Elivia Gerken Hunter (1868-1900)

GERKEN, GERKIN, HUNTER

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 9/3/2002 at 20:28:47

Died at her home in this city, January 27, 1900, Mrs. A. L. Hunter aged 31 years, 2 months and 11 days. Funeral services occurred Monday at 12:00 p. m., and the remains were taken for interment to Fairbank.

Elivia Gerkin was born in Oran township, Fayette County, November 16, 1868. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gerkin and resided with them on the farm, attending the country schools. When fifteen years of age, her mother died and as she was the only daughter residing at home at this time the care of looking after the household fell upon her. These duties she cheerfully assumed and successfully conducted while she remained under the parental roof. On her nineteenth birthday, November 16, 1887, she was united in marriage to A. L. Hunter and in a few months Mr. and Mrs. Hunter removed to Oelwein where they have since resided.

She was the mother of three children, H. Clyde, Bessie B. and Clint L., aged ten years, seven years and fourteen months respectively. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her constant care was for hjer home and her children. These children, her husband, father, three brothers and a sister are left to mourn her loss. A large circle of friends also sincerely sympathize with them in their bereavement.

Her illness was of short duration, less than a week, and when the summons came she was willing to go, her principal regret being that she must leave her devoted husband and children. Her life was centered in the home. It was her ambition to make this attractive and to bring up the children in ways that are right. She was a woman without reproach and loved by many.

Funeral services were held in the Grace M. E. church under the auspices of Jefferson Rebekah lodge assisted by the Royal Neighbors, Rev. S. Conybeare officiating. The church was filled to its utmost limits by a large audience of friends and neighbors who were present to express their sympathy for the living and their respect and love for the deceased.

Immediately after the services the remains were taken to the Chicago Great Western depot and conveyed by train to Fairbank, near her early home for interment. Two special coaches were attached to the regular passenger, and they were filled with friends and relatives who went to attend the burial exercises in the cemetery.

A special engine from here brought the Oelwein people back to this city, arriving here about 5 o'clock.

Oelwein Register - January 31, 1900