Obituaries and Memoirs
MEMOIR: CHARLES GOSSETT
(son of John L, Milton Gossett)
“We are fastened to this world by strong and lasting
ties, but every sorrow cuts a cord and urges us to rise.”
One of the cords that bound us in social, business and family
relations, was severed Wednesday noon, when the life of Charles
P. Gossett went out. He was the oldest child of John L. and Margaret
Gossett. Born in Indiana February 28, 1876, he came to Leesburg
with his parents where he spent his entire life. Charles had been
in declining years and on June 8, he took to his bed, being helpless
since that time. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife,
was constantly by his side and he was never satisfied unless she
was near. He peacefully fell asleep after months of intense suffering.
He was united in marriage to Lottie A. Logan, December 30, 1897.
To this union seven children were born, five sons and two daughters.
William, James and Earl, having passed away, the latter two only
nine months ago. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and
four children, Roy of Springfield, and Wanita, Mary and Arthur,
at home, and eight grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. Charles Sexton
, Leesburg, and one brother, Hamer (sic) Gossett, of Dayton. The
hand of sorrow has rested heavily on this family, within the past
few months, the grandfather was called, then tragedy claimed the
two strong sons and now the father is gone, but we live in the
hope of meeting again where sorrow and death never comes.
We heard him suffer, heard his sighs, With aching heart and
weeping eyes, We saw him sinking hour by hour, Yet could not stay
Death’s awful power. But now he calmly sleeps at last, All
pain, all aches and suffering past.
CARD OF THANKS: We wish to thank our many friends and neighbors
for their kindness and sympathy during our recent bereavement
of our beloved husband and father. Also for the beautiful offerings
and Rev. Adshead and Rev. Mon Milner for their comforting words,
and for the beautiful singing.
Mrs. Lottie Gossett & Family
MEMOIR: EARL
GOSSETT (son of Charles, John L, Milton Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, Oh Death!
How deeply do we feel the truth of these words when death comes
suddenly and unexpectedly into our home. Earl Z. Gossett was the
son of Charles and Lottie Gossett. He was born in Leesburg, Ohio,
Dec. 17, 1907, and was taken from this life at the early age of
22 years, 1 month and 9 days. Strange and mysterious are the providences
of God. But we know that He is too merciful to be unjust; He loves
us too much to be unkind, and He is too wise to make a mistake.
He doeth all things well. Everyone who knew Earl loved and respected
him. He will be sadly missed by mother, father and the two brothers
and sisters, and an infant son, who are left to mourn his loss.
He has been employed by the Crowell Publishing Company of Springfield,
Ohio for the past four years, where he made many friends who will
miss him and grieve that he is gone.
If we push aside the gates of life,
And stand within and all God’s workings see,
We could interpret all this doubt and strife,
And for each mystery could find a key.
MEMOIR: JAMES
GOSSETT (son of Charles, John L, Milton Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930
“Even in life we are in the midst of death,”
these words of the writer are brought to our minds, when without
a moments warning James B. Gossett was taken from earth. He was
born Nov. 12, 1905, and departed this life Jan. 26, 1930 at the
age of 24 years, 2 months and 14 days. He leaves his wife Francis
and three daughters, his father Charles Gossett and his mother,
two sisters and two brothers, who sit with heads bowed and hearts
looking up to a God of love and mercy. We do not understand our
Father’s way, but we know He doeth all things well; and we
believe, “there is a place, we know not where; a time, we
know not when; that all the mysteries of life will be explained
and be made clear.” James Gossett was a good father and a
kind and affectionate father, and he will be remembered by his
pleasing manner and ever-ready smile, by the people of this town,
his birthplace, and by many who knew him in Springfield, Ohio,
where he has been employed by the Crowell Publishing Company the
better part of the last seven years.
A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our hearts
Which never can be filled.
CARD OF THANKS: We wish to express our sincere thanks
to our kind friends and neighbors, to Rev. Adshead and Rev. Milner
for their kind and comforting words, to Mr. Littleton for his
wonderful service, and for the many beautiful floral offerings,
to the choir for their beautifully rendered services, during our
recent loss of our dearly beloved sons and brothers. Mr. and Mrs.
Chas Gossett and family.
OBITUARY: JOHN
L. GOSSETT (son of Milton Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930 (There are several proven inaccuracies
within this obituary (see John’s biography for more details).
They are noted below)
John L. Gossett, oldest son of John and Mahala Gossett [his parents
were Milton and XXX Gossett] was born at Sardinia, Ohio February
11th, 1840 [1843] and departed this life January 25, 1930. Had
Mr. Gossett lived until the 11th of February he would have rounded
out his 90th [87th] year. When 21 years of age he enlisted in
the Union Army, Co. H, 27th Infantry. After three years of faithful,
active service, was honorably discharged June 1, 1865. On September
15th, 1894, [1875/76] he was united in marriage to Mary Margaret
Carle, who preceded him into the great beyond many years. Mr.
