James H. Goslee obituary

Article Type: 
Obituary
Publication Date: 
Wednesday, March 12, 1919
Referenced Places: 

JAMES H. GOSLEE

James H. Goslee, one of the staunch and sturdy pioneers of this section passed away at his home in London township Wednesday morning, March 5 at about 6 o'clock. Deceased was 88 years old and had lived on the old farm since 1857.

James was the son of Henry and Maria Goslee and was born in Buckingham, Hartford county, Connecticut, January 31, 1831. In 1857 he walked from Dubuque to this state as there were no railroads farther west at that time. He was one of the territorial pioneers, and encountered all of the hardships and experiences of an early settler. Indians were close about and the wheat market was at Winona and LaCrosse. Ox teams were used to go to market and the trip occupied eight or ten days. Mr. Goslee made many trips and at night they would sleep under the wagons in the open. Several from a neighborhood would make up a marketing party and they sold their wheat for about sixty-five cents per bushel. Mr. Goslee owned the first wire binder used in his neighborhood. He engaged in stock raising and followed this extensively with his farming. He was progressive and always held for education and thrift. He was a member of the United Brethren church and a staunch Republican. He has served several years as town treasurer and town assessor, which office he held alternately with Mr. John Robertson for about fifteen years. Mr. Goslee was always interested in education and the first school was held in his granary until the schoolhouse was built on the northwest corner of his farm.

Mr. Goslee was united in marriage to Zillah T. Beach of New York, March 22, 1860. Two children blessed this union, Henry A. Goslee of Austin, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business and Dwight, who died at the age of sixteen. Mrs. Goslee passed away January 14, 1891.

July 6, 1892, Mr. Goslee married Elizabeth McKenty who passed away September 14, 1894.

On October 17, 1899 he married Anne J. Porter of Connecticut. One son was born, James P. Goslee, who resides at home. Those left to mourn his loss are his wife, Anne Porter-Goslee, two sons Henry A. and James P. Goslee, one grandson, Harold L. Goslee and one great grandson Harold A. Goslee, two nephews, Dr. W. A. Goslee of London, Frank Beach of Lyle, a niece, Mrs. Katie Fairbanks of Austin and four nephews and three nieces in the east.

Funeral services were held at the home at 12 A. M., and at 1 P. M., at the church in London, Saturday, March 8, 1919. Interment at Woodbury cemetery.