Lewis Gelbach

Lewis Gelbach was born at Bettlehausen, Westphalen, Prussia, Dec. 26, 1833; came to Duncannon, Ps., with his parents in 1846, latter in 1857, to Lancaster, Wisconsin.

October 7, 1860, he was united in marriage to Maria Sophia Napp. They lived in Lancaster until December 1869, when they moved to Hurricane, where his wife departed from this world January 24, 1900.

In February 1901 he again moved to Lancaster, where he died Saturday afternoon about five o'clock, June 26, 1909, at the age of 75 years, 6 months.

He left to mourn his departure six sons and three daughters: John C. of Grangeville, Idaho; Charles H. of Kooskia, Idaho; William L. of South Lancaster; George F. of Albany, Wisconsin; Mary E. at home; Nettie L. (Mrs Charles Dolphin), of South Lancaster; Fred N. of Houser, North Dakota; Ida L. (Mrs Samuel E. Kemper), of Lancaster; Warren A. of Mt. Vernon, Washington.

Also thirteen grandchildren, three brothers and one sister: George of Spokane, Washington; Charles and Daniel, and Mrs Elizabeth Baker of Duncannon, Pa.

Mr. Gelbach was a loving husband, kind father and as honest, true and good hearted a man as could be found anywhere.

Why should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls his own,
And bids them leave a world of woe
For an immortal crown?

Is not e'en death a gain to those
Whose life to God has given?
Gladly to earth their eyes to close
To open them in heaven.
His toils are past, his work is done,
And he is fully blest!
He fought the fight, the victory won,
Then entered into rest.

Then let our sorrows cease to flow,---
God has recalled his own;
But let our hearts, in every woe,
Still say, Thy will be done.

Mr. Gelbach was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Lancaster. He also was a firm believer in the teaching of God, always attending church when his health permitted. Mr. Gelbach also enjoyed company and meeting his friends to the last.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the M. E. Church which was filled with sympathizing friends who gathered to pay their last respects to the departed one. Rev. J.T. Morgans delivered a touching sermon.

The remains were laid to rest by the side of his wife in the Hillside cemetery.

from a Lancaster, Wisconsin newspaper