Gossett’s faith was strong, he often spoke of his loneliness
and hope of reunion since his wife’s death in 1916. He repeatedly
said he was ready and willing to leave this world and had arranged
for his funeral several months ago. His life was spent mostly
in and around Leesburg where he has many friends. For a number
of years he has made his home with his daughter and son-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sexton, and deeply appreciated the loving
tender care of his daughter and her family. He was uncomplaining
during the many months of his illness and gratefully received
the necessary attention. Nothing was left undone that could make
his declining years more comfortable or his last long illness
bearable. No one will miss him more than this devoted daughter
and the two grandsons who were constantly at his bedside. He took
a great interest in all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He leaves the daughter, two sons, nine grandchildren and eleven
great grandchildren to mourn his departure.
In the passing of this aged veteran the community has lost a faithful
citizen and the family a kind and loving father.
And does Columbia love her dead? No words of praise or honor
can be said, No language has been given to our race, No monument
has majesty or grace, No music filling with weird sweets the air,
No maid or matron eloquently fair, Naught that can feeling to
expression wed, May say how well we love our soldier dead. So
while we deck the brave ones that are gone, Our hearts for those
who live, beat truly on, When man throws the treasure of his life.
Into the Lands fierce, self-preserving strife, Let him be sure,
in the world’s battles grim When war is o’er, the land
will fight for him, So shall God’s blessing mingle with these
flowers, And love of dead and living both be ours, And benediction
on our hearts be shed, For they are living, whom we mourn as dead.
JOHN L. GOSSETT (son of Milton
Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930
Drops from Ranks Answers Last
Call. Death Caused By Infirmities Of Old Age. Merely Faded Away.
Was Civil War Veteran.
Saturday evening, at 8:15 o'clock, news was spread of the death
of another Civil War veteran, when John L. Gossett, 89 years old,
passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Sexton.
If Mr. Gossett had lived until the 11th of February he would have
passed his 90th milestone of his life. He died of infirmities
of old age. He served in the Civil War, being a member of Company
H of the 27th Regiment. Mr. Gossett had lived in Leesburg the
greater part of his life and has made his home with his daughter,
Mrs. Sexton, the past 13 years. He is survived by Mrs. Sexton,
Charles Gossett, of this place and Homer Gossett of Piqua. Funeral
services were held from the Friends Church Tuesday afternoon in
the charge of Rev. Cloud and Rev. Freemont Milner. Burial was
made in the Leesburg Cemetery.
MEMOIR: LOTTIE
A. GOSSETT (wife of Charles, son of John L., Milton
Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg Ohio, January
1, 1931
The sudden and unexpected passing of Lettie (sic) A. Gossett came
as a shock to her many friends in Leesburg and vicinity. She was
born August 15, 1875, and passed away to her heavenly home on
Sunday December 21, 1930. She was the daughter of Retta J. Smack.
On December 27, 1897, she was untied in marriage to Charles Gossett,
to which seven children were born. Of this number three have already
preceded her to the great beyond: William, who died in infancy,
and James and Earl who were accidentally killed January 26, 1930.
For many years she gave herself unsparingly to the care of her
husband during his long affliction, lavishing sympathy and love
and kindly helpfulness until his passing from us on Cot. 29, 1930,
yet no unkindly word is remembered to have passed her lips, never
once a complaint about her domestic disabilities. She lived perhaps
to strenuously, but her life counted greatly and her cheerful
spirit and indomitable courage have been both an inspiration and
example to all.
Her memory will be enshrined forever in the affections of her
two sons and two daughters, Roy of Springfield, Juanita, Mary
and Arthur at home, as well as her eight grandchildren who live
“to thank God for every remembrance of her.”
A precious one from us had gone, A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our hearts, Which never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled The boon His grace has given And
though her body slumbers here, Her soul is safe in Heaven.
CARD OF THANKS: We wish to thank our many friends and
neighbors for their kindness and sympathy during the brief illness
and death of our beloved mother Lottie A. Gossett. The Children.
MRS. LOTTIE GOSSETT DIES
Mrs. Lottie Gossett, of this city, passed away Sunday after many
weeks of indisposition. Mrs. Gossett is the fifth member of the
immediate family to die within the year, her husband having preceded
her in death just a few weeks.
OBITUARY: MARY
MARGARET GOSSETT
Newspaper and date unknown, most
likely Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, December 1916. A large
portion of this obituary is illegible.
Death, the Grim Reaper, has gathered another sheaf of golden grain
into his full garner, and by ruthless hand, has desolated another
home. Another and a heavier sorrow has fallen upon the hearts
of loved ones and a darker shadow hangs over their lives for the
genial companionship, the thoughtful service, the loving ministry
of Mrs. Mary M. Gossett has all come to an end. She rests from
her labors and her works follow her. Many experiences of more
than passing interest have been crowded into her busy life of
sixty six years and one month. Mary Margaret was born November
13, 1850 and departed this life December 10, 1916. On the 15th
day of September, 1876 she was united in marriage to John Gossett.
To this union were born five children, Charles of Leesburg, Mrs.
