NUNGESSER, Samantha 1849-1885

NUNGESSER, CUNNINGHAM

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 10/21/2010 at 15:06:47

Our citizens were greatly startled this morning to here of the sad intelligence of the sudden death of Mrs. H. W. Nungesser. Mrs. Nungesser got up this morning as well as usual. She done up her morning work, and finished her ironing, after which she complained of a pain in her back, but did not think it was anything serious. She laid down on the bed and died in a short time. It is supposed she died of heart disease.

Funeral services will be held at the residence at four o'clock Friday afternoon.

--Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 22 July 1885

Died.
NUNGESSER--At her home near Grundy Center, Iowa, Wednesday morning, July 22nd, 1885, Mrs. Samantha J. Nungesser, wife of Horace W. Nungesser, in the 36th year of her age.

"Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death."

The death of this estimable lady coming as it did with startling suddenness and without warning sent a shock to all hearts in the community and caused deep sadness and bitter sorrow to many near and dear friends. Apparently in the most perfect health and blessed with strength to plan and execute she had arisen on that morning to order the affairs of her household as was her custom. While thus engaged she became aware of a slight indisposition accompanied by pain in the region of the heart, but not of a nature so severe to cause alarm or to interfere with her movements. She remained in this condition until about 8 o'clock a.m., when suddenly the machinery of life seemed to hesitate then stood still and death entered while life took its flight.

Obituary

The story of her life is briefly told as follows: Samantha Jane Cunningham was born on the 8th day of September, 1849, in Muskingum county, Ohio. When she was but a child the family moved to the state of Iowa and took up their residence at Hopkington, Delaware county. After a residence here of a few years the family again made a change of location, this time to Toledo, Tama county. Here deceased spent several years of her life and here she grew to womanhood. In 1869 she went with her parents to Kansas where a new home was established. On the 20th day of April, 1871, she united her earthly destiny with that of Mr. H. W. Nungesser with whom she lived happily until death called her away. After a few years of married life in Kansas deceased came with her husband to Iowa and settled at Traer, Tama county, and after a residence there of about three years came to Grundy Center in 1877, and here the remaining years of her life were past. She leaves a husband and two adopted daughters of her immediate family, and a mother, two sisters and three brothers to mourn with them this bitter and irreparable loss.

Deceased was a woman of excellent qualities of heart and mind; a true devoted wife and mother, queen of the household where she reigned with thoughtfulness and love. A devoted and faithful friend herself, she gathered about her a circle of congenial spirits and held them close to her heart by the power of her love and thoughtfulness. To be her friend was to be the constant recipient of some thoughtful act, some loving kindness. In the circle of her closest friendships her death is mourned with deep sincerity, and not soon will the memory of her life acts be effaced from the remembrance of those who knew her best. Death has made her friendships brighter and sweeter.

The funeral services of the deceased were held at her late residence on Saturday afternoon last, July 25th and were attended by a large number or sympathizing friends and neighbors. Beautiful floral offerings and memorials adorned the rooms and bore witness to sympathizing and thoughtful hearts. The services consisted of singing by a quartet, prayer by Rev. Wm. Bryant and remarks by Rev. R. N. Earhart, at the conclusion of which the remains were conveyed to Rose Hill Cemetery and there consigned to their last resting place.

Card of Thanks.

We wish to return our heartfelt thanks to all sympathizing friends and neighbors for their kindness during our recent heavy affliction. Words are feeble to convey the gratitude we feel, but we assure all that such help and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.
H. W. Nungesser and Family

--Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 29 July 1885