MARGARET MITTS SIMMS

MITTS SIMMS ENGLAND HUBBARD MCKEEVER

Posted By: Tracie
Date: 4/3/2024 at 16:27:45

Margaret Mitts, daughter of James and Evelyn Mitts, was born at Madison, Wisconsin, November 26, 1848, and died June 5, 1926, aged 77 years, 6 months, and 9 days.

When a small child she moved with her parents to Sangamon County, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood. At the age of eighteen she was united with the Church of Christ at Cantrall, Illinois. After moving to Osceola, she placed her membership with the Christian church here.

She was united in marriage to James Simms, April 9, 1867. In 1870 they moved to Ward Township, Clarke County, Iowa. Here they resided on their farm until 1897, when they moved to Osceola. Five children were born, all of whom are living, except Milam, who died in 1903 at the age of 19.

Those who remain to mourn their loss are the husband, James Simms, who had been her partner in life for fifty-nine years; the four children, Mrs. Ida Hubbard of Vantura [sic], California, Mrs. Fannie McKeever, J.E. Simms, and Ura [note- this is a typo, it should say Ury] Simms, all of Osceola; two brothers, David Mitts, of Spencer, Iowa, and Thomas Mitts of Leavenworth, Kansas; fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A sister, Belle Mitts, and two brothers James and Phillip, preceded her in death. Many other relatives and friends are in sorrow at her departure.

Mrs. Simms has seen many rewards in life. She ever bore her burdens faithfully and was beloved of her community. She was stricken with paralysis on Monday, the 31st of May. Her mind was clear until the end, and she recognized those who came to visit her.

Her life had been active. In her young womanhood she had lived in Illinois in the stirring times of Abraham Lincoln. Once she presided at a debate of the Great Emancipator. She rode in Lincoln's inaugural parade at Springfield, Illinois. Throughout the years, full of responsibilities and cares of family and friends she maintained her interest in the worthwhile things about her.

Funeral services were conducted from the Christian Church in Osceola by the Rev. Mr. Muir Tuesday afternoon. Interment was made in Maple Hill Cemetery.

~ Obituary newspaper clipping from my great grandmother's scrapbook. Margaret Simms was her grandmother. The clipping is not dated, but it would have some from the local paper in Osceola, Iowa.~ Transcribed by Tracie 4/3/2024