Crary, Agnetha (Thovson) 1846 - 1935

CRARY, THOVSON, PRENTICE, ECKFORD, BRANDT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/16/2017 at 17:02:44

Clayton County Register, Thur., 17 Jan. 1935.

Mrs. Agnetha Crary, widow of the late Judge Oliver W. Crary, was born on January 4, 1846, in Norway and died on her 89th birthday at the Crary homestead in Farmersburg township. She had been in failing health for some time, but her last illness was of but a few days' duration. She suffered a stroke on the afternoon of Friday, January 4th, and quietly went to sleep and to rest at 8:15 p.m. She had lived a full life; she experienced the pioneering and saw the development of this great state, and ranked among the last of the early settlers of this community.

Mrs. Crary was the eldest daughter of Halvor Thovson, one of Wagner township's early pioneers, who came with his wife and family of seven children, in 1862. From early girlhood she assumed the responsibilities of the home, thus fitting herself for the duties that were hers through the following years. Her interests were in the home and with her family. To those in need she was always generous, and many of the old friends, now long deceased, as well as the later generations, could give testimony of her cordial hospitality.

She was united in marriage to Oliver W. Crary in April, 1864. Mr. Crary passed away on August 19, 1903. To them were born ten children, two of whom are deceased, Oliver W. Jr., who passed away in 1891, and William H., in March, of 1934. Surviving are: Lucy E. Prentice of Elkader; Fred W. of Seattle; Dr. George H. of Ismay, Mont.; Amy S. Eckford of Cedar Rapids; Alice M. Brandt of Palo, Iowa; Dr. J. Elisha of Choteau, Mont.; I. Avery of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Arthur E. on the Crary homestead. There are five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Crary is also survived by her youngest sister, Anna H. Thovson of Farmersburg township, and a brother, John, of Northfield, Minn.

A good mother's earthly career is ended. Her life's work is completed and she was ready to answer her Saviour's call.

Funeral services were conducted from her home on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. C. T. Brewster of Elkader in charge. A fitting eulogy was rendered, with two appropriate songs, "Crossing The Bar" and "Abide With Me," By Mrs. H. L. Griffith, Miss Ruth Stebor and Mrs. M. B. Bishop. Interment was made at the National cemetery beside her husband and sons.