Ensign, Eliza (Manzer) Barber 1821-1914

ENSIGN, MANZER, BARBER, SMITH, ST JOHN, CLARK, COPELAND, JEWELL

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/8/2016 at 17:31:55

Miss Eliza Manzer was born Feb. 8th, 1821, in Van Ransler County, New York. She was married to Charles Barber in 1839, in her home state. To this union five children were born, three of whom are now living. Two of them reside in New York, and one in Oklahoma.

Sometime after the death of Mr. Barber she was united in marriage to Robert Ensign, in 1849. To this union two sons and four daughters were born, three of whom are now living, Mrs. C. Smith, of Arlington; Mrs. Frank St. John, of Arlington, and Mrs. Arden Clark, of Vermillion, S.D.

Mrs. Ensign, with her husband and children, moved from New York to Iowa in 1855 and in about 1865 to Volga City. On January 27th, 1905, Mr. Ensign died, trusting in Jesus, leaving his aged wife to the tender care of her children.

For eight years Mother Ensign has had the loving self-sacrificing care of her daughter, Mrs. Frank St. John. A year or more ago Mrs. Ensign had a slight stroke of paralysis and on April 24th, 1914, she had a second stroke and passed away quietly and quickly at the age of 93 years.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church at Volga Sunday afternoon, April 26th, 1914, conducted by the Rev. Walter Piper, who spoke on the long and blessed life of the deceased, the history of her pioneer life and her sacrifices during the war days and religious spirit, in her heart life.

She was a woman greatly beloved by all who knew her and is survived by the daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

The beautiful floral gifts that rested on and around the casket were tokens of love and high esteem of her loved ones and friends. Her mortal remains were laid away to rest in the Volga City cemetery until the resurrection morn.

The following verse is expressive of her trust:
"Only believe that thy Father
Is guiding thy lonely way -
Guiding thee out of the darkness
To the light of eternal day.

Only believe, though in darkness,
The sun is still shining above,
And the cup of bitterest sorrow
Is mixed with drops of love."
(Walter Piper, Pastor)

Card of Thanks
To all the friends and neighbors who so kindly helped us in the hour of our great sorrow, we extend our heart-felt thanks.
Mr. and Mrs. F. St. John
Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. A. Clark

~Register & Argus, Thurs. April 30, 1914

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In the Volga City News column, same paper, these additional items:
-Mrs. John Copeland was called here from Anamosa Saturday, by the death of her aunt, Mrs. Ensign.

-Mr. and Mrs. Bart Jewell, of Arlington, attended the funeral of Mrs. Ensign Sunday afternoon.

-Mrs. Ard Clark and her daughter and little granddaughter, of Vermillion, S.D., were called here by the death of Mrs. Ensign.

-Mrs. Ensign died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. St. John, Friday, morning, at the age of 93 years. Mrs. Ensign has lived in and around Volga for a great many years and was well liked by all who knew her for her many acts of kindness. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the M.E. church.

~Register & Argus, Thurs. April 30, 1914