Pray, Eleanor Baldwin (1827-1906)

PRAY, BALDWIN, FRANK

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/2/2017 at 14:23:00

Webster City Freeman, Webster City, Iowa, Tuesday, September 18, 1906

MRS. W. S. PRAY CALLED HENCE

Was a Pioneer Resident of Webster City, Having Located Here in July, 1857

MR. PRAY DIED IN YEAR 1889

Resided in one House 48 years - Was Born in Ohio in 1827

Mrs. W. S. Pray died at the old family home in the southeastern part of town at midnight Tuesday, at the age of 79 years. Her demise was the result of ailments incident to her advanced years. She had been in failing health some months and the end came not unexpectedly. Her children had been summoned and were all, except G. B. Pray, at her bedside when the end came. G. B. was here Sunday, but was called to his home in Des Moines Sunday night, expecting to return Monday, but was detained and did not get here until Wednesday noon.

Eleanor M. Baldwin was born January 6, 1827, in Gallipolis, Ohio. She was united in marriage to Wm. S. Pray in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Pray came to Webster City on July 3, 1857, and resided here continuously until their death. Mr. Pray died on June 28, 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Pray six children were born, four of whom are still living, as follows:
G. B. Pray, Des Moines
B. H. Pray, Des Moines
Mrs. Eva Frank, Webster City
W. L. Pray, Fort Dodge

Fourteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive these old and respected pioneers.

When Mr. and Mrs. Pray arrived in Webster City in 1857, Mr. Pray at once commenced the erection of a home. He was a carpenter and millwright by trade and there were very few houses here at that time. He built the house in 1857 where the Bossert family has resided for more than a third of a century and in 1858 he built the old home where he and Mrs. Pray died.

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Pray were among that class of pioneer citizens who were undaunted by hardships and undismayed by the dangers and inconveniences of frontier life. They were honest and industrious, lived a frugal life, had the respect of everybody and raised a family of children who are a credit to their memory. Mrs. Pray joined the Methodist church in early childhood and always was true to the teachings of her Lord and Savior. She was a noble woman, a kind and gentle mother, and filled well her place in life. What great encomiums(?) can be vouchsafed the memory of the departed?

The funeral was held from the family home Thursday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. F. W. Ginn of the Methodist church.