Maria Leedham 1817 - 1913

LEEDHAM, KENNINGTON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Deb (email)
Date: 1/10/2008 at 07:41:41

Maria Leedham
Maria Leedham, daughter of John and Sarah (Kennington) Leedham, was born at Glandford Brigg, County of Lincoln, England, Feb. 28, 1817, and departed this life March 10, 1913, being at the time of her death, 96 years and 10 days old.
Miss Leedham, more familiarly known to her friends as Aunt Maria, being the oldest of 10 children, came to America with her parents, in 1818, settling near Marietta, