Melvina J. "Mell" Bartlett Benton 1863-1918

BENTON, BARTLETT

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 2/27/2012 at 00:25:39

Melvina J. Bartlett, youngest daughter of James W. and America Bartlett, was born at Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, Oct. 3, 1863, and departed this life at her home 709 South 8th St., Estherville, Feb. 10, 1918, at 7:05 p.m., aged 55 years, 7 months and 24 days.

On March 23, 1882, in the home where she was born she was married to Mr. L.R. Benton of New London, Iowa. On Nov. 7, 1896 they moved to Estherville where she has since made her home except for five years spent at Albert Lea, Minn.

While there she was prominent in charitable work and assisted in the building and equipping of both the city and county hospitals. She was also until her death a member of the Study Chef of that place.

At Estherville she was one of the organizers of the Royal Neighbors of America and was its first oracle. This office she held for several terms, after which she was for a number of years one of the managers.

She was a director of the present Red Cross society of Estherville but shortly after accepting this office she was stricken, and was never again able to take active part in its activities though her heart was in the work.

At an early age she united with the Christian church at Fairfield. On coming to Estherville she at once entered the fellowship of the Christian church here and has since been one of its most faithful and active workers in every branch of church activity.

She was never a society woman, but she leaves many a sad heart among the poorer people of this community to whom she was a friend in need and a friend indeed.

She leaves to mourn her death her husband, L.R. Benton, her only daughter of Forrest, Ind., and one brother, Arthur M. Bartlett of Ottumwa, Iowa. All of whom were with her in her last hours. Besides these she leaves behind a host of friends that is limited only by the circle of her acquaintance. Though suffering intensely her last hours were brightened by the steadfast faith of the Christian, “and she was not, for God took her.”

Funeral service held from the Presbyterian church Tuesday at 3 through the kindness of its pastor and officers since the destruction of the Christian church by fire. Chas. D. Priest, pastor of the Christian congregation officiating assisted by Rev. Mitchell, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Interment at Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, February 13, 1918)