Hemenway, Marella 1871-1937

HEMENWAY, HANEY, NICHOLSON, GARVIN, GAUNITZ, ASCHOM, HUFSCHMIDT, SCHAFER, DUNLEAVY

Posted By: Patrick J. Utecht (email)
Date: 2/5/2009 at 21:11:21

ARE CALLED BY DEATH

Marilla Hemenway, 1871-1937

Friends and acquaintances were deeply grieved Sunday about noon on learning of the death of Miss Marilla Hemenway at the family home on Front Street, following an illness of only three days with toxic pneumonia. But few people had known she was sick, and those who did had not realized that her condition was serious.

Marilla Emily Hemenway was born in Lansing March 2, 1871, and lived here all her life. She was the daughter of Samuel Walker Hemenway and Martha Toll Haney Hemenway, pioneer residents of the town, and leaders in the early day life of this community. Mr. Hemenway, who was a Civil War veteran, died May 10, 1877, when as superintendent of the water works system he was trapped in a cave-in in a ditch on Main Street. Mrs. Hemenway was a widow over half a century, passing away Dec. 10, 1927.

Marilla acquired her education in Lansing High School, her mother’s illness on the eve of her graduation preventing her finishing the course – a fact she always regretted. But all her life she was a reader and student, and we venture the assertion she had a broader and more extensive education than many college graduates.

She was always a leader in civic and club circles, being a member of Martha Washington Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star: also of Chapter D C, P E O Sisterhood; a charter member of the E. W. A. Literary Club; also holding memberships in the Library Association and Women’s Community Club. Besides these she was President of the Ladies Guild of Lansing Federated church and Secretary of the local Red Cross at the time of her death. In all these groups she was not only a leader but a willing worker as well, and her presence will be sorely missed in their circles.

Miss Hemenway was known familiarly as “Mulla” to everyone of us who grew up in Lansing, and her kindness and beautiful traits of character made her beloved by all.

Of children especially was she fond and ever ready to great them with a cheery word or do them a favor. To grownups also was she alwayswilling and ready to lend the helping hand of charity and consolation to those needy or bereaved. Lansing lost a real Christian woman in her passing.

Surviving are three sisters – Martha, at home; Fanny, Waterloo; and Susie, Chicago; and one brother, Samuel Herman and wife, New Hartford, Iowa; all present for the funeral. Sam’s daughter Julia and son Herman and wife are also here; as is a cousin, Mrs. Nicholson of Muscatine, Iowa. Her uncle Judge Dick Haney of Huron, S.D. is unable to come for the obsequies.

Funeral services are being held today (Wednesday) at 2;30 p.m., at Lansing Federated church, with Dr. Samuel Garvin of Dubuque officiating, with interment in the family lot in beautiful Oak Hill cemetery. Casket bearers are: Harold and Ernest Gaunitz, George Aschom, Leo T. Hufschmidt, Fred Schafer and R.A. Dunleavy.

Please note that the transcriber was not related to Mrs. Hemenway, and has no further information.

Newspaper source unknown