Hi, folks
I am hoping that someone might help me find records of Catherine GICK, who may have died
in Madison on 28 Oct., 1843.
Catherine's son, Henry Gick (1832-1896) was my great-great grandfather. Henry, a
brother, Robert, and their widowed mother, came to the United States from England about
1841, according to his newspaper obituary (pasted below) and the family lived at Madison
until 1845, when Henry -- then an orphan -- moved to Fulton County, Illinois. I am VERY
curious about what might have attracted these people from Europe to southern Indiana. I
suspect they were with a larger group, so if anyone knows of an influx of foreign
immigrants to Jefferson County in the early 1840s, I'd like to know about that.
I had long thought that "Madison" referred to Madison County, Illinois. (There
are apparently no towns named Madison in Illinois.) But another researcher pointed out to
me that Henry's brother, Robert, was listed as a resident of Madison, Indiana, on the
1850 census. This turned my attention to Jefferson County, Indiana.
So, that's my story: A widowed English woman moves to southern Indiana about 1841 with
her two sons. She dies two years later and the boys go their own ways. My questions:
What brought Catherine to Madison, Indiana? And where is she buried?
I appreciate your help.
Mark E. Dixon
Wayne, PA
Death of Henry Gick
Henry Gick, an old and respected resident of Bushnell, died at his home last Friday
morning, at the age of sixty-four years, six months and twenty-one days. He had been in
poor health for a long time, his trouble being heart disease complicated with other
ailments.
Funeral services were held at the Reformed church Sunday afternoon at two o'clock,
conducted by Rev. Chas. J. Sonnema and the remains were followed to their last resting
place in Bushnell cemetery by a large concourse of relatives and friends.
The following sketch of the life of Henry Gick has been turned in for publication:
Henry Gick was born in Liverpool, England, April 30, 1832. He came to this country when
nine years old, stopping at Madison until he was thirteen years of age, when he moved to
Fairview, Ill., where he resided until 1864, when he moved to Bushnell, where he has since
made his home. He was married to Mary E. McNamara July 4, 1855. Unto them were born four
children, three of whom (with his widow) survive him. They are Robert E. Gick, Mrs. Geo.
Payne and Miss Kate Gick, all of this city.
Henry Gick was one of many who gave their health for their country. He was an earnest
Christian, a kind husband and father. During his many years of suffering, he never
complained but bore his cross patiently and slept away peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
The Bushnell Record, Bushnell, Ill., 27 November, 1896.
Note: According to the Mormon IGI, Henry Gick was christened 20 May, 1832, in the parish
of St. Nicholas, Liverpool, England. He was the son of Henry Gick Sr. and Catherine
Needham. Henry Sr., a son of Archibald and Elizabeth (Yates) Gick was christened in the
parish of St. Nicholas, Liverpool, on 18 Jan., 1798. Archibald, a son of John Gick and
Joney McDaniel (or McDonald) was christened 20 Oct., 1765, in the parish of Malew, Isle of
Man.