Obit: Galland, Lafayette (1867 - 1956)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Galland, Wright, Jewell

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 06/14/1956

Galland, Lafayette (19 MAY 1867 - 10 JUN 1956)

Lafayette Galland was born on May 19, 1867, at Ottumwa, Iowa.  He was the son of Abijah Galland and Mathilda Wright.  Surviving is an older brother, Willis, who resides in Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.

Early in life Lafe took upon himself the responsibilities of an adult.  Having acquired some property, he paid his first taxes at the age of fourteen, his last at the age of 86.

The following year, in 1882, he left home with his brother who was seventeen, and together they traveled westward with a team of colts which their father had given them, a distance of three hundred miles, into new unsettled territory, where now stands the town of Sargent Bluffs, Iowa.

There they located on 90 acres of virgin prairie land.  It was hard work for the boys of such a tender age, and prices were very low for their crops.  Lafe became discouraged and left his brother alone on the farm.  Later he was summoned to the bedside of his father where he remained until the father’s death a few weeks later.

In 1890 Lafe set up a bucher shop at Sargent Bluffs.

Six years later he opened a meat market on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Thurston County, Neb., where he remained for twelve years.

In March 1918 he came to Clark County, Wis., and settled a few miles west of Greenwood, where he lived and farmed until 1949.

In 1924 Lafe married Mary Eliza Jewell of Clarinda, Iowa, who preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 1951.

Since that time Lafe has lived at various places, mostly at the Ed Kippenhan home at Greenwood, and the John Stasko home at Stanley, Wis.  He enjoyed a grip back to Iowa a few years ago, which time he spent visiting with relatives and friends.  At intervals he has lived at the Wm. Marden home at Greenwood.

In Feb. 1955 he came from the Stasko home to Greenwood to live at the new home for the aged, which had just opened its doors to those fortunate ones.  This home is cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Geisler.

Later he was taken to the hospital at Neillsville where he remained until his death on June 10, 1956.

Pallbearers were John Stasko, Nick Stasko, Henry Wojner, Norman Geisler, John Kedziora, and George Kippenhan.  He was laid to rest beside his wife in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Harold Miller of Withee gave a very interesting funeral discourse.

Mr. Galland has served at various times and locations, as Town Treasurer, Assessor, Justice of the Peace, and on school boards.

His life has been a fine example of living the Golden Rule.  His every act has been one of kindness and consideration for his fellowman.  He has gained a well-earned rest, with the hope of reunion with the wife who stood patiently and faithfully beside his through the many long, hard years.

They looked forward to life together in Good’s Kingdom, the righteous new world, for which Jesus himself taught us to pray.

The world has been a better place by Lafe’s sojourn here and he will be sadly missed by his many friends.  Rest in peace.