BIGELOW, Ida Weston (Gardner) 1857-1939

GARDNER, BIGELOW, OLMSTED

Posted By: Cheryl Leech (email)
Date: 3/3/2006 at 14:11:01

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ida Bigelow Sunday
Passed Away Thursday After Short Illness
Sister of H. W. Gardner and Mrs. Olmsted

Funeral services were held at 4:00 Sunday afternoon at the H. W. Gardner home for Mrs. Ida Bigelow. Rev. Spiker pastor of the Congregational Church had charge of the services. Arthur Boettcher and Louise Wittenburg accompanied by Mrs. William Wilkins sang two selections.

Her Coffin was borne by Olaf Kelson, Don Iverson, W. J. David, D. F. Bigelow, John Howard, and C. B. Phillips.

Burial was in Graceland cemetary.

Ida W. Gardner, second daughter of Weston D. and Harriet N. Gardner, was born in Grinnell, Iowa, June 7, 1857. In 1865 she came with her parents to New Hampton.

She was married to Arthur G. Bigelow in 1880. To this union one son was born, Arthur Weston Bigelow, who passed away July 25, 1906.

About 25 years ago Mrs. Bigelow came from Des Moines, where she had been living, to care for her father and mother in their declining years.

For the past 5 years she has made her home with Mrs. H. H. Gilbert at whose home she passed away at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. While her health has been failing for many years she was only seriously ill for a few days. At the time of her death she had reached the age of 82 years, one month and six days.

Mrs. Bigelow was a lady of both culture and refinement. She spent some time as a student of music at Oberlin college and was a competent pianist, serving for a number of years in early life as organist for the First Congregational church in this city and loyal to all its obligations. She was a very capable and active worker in the various women’s organizations of the church as long as she was physically able and her death will leave a notable vacant place in the religious and social gatherings of the church.

She is survived by her sister, Mrs. E. N. Olmsted and brother H. W. Gardner, both of New Hampton, a grand daughter, Dorothy Bigelow, living in Chicago with her mother and many friends. To Them all we extend deepest sympathy.

Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Olmsted of Waterloo, Mrs. Z. D. Knight of Nashua and Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Weber of Rockford were among those from out of town who attended the services Sunday.

Source unknown. Copied from newspaper clipping in my grandmother's Bible.