Obituary of a Civil War Veteran

After suffering with heart trouble for many months and a general breaking down due to old age, F. C. Gates came to the close of life Friday afternoon at 4:20.

Mr. Gates was born March 15, 1828, in Gallia county, and at the age of 28 came to this county, which had since been his home. Most of his life was spent at Etna. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1899 and served two terms. He made an excellent officer and his terms of service were most creditable. He had since lived in this city and at the time of his death was serving as infirmary director.

Mr. Gates married Miss Nancy H. Rhoades, and to this union were born four children, who, with their mother survive him. They are Mrs. R. C. Simpson, Charles, F. E. and Thomas Gates, all of whom live in this city.

In the civil war Mr. Gates served in the 173d Ohio Volunteer infantry. He made a splendid soldier for he possessed the qualities of strength, courage and manliness that make good soldiers and men. He has been a prominent citizen and had many warm friends. He will be missed from our community as a man of sterling worth and excellent citizenship.

The funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Saturday at the residence, burial at Woodland. There was a very large attendance at the funeral of F. C. Gates, held at the house on Seventh street, conducted by Dr. Homer J. Smith, of Spencer church, of which Mr. Gates was a member. The minister spoke highly of the dead who was a loving and affectionate husband and father, and had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. The Spencer quartette, F. W. Ehrlich, H. J. Keiser, Misses Bonnie Thuma and Minnie Murdock, sang “Abide with Me,” and “Come Unto Me.” The floral offerings were many, and included a large bouquet of roses, lilies and carnations, from the Seventh O. V. I. Bond; carnations from Class No. 24 of Spencer; roses and carnations from C. W. Shafer; a beautiful wreath from a niece in Columbus, and others from relatives and friends.

From abroad were Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Starlin, of Ashland; Mrs. Jane Cameron, of Covington, Ky., and Frank Minnard, of Wellston, O. The pall bearers were: T. T. Johnson, Charles Egerton, Henry C. Clark, William Marting, William Sheridan, and W. R. Skelton.

Ironton Register, 23 February 1908, Thursday.