRICK & Company undertaking establishment to look after the matter of disinterring the body and forwarding the remains to Ohio, as soon as word in received from the other Ohio relatives of COLONEL ROBINSON.
26. FRYBERGER: MARGARET A., Wife of J. FRYBERGER, “Our Mother” Died May 1, 1873, Aged 44 years.
27. BLUHM: “Here At Rest” – FREDERICK BLUHM, Born June 24, 1841, Died Nov. 27, 1892.
(Burial Permit at City Hall shows FREDREKE BLUHM, age 50, F, W, d. Buchanan Twp. Nov. 27, 1892.)
28. VACH: F., Born Feb. 18, 1815, Died Sept. 13, 1888.
Fairfield Ledger
Sept. 18, 1888
Page 3 col. 3
FREDERICK VACH, a German aged 57 years, died at the home of his brother-in-law, HERMAN BLUHM, just southeast of this city, Thursday afternoon.
General Index #2, Probate Court, Jefferson County. Est. of FRIEDERICH VACH, late of Fairfield, dec’d Sept. 1888. Heirs: CARL VACH, Brother; HEINRICH VACH, Brother; AUGUST VACH, Brother; HENRIETTA TAEFEL, Sister; HANNA KAUFFMAN, Sister; CAROLINE, sister.
Fairfield Ledger
April 20, 1892
Page 3 col. 6
APRIL COURT. HERMAN C. J. BLUHM, a subject of the Emperor of Prussia, has been given final papers of naturalization.
29. BURNHAM: MARY, Wife of ALLEN BURNHAM, Died June 8, 1869, Aged 75 yrs. 7ms. & 2 ds.
Fairfield Ledger
June 10, 1869
Page 3 col. 6
DIED, in Fairfield, Iowa, June 8th, 1869, MRS. MARY BURNHAM, consort of ALLEN BURNHAM, ESQ., aged 76 years 5 months and 2 days.
30. SHELDON: SYLVANUS O., Born Feb. 22, 1817, Died Sept. 17, 1900. Mary, his wife, born Oct. 3, 1819, Died Jan. 19, 1898.
Fairfield Ledger
Jan. 26, 1898
Page 3 col. 4
DEATH OF MRS. SHELDON. MARY ALLEN BURNHAM, wife of SYLVANUS O. SHELDON, died in this city Wednesday afternoon. Native of New Hampshire, born Oct. 3, 1819. Fourteen years later she removed with her parents to Vermont, where she was married Oct. 11, 1846. The family came to this county in 1855, locating on a farm in Round Prairie township, and its home has been in this county since that date. Member of the Methodist Church at age 14, but joined the Congregationalists after her removal to Iowa. She was a kind and affectionate wife, and proved a devoted mother to several adopted children….MR. and MRS. SHELDON returned from a visit with adopted children in Monroe County the 17th inst., and the death of the latter occurred at the home of MRS. ANNA C. WILSON, a daughter by adoption. REV. A. F. MARSH conducted the funeral services, held Friday afternoon, and the body was interred in the City Cemetery, where the remains of MRS. SHELDON’S parents, MR. and MRS. ALLEN BURNHAM, rest.
Fairfield Tribune
Wed. Sept. 26, 1900
Page 6 col. 2
SYLVANUS O. SHELDON was born at Underhill Center Vt., Feb. 22, 1817, and died in this city Sept. 17, 1900. Married MARY BURNHAM Oct. 5, 1846. She died three years ago. They came to Iowa in 1855 and were residents of Jefferson County up to the time of their deaths…..
http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajefferhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~iajeffer
*I don't know how many of these families connect with one another so I posted this as one piece.