Elizabeth Headly Wilson Littlejohn 1810-1911

LITTLEJOHN, WILSON, SMALL, AUGUSTINE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 5/8/2014 at 00:35:49

Superior
We doubt if ever in our lives, will it be our duty to again record the death of one who has lived one hundred and one years in this world. In the death of Elizabeth Littlejohn, who died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. G.W. Small on Wednesday morning March 8th, 1911. In her death we loose a grand and good woman, who was a true friend and Christian who lived what she talked. Her devotion to those she loved, would make a bright chapter in the life of everyone. She was of an affectionate disposition, pleasant and winning in her ways, so that friendships circle was to her a large one. While she has gone from the scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, she will still live in the hearts of those near and dear to her. Grandma Littlejohn, as she was familiarly called was born Feb. 12th, 1810 in Scotland and the age of 31 was married to Hugh Littlejohn, and in 1851 with her husband and three children came to America and settled in Braceville Grundy county, Ill. Many were the hardships met with while working to establish a home of their own, and there most of her busy life was spent, her battles fought and her faithful service rendered to the world. No one ever entered that home without a warm welcome, nor left without feeling a genuine hospitality, so characteristic of the people of her ancestry. Deceased did not destroy the charm of a kind indulgent disposition, nor age diminish the unselfish solicitude for her friends and loved ones. Her husband and children long since proceded her to the other side and the last thirteen years of her life have been spent with Mrs. Guy Small, one of her five grandchildren, whom she had raised since infancy. Mrs. Small patiently and untiringly administered and cared for every wish of this dear old mother. Services were held at the M.E. church Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock, Rev. A. Bottom officiating. The songs were touching and the floral tributes were many and beautiful, but not more so than the face that rested among them, but flowers seem to be the best emblem we have to express our love, for we weave them around the cradle, the marriage alter and the tomb. Thus we would leave her as sweetly responding among the beautiful and fragrant flowers. The remains were sent to her home at Braceville, Ill. to be laid beside her husband, children and relatives.

She leaves to mourn, five grandchildren, Mrs. G. W. Small, Hugh Littlejohn and Miss Augustine of Chicago. We join with the many friends in extending our sympathy and we can but remind the mourners that she is only sleeping after a long and well spent life. May God’s purest Angels ever guard her peaceful slumbers. (Spirit Lake Beacon, Spirit Lake, IA, March 16, 1911)

Death Claimed Her
Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn [Elizabeth Hendry Wilson Littlejohn] Passed Away Last Wednesday [March 8, 1911]
Was Over 100 Years of Age
Born One Year After Lincoln – Health Good Until Shortly Before Death Called Her
Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn, familiarly known as Grandma Littlejohn, died at the home of her granddaughter west of Estherville last Wednesday morning. Mrs. Littlejohn was one hundred and one year old on February 12. The fore part of February Mrs. Littlejohn suffered a severe attack of lagrippe, but it is thought the direct cause of her death was her old age. However for a woman of her age she enjoyed until recently remarkable good health. The funeral service was held at Superior Friday and the remains taken to Braceville, Illinois, for burial beside her husband, who died fifty-one years ago.

Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn was born in Ayr, Scotland, on February 12, 1810. On June 8, 1844, she married M.H. Littlejohn. They came to America in 1851 and settled in Grundy county, Illinois. The husband, wife and three children came to America to seek their fortune. Mr. Littlejohn died August 18, 1859. The three children have since died. In February 1901, she came to make her home with her granddaughter, Mrs. Small, at which place she lived until death called her.

Mrs. Littlejohn was perhaps the oldest woman in Iowa. Last year when she celebrated her 100th birthday she was enjoying excellent health and the celebration was quite a news story for the newspapers as it was published far and wide. Then she received 100 new Lincoln pennies which she prized very highly as she was born only one year after Lincoln and always had many interesting stories to tell about the great man. She also received about 200 birthday cards and other remembrances. On that occasion the guests were surprised to see this century old lady active and taking a keen interest in everything. She remembered well he happenings of the past century and discussed them freely. Her appetite was good and she ate three meals a day, and rally the evidence of her age was her frail body. This year she was also remembered by her many friends although she did not have any celebrations on account of her poor health.

Mrs. Littlejohn was an admirable old lady. She had endured herself to all who knew her and her death is generally mourned.

The Enterprise joins in sympathy to the family. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 15, 1911)

Death of Mrs. Littlejohn
Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn Probably the Oldest Woman in Iowa
Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn, probably the oldest woman in Iowa, died last Tuesday, March 7th , [Wednesday, March 8] at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. G.W. Small, near Superior, at the advanced age of 101 years and 26 days. Old age was primarily the cause of her death, but the direct cause was a severe cold. Her physical faculties up to the time of her death were exceptionally good for a woman of her age. Mrs. Littlejohn was born at Ayr, Scotland, February 12, 1810. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, March 15, 1911)

Died
Grandma Littlejohn, of Superior, supposed to be the oldest woman in Iowa, died yesterday morning at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Guy W. Small. Mrs. Littlejohn was 101 years old on February 12th. The Small family formerly lived south of town. Many Milford people knew and very much respected Mrs. Littlejohn. – Milford Mail – [previous week’s paper] (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, March 15, 1911)