Cora Sexton, of near Leesburg, Arthur and Walter who have gone
before her to the world unknown to us, and Homer of Dayton. She
has three sisters and three brothers, of whom five are present
today; one sister and the father, who is 103 years old could not
be here. God bless the dear old father and comfort him in his
sorrow today. The deceased was a kind and loving mother and a
noble wife. She was always ready to do her part and did it cheerfully.
She was always singing some (illegible) and seemed to be (illegible)
home. She loved (illegible) children as she loved her (illegible)
that same affectionate (illegible) but a mother can give (illegible)
was nothing to hard for (illegible) for those she loved best.
Mrs. Gossett did not (illegible) any church, but lived (illegible)
in her daily life. Her (illegible) “Do as you would have
(illegible) to you.” Everything was done (illegible) Gossett
that loving hands and medical aid could do. Her suffering was
(illegible) when the messenger (illegible) answered the call and
said (illegible) all right, all right,” and quietly (illegible)
away. Her friends and (illegible) who knew her best know (illegible)
few words mean. It is not (illegible) that sits in the finest
pew (illegible) sit at God’s right hand in heaven.
Dearest mother, thou hast left us, And our loss we deeply feel,
But we know that God has (illegible), He can all our sorrows heal.
We miss thee from thy home, We miss thee from thy place, A shadow
o’er our life is cast, We miss thy smiling face. We miss
thy kind and willing hand, Thy fond and earnest care, The home
is dark without thee, We miss thee everywhere. Farewell mother,
all is well, We give thee up with Christ to dwell, Thy lovely
spirit, so sweet and true, May rest in heaven, we are coming too.
A Friend.
MEMOIR: WILLIAM
GOSSETT (son of Charles, John L. Milton Gossett)
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg Ohio, June/July
1902
Willie Gossett, infant son of Charles and Lottie Gossett was born
Nov. 1, 1899, died June 28, 1902, aged two years, seven months
and twenty-seven days. He was a delicate child and for some months
had not been in his usual health. About two weeks ago he was stricken
with something in the nature of typhoid fever which terminated
his brief life on earth as above stated. He was the idol of the
home, the joy of the household. His presence will be sadly missed
but there will be the consoling thought, he has gone forever to
be with Him who said, “suffer the little children to come
unto Me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
He calls the children to Himself in the better home on high that
He may turn out thoughts thitherward. May this darling child in
his angelic home on high become a magnet drawing the hearts of
the loving parents to the Savior’s loving embrace.
CARD OF THANKS: We shall ever retain grateful remembrances
of the acts of kindness on the part of our friends during our
recent bereavement, and to friends, neighbors and all we extend
our sincerest thanks. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gossett.
Other News Stories
News stories are listed by date of incident.
THREE KILLED
AT GRADE CROSSING
Brakes Fail to Hold on Icy Road and Auto Slides in Front of Train
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930
Earl Gossett, James Gossett and C. G. Smithson,
all of Springfield were killed Sunday afternoon at 3:30 when the
automobile in which they were riding was stuck by a B&O passenger
train at the grade crossing in Reesville. Earl and James
are brothers and formerly resided in Leesburg. The men were on
their way home from Leesburg where they had taken the father of
the Gossetts. James Gossett is thought to have been driving
the car. Eye witnesses say the car was running slowly. They think
the driver saw the approaching train and attempted to stop but
the ice-covered road prevented the wheels from holding and the
automobile slid on the tracks in front of the fast moving train.
The car and the men were carried some distance down the track
before the wreckage was thrown clear of the train. The bodies
of the men were thrown down an embankment. The automobile caught
fire and burned. The bodies of the men were terrible mangles.
They were identified by papers in their pockets and relatives
notified. The bodies were first taken to Sabina and later removed
to Springfield. James Gossett and Smithson were married.
Earl Gossett had recently been divorced.
THREE MEN KILLED
AT R. R. DROSSING (sic)
New Chevrolet Coach Burned And Completely Demolished. Hit By Fast
Line
Leesburg Citizen, Leesburg, Ohio, January
1930
Among the numerous accidents which happened this weekend, is one
that came as a shock to this community. Word was passed around
Sunday afternoon (late) of the accidental deaths of Earl Gossett,
22, James Gossett, 24, and Mr. Smithson, 25, all employed
by the Crowell Publishing Company of Springfield. The boys were
driving a new Chevrolet coach and were returning to Springfield,
after a trip to Athens after the Gossett boy’s father, Charles
Gossett, who came to Leesburg to attend the funeral of his
father John Gossett. The car was hit by a Baltimore and
Ohio passenger train about 4 o’clock Sunday evening, the
car and bodies of the men being carried about 40 yards on the
cow catcher of the train. The automobile was completely demolished
after being struck. Fire, however, finished the work of the train.
The bodies were taken to the Littleton Funeral Home in Sabina.
James Gossett leaves a wife and three children. Earl,
his brother, had been married but he and his wife were separated.
Mr. Smithson had been secretly married for two years. He was the
son of Mrs. Caroline Rhinehart, of Edison, Ohio. Funeral services
for the Gossett boys were held Wednesday afternoon in the M. E.
Church at 2 o’clock. Burial was made in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Rev. Adshead officiated at these service.