Individual Details

Death

His body was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Dewitt Co, IL.
Charles R. Gideon, one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Clinton, passed away in his home at 803 North Jackson avenue, about 10 o'clock Saturday morning, February 26, following a long illness of a complication of diseases.

"Deceased was the son of George W. and Lillian Gideon and was born in Clinton, July 3, 1850, grew to manhood and resided here all of his life, and will be buried on land that at one time was a part of the home farm of his father. He was united in marriage October 10, 1873, in Clinton, to Miss Caroline Bell, a native of Hancock county, Ohio, who came to Illinois at the age of one year.

"To this union five children were born, all of whom are living and are as follows: Walter Gideon of Baton Rouge, La.; Mrs. G.L. Robb of Clinton; Paul Gideon of Eldorado, Ark.; Edwin Gideon and Phoebe Gideon of Clinton, Illinois, the later residing at the late home. Besides his wife and children, the deceased is survived by two sister, Mrs. Lydia Prior of Excelsior, Minn. and Mrs. William Clagg of Sheldon, Iowa. Miss Ann Williams of East Van Buren street, Clinton, is a cousin of the deceased. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren.

"For many years Mr. Gideon conducted one of the leading paint and paper businesses of Cllnton. In addition to his business, he was an artist, and on the walls of his home and those of his children hang many beautiful paintings. He was, in fact, a man of many talents, but very modest and retiring in his disposition. To know him was to love him. Every piece of work he did, whether it was a barn he painted, or a picture, it was done in the very best possible manner. His motto was `Anything that is worth doing at all is worth doing well.' Several years ago he made and painted the set of flags used on the chautauqua platform and in other places by W.F. Hughes. He has also written many poems and other articles which delighted his friends and hearers.

"His father, the late George W. Gideon, owned a great deal of land near Clinton, on part of which is now situated Woodlawn cemetery. The piece of ground on which is situated the place occupied by the Soldier's monument was given to Clinton for that purpose by George W. Gideon. Edwin Gideon, a brother of the deceased, was the first person to be buried in Woodlawn cemetery, coming home on a furlough form the Civil war and dying while home.

"Mr. Gideon was a member of St. Paul's Universalist church of Clinton, and was clerk of that congregation for twenty years. He was also a member of the Plantagent lodge of the Knights of Pythis of Clinton and a charter member of the McCorkle club. Many of his poems and other original writings have been read at meetings of that club.

"He retired from active business several years ago on account of failing health and had since then passed most of his time at his home. The funeral services will be conducted at the family home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in charge of Rev. M.G. Linton and Plantagent lodge, K. of P. Burial will be made in Woodlawn cemetery." - The Clinton Register, 27 Feb 1921, p.1