An obituary for Rev. Charles W. Giddings and for Clarissa (Griffing) Giddings, his wife, are pressed between the pages of Augusta’s
Religious Album. They appear to be clipped from a Nebraska newspaper. The date
of issue for Rev. Giddings is definitely December 31, 1879.
Death
of C. W. Giddings
The death of
this well-known citizen was a sad surprise to many of our citizens, who had not
learned of his brief illness. Taken sick on Thursday, December 11, after twelve
days of suffering, he died Tuesday evening, December 23, 1879. His death was
caused by a complication of diseases, which in a younger man might not have
proved serious, but overcame, after a brief struggle, a man of Mr. Giddings age,
and with health already somewhat broken by a life of unusual energy and nervous
strain. A large concourse of the many who sincerely mourned his death, followed
his remains to the grave on Christmas day, Rev. H. T. Davis, of Lincoln,
Presiding Elder of this district, conducting the religious exercises.
Of a man who
was one of the pioneers of the county, who has done as much as any other person
toward settling up the county, and who wielded through all the years of his
residence, a powerful influence on the side of law and order, our readers may
wish to learn more than the incidents of his death and burial. Old settlers who
have been intimately associated with him in an early day will read with interest
a short sketch of this busy life. New comers will as well be interested in the
life of one who did much to make smooth and easy their settlement within our
borders. We therefore give these facts connected with his life.
C. W.
Giddings was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., in May 1810, and was at the
time of his death, in his 70th year. Two years later [1812] the
family moved to Wayne County, Pa., where his boyhood and youth were passed. At
the age of 18 [1828], he united with the M. E. Church, and at once began fitting
himself for the ministry. When 22 [1832], he entered the ministry of the
denomination with which he had connected, and for 27 years filled appointments
throughout Pennsylvania and New York. In 1835 he was married in Owego, N. Y. to Clarissa
Griffing, who survives him, and who has been a most faithful helpmeet, not
only in the days of his ministry, but also in his life as a pioneer. But the
life of a preacher wore on him severely, and in 1858 he was obliged to give it
up because of nervous debility. In company with a number of others, he came to
this state in 1858, in search of a country suitable for a colony. He entered the
present site of Table Rock, where has ever since been his residence. The
following season being sickly, those who started with him returned, discouraged
by the outlook. Other settlers of that same time, and still residing in the
county, are Wm. and Andrew Fellers, C. V.
Dimon, and R. Samson. When they came there were no houses from South Fork
north into Johnson County, except two log houses built by the arrivals at Table
Rock. Pawnee City then possessed but three buildings. His health improving under
the influence of change of labor and climate, Mr. Giddings returned to his
sacred calling, and for six years was presiding elder of the large district of
south-eastern Nebraska, embracing in its confines all that territory lying
between the Kansas line and the Platte River, and extending west from the
Missouri as far as settlements were to be found, the border line then not much
beyond Crete, and Beatrice. Again
did he tax his energies too severely and again was he forced to give up
preaching. For the past twelve years he has lived quietly on his farm, in the
old town of Table Rock, interested in his farm work, and in the development of
the village he had founded, Table Rock. During these twelve years, he has been
superintendent of the M. E. S[abbath] S[chool] of that place, and one of the
leaders in the church.
There is no
need of our giving a close analysis of his character. Those who knew him best
respected him most. Few men are granted as immense will power as was C. W.
Giddings, and this, coupled with an energy of kindred strength, made him a power
here, as it would have done in any community. With an intense hatred of shams,
clear cut views of right and wrong, and opinions which when once established,
were difficult to overturn, he was yet one of the kindest hearted of men, a true
Christian, devoted to the service of his Savior, and firm in his advocacy of
true morality. He will be missed in the neighborhood, he will be missed in his
church and Sabbath school, and very sadly will he be missed in his family.
Obituary notice for Clarissa
(Griffing)
Giddings
Giddings. Mrs.
Giddings was born in New York, Dec. 29, 1810. Was converted to God at the age of
fifteen, united with the M. E. Church shortly afterward, and remained a
consistent member of the same to the close of life. For years she professed and
enjoyed the blessing of perfect love. In 1835 she was married to Rev. C. W.
Giddings. In 1857 they emigrated to Table Rock, Nebraska, where she remained to
the day of her death, which was October 17, 1880. She was a faithful and earnest
laborer in all the departments of church work; and no place will she be missed
more than from the Sabbath school. She manifested a deep concern for the
salvation of the young. During her last illness she had rest in Christ. As was
expected, her end was peaceful. -- C. A. Lewis
