Hurd, Winifred J. Crane 1861-1928

LYNCH, SMITH, BECKNER, GOODRICH, PARKER, DINGMAN, TUTTLE, BRYANS, LESTER, MASON, LOGAN, ELLER

Posted By: Wanda J. Huisman (email)
Date: 2/27/2005 at 16:45:53

Death Calls Another Williams Pioneer

(Obituary newspaper clipping from the scrapbook of "Jennie" Sarah Virginia Beckner Crane)

The community was bereaved and the ranks of the few remaining early settlers thinned by the death last Saturday of Mrs Hurd wife of the late Reuben J. Hurd.

Winifred J. Crane, daughter of Samuel James Crane and Mary Jane Eller Crane was born in Clayton County, near Volga City, Iowa, on May 3rd, 1861 and passed from this mortal life on January 21, 1928, being therefore sixty-six years, eight months and 17 days old, at the time of her demise.

She came to Alden with her parents in 1866, who moved the following year to a homestead in Rose Grove Township in Hamilton County, being one of the first four families to locate in that community.

With the exception of 2 years spend with her grandparents in Eastern Iowa, she lived at home the life of a pioneer child, attending school and assisting her parents on the farm.

On January 15, 1887, she ws united in marriage to Reuben J. Hurd, a worthy man of the community. To this union were born six children, all living. They are: Lulu b., now Mrs Robert Lynch of Cedar Falls, Walter L., Gladys, now Mrs Ivan Smith, all of Williams, Iowa; and Stanton F and Howard H. of Alden, Iowa.

The father was first to go in the spring of 1923, and 3 years later the children observed that their mothers health was failing, finally terminating in her passing at 2:50 O'clock in the morning of January 21st.

Besides the six sons and daughters, the deceased leaves to appreciate her life, 28 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Also there are three brothers and five sisters. They are Edmond J. Crane, Sherman W. Crane, Mrs. Alice Beckner of Lebanon, South Dakota; Charles Crane of Ispswich, South Dakota; Mrs Lee Trudell of Deering, North Dakota; Mrs J. E. Parker of Alden; Mrs Millie Goodrich of Fort Dodge and Mrs Louise Dingman of Lehigh, Iowa.

Unable to walk for the past 35 years, Mrs. Hurd maintained an active interest in life by supervising the management of her home. Through her extensive reading and later her radio, she kept in touch with affairs in the world. She also gave such tender and intelligent care to her flowers that people marveled at their growth and beauty.

Being active in W.C.T.U. work, the Hamilton County Chapter voted Mrs Hurd a life membership in the organization. Mrs Hurd was about in her wheelchair and retained her interests to the last.

Reared by devoted pareents, a member of the Methodist Church for many years, and since 1915 a member of the Christian Science Church of Webster City, Iowa. Chrisitain living and religious thought was an improtant facter in her life.

Thoughtful and sympathetic, Mrs. Hurd remembered others. She kept up an extensive correspondence with her friends and relatives and many can testify to her thoughtfulness and assistance. It was her belief that humanity is imporving and that many movements indicate a deeper and truer conception of our relationship to God and our fellowmen.

Services were conducted at the home by the Christian Science Church of Webster City, Iowa. Mrs Ethel Goodrich reader of the church and a personal friend of Mrs Hurd read the service.

Mrs W. L. McGreoy of Webster City, sang the selected songs, "Sheperd Show Me How To Go", and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere".

The casket carriers were Lester Tuttle, C. H. Harrington, Everette Bryans, George Lester, Frank Mason and Joe Logan.

Internment was made in the family plot in Graceland Cemetary at Webster City.