MARTHA C. (WILEY) COX

WILEY, COX, HILLYARD, RENO, COBB

Posted By: Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert (email)
Date: 7/12/2002 at 20:41:30

Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, December 7, l922

MARTHA C. WILEY, the eldest daughter of ISAAC and SARAH JANE WILEY, was born in Jackson County, Iowa, May l3, l854. When but l4 years old, she came with her parents to Decatur County, Iowa, where they made their home. Here she grew to womanhood and here the greater part of her life was spent. She was united in marriage to SAMUEL L. COX, January l, l874. To this union were born seven children, all of whom are living except two -- MARY OLIVE, who died when she was two months old, and SAMUEL WILEY, who died when he was seven years old. In addition to her own five children whom she raised, she also cared for and raised as one of her own, a nephew, MAURICE WILEY. All of the children living were present during the last illness and death of their mother.

For many years the family lived on a farm west of Allerton. About fourteen years ago, owing to the failing health of the mother, they moved to Allerton where they have since resided.

Early in life, the deceased united with the United Presbyterian Church and lived a devoted Christian life until her death. As long as her fragile health permitted, she lived for the purpose of making life bright and joyous for others. To see her children happy and prosperous, to relieve the sorrows and troubles of any who needed sympathy or encouragement, gave her joy. Her trust in the love of her Savior, all shown through the many ministries of her life. She was a woman of rare spiritual endowment. Her home life was ideal. For almost forty-nine years she walked in loving companionship with her husband, meeting bravely all the tasks of wife, mother and home maker. Her tender affection for her loved ones brought forth from them all that solicitude and love, which is the need of a mother's heart. Her health has been fragile for seven years and during the last three years, she was confined to her bed. She began failing rapidly in strength last Saturday morning. Quietly she sank into repose of sleep and thus peacefully passed away, Saturday evening, Nov. l8, at 7:45 o'clock, aged 68 years, 6 months and 5 days.

The immediate family were present and who mourn their loss are: her husband, SAMUEL L. COX, and her children, GEORGE W., of Corydon; MRS. A.E. HILLYARD; ELMER P. COX; MRS. B.F. RENO and MRS. A.B. COBB, all of Allerton. Besides these, she leaves to mourn her departure, two brothers, S.P. WILEY, of High Point and W.D. WILEY, of Indianola, Iowa, and eighteen grandchildren. The sympathy of the community goes out to the sorrowing husband and children.

The funeral services were held at the home in Allerton, Monday afternoon, Nov. 20, at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Guy J. Winslow. The body was laid to rest in the Allerton Cemetery.

The following relatives and friends from a distance were present: Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Wiley, of Indianola, S.P. Wiley, of High Point, Morris Wiley, of White City, Kansas, Mrs. Jane Mendenhall and Mary Cunningham, of Indianola, Mr. and Mrs. I.F. Mendenhall, of High Point and several others.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
List Administrator; Decatur County, Iowa GenWeb
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
July l2, 2002