DOWNING, Delia (Clarke) 1825-1904

DOWNING, CLARKE, FELKER, BRANUM

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 10/31/2013 at 02:12:16

[Waterloo Daily Reporter, Tuesday, December 20, 1904, Waterloo, Iowa]

OLD SETTLER GONE

MRS. D. C. DOWNING DIED AT HOME HERE LAST NIGHT OF OLD AGE

LIVED HERE MANY YEARS

Took Up Residence North of the City Over Half Century Ago - Funeral Arrangements.

Mrs. D. C. Downing, one of the early settlers In this part of the county, and a highly respected lady, passed away last, night at 11:45 o'clock of old age, at her home at 1015 Jefferson Street. Mrs. Downing had been in poor health for several weeks past. Medical aid has been given her during her sickness, and all her wants had been looked after by her daughter, but the wearing of time could not be stayed, and death occurred last night at the hour stated.

Mrs. Downing's maiden name was Delia Clarke. She was born in Johnstown, Ohio, July 22, 1825, being past seventy-nine years of age of her death. On April 2, 1846, she was united in marriage to Lyman Downing at her native home, and two year later the family came to this county and took up their residence on a tract of land northwest of the city a few miles, on the Cedar Falls road. This land still remains in the family name. A few years ago Mr. and Mrs Downing moved to this city and have made their home here since that time.

Mr. Downing died December 21, 1901. The children left to mourn the loss of the mother are: Sylvester L. Downing, of Felton, Minn., and Mrs. Viola Felker, with whom Mrs. Downing has been making her home for several years past. Besides her children she is survived by one sister, Mrs. James Branum, of Clarksville, Iowa; one brother, David Clarke, of Hartington, Nebraska, and six grandchildren.

Having lived in Blackhawk County for over fifty-six years, Mrs. Downing has a large acquaintance among the early settlers who will mourn her death. She was a devoted Christian and a patient sufferer during her illness and passed away fully realizing that life's pathway had been traveled to the end, firm in the faith of the reward that awaited her.

The funeral will be held at the home at 1015 Jefferson Street, at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will be made in Elmwood Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Moore and daughter, of Waverly, relatives of the deceased, will attend the funeral. It is also expected that the son from Minnesota will arrive in time to attend the last sad rites.