WILLIAMS, Lucia 1837-1930

WILLIAMS, CHAMPLIN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/25/2015 at 08:22:05

Grundy Resident For 63 Years Died Friday A.M.

Mrs. W. C. Williams Answers Final Summons at Advanced Age

Mrs. W. C. Williams died at her home in Grundy Center at an early hour Friday morning. She was 93 years old in March and had been a continuous resident of Grundy county for 63 years. John Clift is the only person now living who was a resident of this community when Mrs. Williams came here. She lived through a marvelous community development during her long lifetime.

Funeral services were held at the home at four o'clock Monday afternoon and the services were very largely attended. Rev. F. O. Winslow, from Belle Plaine, a former pastor, officiated assisted by Rev. J. B. Bird.

The following obituary prepared by the officiating pastor which was read at the service gives a complete account of the life of this Grundy pioneer:

Obituary
Lucia M. Champlin was born in Chenaugo county, New York, on March 22, 1837, and quietly passed away from her home in Grundy Center, Iowa, Apr. 18, 1930, at the remarkable age of 93 years and nearly one month. She received her education from a private school near her home. Among her girlhood friends was a young man, W. C. Williams, whom she later married at Elgin, Ill. For a short time they resided in this state and then came to Iowa, more than 60 years ago. Mrs. Williams with her husband became very early settlers of Grundy county and lived on a farm, well known as Hickory Grove, three miles west of Grundy Center. After about five years they came to Grundy Center to live and this has been her home through these many years. Four children were born into their home, Abbie L., Chester, Lavinia and Edna. Mrs. Edna Hayes, the youngest, alone survives, the others passing on into the better land years ago.

Mrs. Williams possessed an unusually keen mind, retaining her mental facil- (graduate of the Grundy Center high) to converse with her and to note her interest in present day affairs. She conducted her own business affairs to the very last, thus rigidly carrying out a life long custom. She was indeed a faithful companion, a true mother and a staunch friend.

Mrs. Williams became a member of the M.E. Church in early life and has always held her church and its interests in tender regard. The passing away of this pioneer soul marks the last of her family, and she will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her best.

Mrs. Williams retained her health to a remarkable degree for one of her age, and only during these last few weeks was failing strength noticeable. A week ago last Sunday she was unable to leave her bed, and during the days that followed her loved ones feared the end was near. Like the running down of the old clock on the mantle, her life slowly ebbed away, until last Friday morning at one o'clock the silent messenger came and "she was not, for God took her." The tired body is at rest, but the soul took its flight into the better country, the land of perpetual youth and eternal day.

There are left to mourn this loss an only daughter, Mrs. Edna Hayes, of Grundy Center, a granddaughter, Mrs. Florence Boies, and a grandson, Mr. William Raymond, both of California. Friends and neighbors join in kindest sympathy to these dear ones in this hour of sorrow.

Those from a distance who were present at the funeral were William Raymond, Los Angeles; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Richards, a niece, Clarion; Mrs. Clarence Rusk, a niece, Galt; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Richards and Mrs. Clifford Campbell, Clarion; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Shuler, Parkersburg; Rev. and Mrs. Winslow, Belle Plaine; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Stalker, Albion, Neb.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 24 April 1930, pg 14