Wheeler Family
New Ipswich Historical Society
Photo taken by Mrs. Albro Balch.
Obituary - Ellen Gibson
NOTE:
It is not clear whether she died in New Ipswich or Nebraska, the references to “this town” are somewhat confusing, Interesting usage of language concerning her “loss being deplored” by her associates and acquaintances. Also the unnamed “elevator accident”. So much in such a short Obit.
IN MEMORIAM - 1897
Miss Ellen O. Gibson, only child of Dr. Francis N. Gibson of Lincoln, Neb, a native of this town, died at her father's residence, on Wednesday, Nov. 17, aged 26 years.
Miss Gibson visited this town, last year; previously she had completed her academical course at the University of Michigan. Nature had endowed her with a bright, lively temperment and attractive address, consequently her friends were numerous, and her loss just, as she was fully equipped mentally for the battle of life will be greatly deplored by all her associates and acquaintances.
Her early education was secured in the primary schools and at Appleton academy in this town. This young lady took great interest in church work, in all literary matters and culture generally. For a number of years her residence has been in the West.
Her father was a physician in this town, for more than 20 years, previous to his departure for Nebraska. This loss will be a sad bereavement to him as well as his wife. The doctor's health is poor, as he has never fully recovered from a severe elevator accident that he received several years ago. The interment of Miss Gibson was at Lincoln, Neb., her late home.
James Roger diary entries
3rd November 1912 (Sunday)
Hard frost, fine day. Wind north. Mr. Lord preached from the text “and they shall see his face”.
Communion after. Mrs. Maloy received as member. Evening service topic: Wisdom & unwisdom. A good turnout.
“Unwisdom.” It seems to have greatly increased in the century or more since James Roger recorded it in his diary.
Ellen Champney Gibson moved to Nebraska as a teen and became a teacher there, lived and died there, and is buried there. She was a frail person but I don't know why she died at 26. Apparently, her father, Dr. Gibson fell from an open elevator in Nebraska that was being operated by an inexperienced young man who let the elevator ascended too quickly. Dr. Gibson was recovered unconscious and later diagnosed with a damaged spine.
Mrs. Wheeler was a Goen. Dixon Wheeler was a lot like James Roger. Worked for the town and also for some of the wealthy people in town. He was offered the job of road agent but turned it down. Adolph Rochon, the man my grandmother lived with, took it instead.