Gifford Obituary
Lewis D. Gifford

 

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Lewis D. GIFFORD died at his home at Otelia at 1 o’clock Monday morning, Feb. 5, from a long illness, due to an abscess on the liver. Though ill for over a year, he was able to be around up until three or four months ago. He was born in Blacklog Valley, June 1, 1848, and was a son of John and Mary GIFFORD. At death, Mr. Gifford was aged 68 years, 7 months and 5 days. The early life of the deceased was spent on the farm. At the age of 18 he went to McVeytown, where he spent 3 years in learning the flour milling trade. Three years were then spent in Western Pennsylvania, and in 1872, Mr. Gifford returned to Huntingdon county when he leased the flour mill at Oteli from his brother-in-law, Alfred Etnier.

Mr. Gifford was married on Aug. 31, 1875, to Miss Matilda E. JOHNSTON, daughter of J. Lowery and Elizabeth BELL JOHNSTON of Otelia. To this union were born three children who with the widow survive: Walter S. of near Newton Hamilton, Maude M., and Mrs. Edna B. GEARHART of Otelia. After marriage, Mr. Gifford engaged in the lumbering business near McVeytown until 1877, when he purchased the large farm and flour mill property from his father-in-law, formerly known as the Samuel H. BELL furnace farms and flouring mill property. Later, Mr. Gifford engaged in extensive farming and lumbering, and for several years employed quite a number of men. At the time of the Johnstown flood (1889) his mill and contents were totally destroyed, inflicting a heavy loss on him and much inconvenience to the surrounding community.

Deceased was an energetic, hardworking and useful man. He was always ready to help his neighbors and friends if in his power to do so. He was a member of the M.E. Church for many years. Besides his wife and 3 children he is survived by 6 grandchildren, 2 sisters and 1 brother: Mrs. Wm. LAUVER of Blacklog, Mrs. H. B. ETNIER of Otelia, Lloyd GIFFORD of Denver. Funeral was held from the late home on Thursday and interment at the Stone Church in Germany Valley. Rev. E. C. Myers had charge, assisted by Rev. Geo. Swayne. Undertaker W. P. Dunmire. The bereaved have the sympathy of the entire community.