Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1912-10-02
OBITUARY.


The death OF Gideon l.. JOY, who died
last Sunday evening at his home in North
Hancock after an illness OF only few
days, brought to close life OF unusual
interest. He had rounded out more than
fourscore years, having been born in 1880
in the town where for so many years he
had been so well known.
He was the son OF Stephen and Almira
Lee joy, and was born on the homestead
now owned by Nelson Stewart at North
Hancock. Here he grew into his teens,
but firing OF farm life, he ran away to sea
when but sixteen years old and followed
the life OF sailor for fifteen years.
When the gold craze struck the country
| in 1919, MIR. Joy felt the call to the West,
but it wasn't until the following year that
! he rounded Cape Horn and sought his
fortune In California. After a couple Of
years there, he returned home, to go a
| little later to Wisconsin, where he spent a
few years before he came home to settle
down only q short distance from the spot
here he first saw the light of day.
In 1853 he married Miss Jane Coolidge,
and they were permitted to share life's
journey together for forty-six years. Five
children were born to them, OF whom
three survive, one son Madison L.,
and two daughters-Mrs. Henry Butler
and Mrs. Wallace r. Foss, all of them liv-
ing in North Hancock, the last-named
making her home with her father. Mr..
Joy is survived by one sister - Mrs.
George p. Clark, OF Newton, Mass.
The above rs simply an outline of . life
that was most eventfui the chapters OF
which would make interesting reading.
Perhaps the first thing about MIR. Joy that
impressed one was his wonderful vigor.
Though past eighty, he was as active and
ambitious as man half a century
younger. he was man OF strong con-
victions and OF ready speech, prompt to
advocate his ideas with certain rsciness
of expression, at times, that made him q
formidable man in debate.
| His life is a conspicuous instance Of the
victory that men can achieve over poverty
and hardship. Seized with a spirit of ad-
venture, be shipped in a fishing vessel
while only boy and was privileged to be
on one OF the feet that made the great
haul of msckerel of Cape Ann when
1900 barrels were caught in one day.
Some of the older men recall that great
catch. After this he made several deep
water trips, narrowly escaping ship
wreck more than once. His trips to the
far West were the last OF his voyaging.
| Mr.. Joy was man OF great industry
and shrewd business ability. He carried
through many transactions sometimes in
voiving large amounts, and those who did
business with him were impressed with
his sense of value and grasp OF detail.
| He despised show or sham. Used to
plain fare and hard work, he had no
tolerance for an idier. But underneath
his rugged exterior there was a kindly
heart, and many families will mourn the
more sincerely his departure because OF
certain remembrances that. came their
way. Perhaps the best feature of his
benevoience was that it was done in the
spirit of one who .'lets not his right hand
know what his left hand doeth". He
drew into his friendship many of the
strong business men of this section, to
whom the news of his death strikes note
OF sadness. In many ways he was man
who will be greatly missed.
| The funeral services were held this
afternoon at the home, conducted by Rev
p. A. A. Killam, OF Ellsworth. The family
have the sympathy of the entire COM
munity in their bereavement.