Herald-Patriot, Chariton Ia, Thurs., Feb. 44, 1926
Andrew J. Gwinn
Andrew J. Gwinn was born in Greenbrier county, West Virginia on Aug 6, 1848 and departed this life at his home in Jackson township, Lucas County, Iowa, on February 8, 1926 at the advanced age of 77 years, 8 months and 1 day. In 18?? He came with his parents to Wayne county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. On March 5, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Sayers, who preceded him in death in May, 1917. To their union nine children were born, all sons, two of whom passed away in infancy. The seven sons who remain were all present to pay tribute to their father in bearing him to his last resting place.
About the time of his marriage he located on a farm in Union township, Lucas county, and spent the remainder of his life and reared his family in this county. He was among the first white children who roved the prairies of Wayne county, coming to said county in 1855. Thus we can truly say that another early pioneer has gone from his native land to the country beyond.
On June 23 1918, he made a profession of his faith in Jesus Christ and identified himself with the Baptist church at White Oak school house, and was baptized by Rev. G. W. Smith. He has since been a loyal advocate of the principles of the gospel of Christ, until he was released from this prison of mortality. His last illness was of five weeks duration and he bore his afflictions with such fortitude that he said he was ready and willing to go, without murmuring or complaining of his lot.
He leaves to mourn his departure besides his seven sons, three sisters, Mrs. Mada Davidson and Mrs. Irene Lowe, of Wayne county, and Mrs. Rachel Snook, of Derby, besides a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. M. S. Clark, were held at the family home on Tuesday, followed by interment in the Gwinn cemetery in Wayne county. The bereaved one have the sympathy of a large circle of friends.
TRANSCRIPTION NOTE: I have transcribed this obituary as faithfully as possible. There are discrepancies between this writing and my records. 1) I have Andrew born on July 6, 1849 in Eddyville, Wapello County, Iowa and moving to Wayne County later that summer. By 1955, the date indicated for him to move to Wayne County, two of his siblings, John H. and Virginia, had been buried in the Gwinn Cemetery in Wayne County. 2) I show his wife, Mary, as passing in April 1917, not May. I will check her headstone on my next trip to the cemetery. – Ray Gwinn Jr. GGGrandson.
