ANKENY, Valeria M. 1832-1924

ANKENY, VOSBURGH, MILLER, PERIN, YOUNG, BONNEY

Posted By: Michael Kearney (email)
Date: 10/5/2002 at 10:43:32

The Clinton Herald Monday January 21, 1924 p.6 Valeria M. Ankeny, who died Sunday, January 20, at noon was in point of years combined with length of residence the most notable person in Clinton, perhaps in the state. Born in Indiana in 1832 she came here with her parents in March, 1837, and lived here continuously almost 87 years. Just one week before her death she enjoyed a gathering in honor of her ninety-second birthday, being then perfectly clear in mind and in fair health. Mrs. Ankeny leaves nine grand children and six great-grandchildren. Her sister, Mrs. Nancy Vosburgh, was brought here at the same time but is younger and her other surviving sister, Mrs. Mary Miller, is her junior, while her half-brother, Edwin Perin, was born many years later. There was one cabin on the site of Clinton when Mrs. Ankeny was brought here and her father built the second one a little south of the present Northwestern bridge and there the Perins lived many years. Her residence here was continuous through the 87 years and broken only by such temporary absence as two trips to Europe and one to Mexico. She was married August 14, 1851 to Dr. A.L. Ankeny. Three of her children survive her, Mrs. Welker Given and Mrs. E.A. Young of Clinton and Mrs. Margaret Bonney of Pasadena. Mrs. Ankeny survived her husband over 36 years making her home at 433 Sixth avenue during that time. An earlier home was on the site of the Clinton opera house and another a mile west of Lyons. Mrs. Ankeny remembered well Indians passing up and down the river and once when several appeared threateningly at the Perin cabin, her mother put her out the back window to run and call her father and uncle from the field; which she did in good time. Mrs. Ankeny was for many years a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal church. Funeral Tuesday at 2:30.