Blake, Nancy Jane (Hafford) 1841 - 1901

BLAKE, HAFFORD, TETHERS, BLEWETT, DODSON, FREEMAN, MATT, MURPHY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/1/2018 at 11:51:00

Elkader Register, Thur., 31 Oct. 1901. Local News columns.

Nancy Jane Hafford was born at Salem, Ill., Sept. 30, 1841, and died at her home at Clayton, Oct. 23, 1901. Both her parents were Christian people, her father being an Episcopalian minister. Her parents died when she was about four years old and left herself and a younger sister. The sister was adopted by a Mrs. Tethers of Galena, Ill., and when grown to womanhood was united in marriage to Wm. Blewett, but her beautiful Christian life was ended some fifteen years ago. The subject of this sketch was given a home with Frank Dodson and lived at Elkader, Iowa, until about thirteen years of age. They removed to Mazeppa, Minn., and on Nov. 22, 1857, she was united in marriage to Augustus L. Blake. In 1867 they removed to Clayton, Ia., where they have since resided. The death of her youngest daughter four years ago she has never ceased to mourn, and her silent grief only hastened her own departure. She has been a member of the M.E. church for many years, and her unselfish life will forever remain an example to all. She leaves an aged husband and her children are Mrs. Elmira Freeman, of Morro, Cal., Mrs. Wilbur Matt, of Omaha, Neb., Mrs. Alice Murphy, of Janesville, Wis., Wm. H., of North McGregor, Iowa, Chas. W., attending the W.B.U. at LaCrosse, Wis., Jessie E., at Elkader, Ia., Stephen and Edward, at Clayton, also ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held Friday afternoon and her remains laid to that well earned rest in Clayton Cemetery. Peace to her ashes.