Jodocus Gerards (1823-1900)
Sources: IAGenWeb.org, Joyce (Hansen) George and Adrienne Karr
The funeral of Jodocus Gerards was held last Friday at the Lutheran church in the Plumer settlement in Oak township, Rev. Hoff officiating.
A large number of friends attended. Mr. Gerards had been well known during his long residence in Oak township before his removal to Center, and was a gentleman highly esteemed for his unassuming ways. He was nearly 77 years of age and was born in Prussia, Germany, near the river Rhine, coming to America in 1854. He resided in Chicago, St. Louis and the eastern part of Iowa previous to coming to Mills county in 1857. In 1861 he spent the summer in Colorado. With the exception of this time his entire residence has been in this county. Mrs. Gerards died twenty years ago last August. The deceased leaves two children, Jos Gerards a well known farmer of Center township and Mrs. Gus Hanson living near by.
Mr. Jodacos Gerards of Center township is quite ill at his home at the present time with cancer of
throat and stomach. His recovery is scarcely to be hoped for owing to the naturre of the disease.
Later—He died yesterday.
Joachia Gerards an old settler living with his son Jos. Gerards, a mile and a half northeast of Hillsdale, died Tuesday evening of cancer of the bowels. A married daughter also survived him. The deceased was a well known citizen and much respected. He was born in Germany and came to Mills county at an early day and had many friends in Glenwood and vicinity. The funeral occurs Friday morning.
GERARDS, Joachim or Jodocus
Born in Prussia, Germany; came to America, 1854; lived in Chicago, St. Louis and eastern Iowa; came to Mills Co., 1857, where he has since lived except for summer of 1861 in Colorado. Long time resident of Oak Twp, died 23 Jan at home of son in Center Twp. Wife died 20 years ago last Aug. Leaves 2 children — son Joseph and Mrs. Gus Hansen living nearby. Services held at Plumer Settlement.
ref: the Opinion, Glenwood, Ia.
Thurs. Jan 25 & Feb 1, 1900
From IAGenWeb.org:
Tabor Beacon
February 2, 1900
Gerards, Jodocus, About 70 years of age and an old citizen of Mills County, died Thursday at his home in Hillsdale from cancer of the stomach.