Griffith, Mary A. (Carpenter) 1845 - 1917

GRIFFITH, CARPENTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/18/2021 at 11:15:51

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 01 Feb. 1917.

The death of Mrs. D. G. Griffith occurred at her home in this place Monday afternoon at three o'clock. Shortly before Christmas she was seriously ill with pneumonia but recovered sufficiently to be about the house. On Tuesday of last week she was taken ill again with pleusy and in her weakened condition other complications occurred which resulted fatally.

Mary A. Carpenter was born at Trenton Falls, New York, February 6th, 1845, the youngest daughter of Bradford and Laura Carpenter, and grew to womanhood there. In 1870 the family came to Buchanan county, Iowa, and on December 14th of that year she was married to David G. Griffith, who had been a comrade of her brother Charles in the army of the Potomac during the Civil War.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Griffith located in Dubuque and lived there until 1880, when Mr. Griffith purchased an interest in the Elkader Register, and they moved to Elkader, which has since been her home.

Her only child, Harry L. Griffith, one brother, Homer R. Carpenter, four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews are left with a beautiful memory of her loving service. Mr. Griffith died August 27th, 1910.

"Mother," - that holy word expresses all. The highest type of love and devotion, of capability for self-sacrifice, of giving much and asking little, that the human soul can attain. What more can be said ? She gave herself throughout the years to those she loved - her family, her friends, her neighbors - and sank to rest with the fullest confidence that she was going to those dear ones who had gone before. Those who are left behind sorrow for the loss of the loving companionship, but have still a precious possession to cherish the memory of the years through which her love was a never failing rock to sustain them.

Mrs. Griffith was a member of the Methodist Church for many years and until declining years sapped her strength she was active in the church and social work of the town. She was a charter member of Charity Chapter O.E.S. and a member of the Yeomen.

The funeral will be held at her home Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.