We last week gave announcement of the death of Mr. Willard C. Gleason, which occurrcd last Thursday morning.
He was born January 12th, 1847, in Hartford, Cortland county, N.Y. At the age of seven years he removed with his parents to Linn county, Iowa, and after the death of his father in 1855 the family made their home in Jones county, the mother passing away in 1859. When 21 years of age he crossed the plains to Colorado and engaged in the stock business in partnership with his brother, N. L. Gleason, until disabled with progressive paralysis. In 1883 he located in Council Bluffs and remained one year, then made his home with his sister, Mrs. M. G. Burch, of Anamosa, by whom he has been cared for with devoted love all these years. The deceased also leaves another sister, Mrs. J. D. Crockwell, and two brothers, F. O. and E. C. Gleason, at Council Bluffs, and two other brothers, A. L. and H. L. at Wa Keeney, Kansas, and Kiowa, Colorado, respectively.
The funeral services were held from the residence of Mr. Burch at two P. M. Saturday, Rev. W. W. Willard, pastor of the Congregational church, officiating.
One of the pre-eminent characteristics of Mr. Gleason was his patience during his long illness and this fact was the subject of interesting and instructive comment by Rev. Willard. Life had been full of promise, sunshine and activity, yet in the very prime of his maturer years paralysis had smitten him with its remorseless touch, and in spite of all remedial agents and the best of care by loving ones, he was unable to escape the trend of steadily increasing weakness and hopelessness. And still he was not without hope, for there is a faith that underlies as well as rises above the ambitions and pursuits of this worldly life. This faith he had in its fullness, and so he was able to overcome the adverse influences of plans thwarted and expectations buried, lean upon a mightier arm than that of man and abide in peace.
Among the tokens of love was a profusion of floral designs unusual in extent and beauty, among them a pillow of lilies and smiles, with the word "Brother," from friends in Council Bluffs; also a handsome while cross of syringias and other flowers, besides many baskets and bouquets from friends in Anamosa.
The relatives present from abroad were: Mrs. J. D. Crockwell, of Couucil Bluffs, a sister of the deceased; Mrs. J. G. White, of Charlotte, Mich., an aunt; Miss A. Simmons, of Wyoming, also an aunt; also Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Burch and Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Burch, of Madison.

Submitted by: Richard Harrison
Source: The Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, 12 June 1889
Photo: Gail Wenhardt