Knight, Arabella M. (Little) 1831 - 1903

KNIGHT, LITTLE, PAYNE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/20/2016 at 09:46:55

Elkader Argus, Wed., 18 Mar. 1903.

Arabella M. Little was the oldest child of Dr. Lemanuel Little and Catherine (Payne) Little and was born in New London, N.H., April 1st, 1831, and died at her residence where she lived with her son Eben, March 15th, 1903, aged 71 years, 11 months and 14 days.

After receiving a liberal education in the schools of her native state, she removed with her parents to Clayton county, Iowa, and settled on the old Little homestead, near Farmersburg in 1855.

She was married to Ralph N. Knight, of Grand Isle county, Vermont, Dec. 15th, 1860. In 1862 Mr. Knight enlisted in the Union service as a member of the 27th Reg. Iowa Vol. Infantry.

When Mrs. Knight came to Clayton county she engaged in the school work as a teacher, placing herself in the front rank and was considered one of the most progressive teachers in this part of the state. During Mr. Knight's army service, she returned to her old profession and like other patriotic women of the period, did her part in supporting the family, while her husband defended the flag.

In the spring of 1866, she with her husband settled at the late residence of the deceased, where they spent the remainder of their days, Mr. Knight dying Nov. 5th, 1894. Of this union two sons were born, Henry L., born Nov. 1st, 1861, residing at Adams, Minn. and practicing medicine, and Eben L., born Dec. 15, 1869, and who lives at the old home. In 1892 her health began to fail and after a lingering illness, characterized by great fortitude and patience, quietly passed away. A brother, John M. Little of Farmersburg, and her two sons survive her.

The funeral services were held at the late residence, Tuesday, March 17th at 11 o'clock a.m. conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Baxter, pastor of the Congregational church at Elkader, a large company of friends attending.

Such, in brief, is the life record of one who has passed from life and left in the hearts of friends, (Here the paper printed a word starting with mem-, but did not complete the word, thought to be memories.) that cannot be written, nor painted, nor sung. She was a true daughter of New England, in whose veins flowed the sturdy blood of the Puritan race, expressing itself in strong convictions and absolute honesty of purpose. Her life was filled with the melody of love and her purity of character exemplified in a high degree her devotion to the cause of her master.

While memory lasts the influence of her life will adorn the characters of those whom it has touched.