Mrs. Elizabeth Abbey

ABBEY, MOSER, STOEHRREUSSER, WELLS, GARNER, HOODSPORT, WEDEL

Posted By: C. Diamond - IAGenWeb Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/29/2013 at 12:58:30

Elgin Echo
Elgin, Fayette county, Iowa
Thursday, 16 Jan 1919
Page 4, column three

IN MEMORY OF MRS. ELIZABETH ABBEY

Mrs. Elizabeth Abbey, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wittmer, was born in Waltersville, Canton Berne, Switzerland, October 12, 1823. She died at her home in Elgin Sunday afternoon, January 12, 1919, at the age of ninety-five years and three months.

She came to America in 1852 and was married to John Abbey in Peoria, Illinois, June 2, 1852. They came to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1854, and to Elgin in 1856, and resided here continuously. Nine children were born into the home; three sons and six daughters. Two sons have departed from this life; one son and the six daughters are living.

The husband died December 15, 1893. When the helpless years of old age came upon her Mrs. Abbey made her home with her daughter, Mrs. R. W. Moser. The last eight years of her life were spent in bed and she was tenderly nursed and waited upon by her two daughters who resided here – Mrs. R. E. Moser and Mrs. E. G. Stoehr – who sacrificed almost every other interest in life and devoted their time to taking good care of their mother.

Mrs. Abbey was one of the pioneer residents of Elgin and watched the development of the town and its people for many years. She was endowed with a strong character which heritage she gave to her family -- and, like all pioneer women – no task was too hard nor sacrifice too great where the best interests of her children and her home were concerned. During her long declining years her trust in her heavenly Father’s wisdom never wavered and she devoted much of her time in renewing her faith.

The children who are left to remember their mother are Mrs. Emma Reusser, Elgin; Mrs. Lizzetta Stoehr, Elgin; Mrs. Mary Moser, Elgin; Mrs. Louise Wells, North English; Mrs. Rosa Garner, Knox, Indiana; Philip Abbey Hoodsport, Washington and Miss Bertha Abbey, Cedar Rapids.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the home and the services were conducted by Rev. Wedel. The body was laid away in Elgin cemetery to await the resurrection day.

Those of the family who were here to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Garner, of Knox, Indiana; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wells of North English, Miss Bertha Abbey of Cedar Rapids, and Pierce Moser of Nunda, South Dakota.

CARD OF THANKS.

We feel greatly indebted to the kind friends and neighbors who helped during our mother’s last days on earth, with deeds of kindness and words of comfort and sympathy.
The Daughters of Mrs. Abbey.