Bertha Peterson Lee 1850-1926

LEE, PETERSON, BROWN, DRAPER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 4/13/2011 at 00:44:20

Mrs. Bertha [nee Peterson, per 1925 census] Lee, Pioneer Emmet County Resident Passed Away Last Week
The death of Mrs. Bertha Lee came as a shock to the community on Saturday [March 13, 1926] last when she passed away at the Birney hospital. Mrs. Lee had been ill for only a short time from outward appearances, but her illness was one which had been coming on for years. She had been on duty at the rest room until only a few days before her death and people had become accustomed to seeing her daily. This made the announcement of her death seem more sudden.

For thirty-six years Mrs. Lee has been a resident of this city. She has always been an active woman and for the past few years since she has been connected with the city rest room she has accomplished a great deal by the tireless work for the needy people of our city. The fact is she has been a mother to them and their troubles and needs have been brought to her. She was a woman friendly to all unless she felt they had wronged her and even then she was not of an unfriendly spirit.

Mrs. Bertha Lee was born in Norway on February the sixth, 1850. She came to the United States with her parents when she was but thirteen years of age and lived with them in Wisconsin until after her marriage to Martin Lee. They moved to Emmet county on May the sixth, 1869, and are among the first settlers of this county.

During the month of March in 1871 her husband had his feet frozen partially off and it was not long after that they came to this city. Mr. Lee passed away in 1895.

The funeral services were held from the home on Monday afternoon at two o’clock, the members of the Christian Science church officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 17, 1926)

Card of Thanks – We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for many kindly acts and expressions of sympathy from our friends and neighbors during the hours of our bereavement in the loss of our beloved aunt, Mrs. Bertha Lee. – Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. William N. Draper (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 17, 1926)

Mrs. Bertha Lee Passed Away On Saturday
Had Been Ill At Hospital Only a Short Time
Pioneer Resident Here
Came to Emmet County Fifty-Six Years Ago – She Was a Grand Woman – Well Liked
Death entered our midst Saturday morning and claimed as its victim Mrs. Bertha Lee, one of Emmet county’s oldest pioneers. Mrs. Lee had been in poor health for several years but she was always active and never complained of her troubles. Two weeks ago she ruptured her knee and blood poison set in. Everything possible was done to prolong her life but her old age and the weakened condition of her body hastened her death. She was relieved of her pain and misery and passed quietly out of this life Friday night. Mrs. Lee was born in Norway, February 5, 1850. When still a young girl of thirteen years she came with her parents to the United States and settled on a farm in Wisconsin. Seven years later they came to Emmet county and located on a farm near what was known as old Swan Lake town. In 1871 she was united in marriage with Martin R. Lee and they continued to live on a farm until 1891 when they moved to Estherville. Mr. Lee passed away thirty-one years ago. Mrs. Lee continued to make her home in this city. For many years she was a practical nurse in this community and nine years ago she took charge of the rest room which position she held at the time of her death. Mrs. Lee was one of the grandest and finest ladies Emmet county has ever known. Ever ready to lend a helping hand she won for herself a place in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her passing away is a great shock to the community and her pleasant face and cheerful disposition will be greatly missed by all the people of this city and county. People were always welcomed in her home and she was always seeking the opportunity to help someone else. Two of her nieces, Mrs. Wm. Draper and Mrs. Chas. A. Brown, made their home with her from the time they were children until they were married and to them she showed all the love and adoration that it was possible for a devoted mother to show. Mrs. Lee’s first consideration was always of some one else and happiness was spread in many homes in this community through her. She was admired and respected by everyone, both old and young, rich and poor. She was a noble woman and although had no thought of earthly gain, she will reap a rich reward in her new life. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at her home on east Lincoln street, in charge of the Christian Science church. Interment was made in Oak Hill Cemetery beside the body of her husband. Besides her nieces, she is survived by one sister. The large attendance at the funeral and the beautiful floral offerings indicated the high esteem in which Mrs. Lee was held by the people in this community. The sympathy of a host of friends is extended the bereaved relatives in their hours of sorrow and grief. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, March 17, 1926)