Eliza Watkins Bemis, 1845-1925

BEMIS, WATKINS

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/23/2009 at 10:52:48

Mrs. S. E. Bemis

Mrs. Eliza M. Bemis, almost a lifelong resident of Estherville, passed away Monday morning, April 20th, at 3 a.m. at her home on East Des Moines Street after an illness extending many months. She was well known to Estherville people and all her knew her were her friends. Her kind and generous disposition made many friends for her during her long time residence here. For many years she was one of the leaders in the Baptist church, presiding officer of the Woman's Relief Corps and mingled with the society of this city. She was born on November 2, 1845, at Malone, N. Y. Her parents were Asapl and Diantha Watkins. Here she received her school education and on March 13, 1866, was united in marriage to Simeon E. Bemis, of the same town. They moved to East Chain, Minn., in Martin County and later the same year they came to Estherville. They engaged in the mercantile business soon after their arrival and erected a store building on the corner where the postoffice now stands. They remained in business until the death of Mr. Bemis, which occurred on December 22, 1896. They acquired a lot of Emmet county property and built a fine home in the east part of the town where Mrs. Bemis and two daughters and have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Bemis raised a family of seven children, six of whom are now living. They are Mrs. Carrie A. Weir, of Dunnell; Grace A. Brown, Eugenia E. Bevan, F. Perl, and Hazel L., residing here, and Sidney E., Des Moines. Claude W., another son, passed away many years ago. Besides the children there are 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren left to mourn her death. She was a member of the Baptist church of this city, becoming a christian early in life and was a true christian woman. Funeral services will be held at the Bemis home at two o'clock this afternoon. Services will be conducted by Dr. J. A. Hurley, of Storm Lake, a former pastor of the Baptist church of this city. He will be assisted by Rev. W. F. Huxford, present pastor. Internment will be in the East Side Cemetery besides the remains of her husband who had gone before. The many friends of the Bemis family in this community extend their sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and relatives.

Source: The Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, April 22, 1925.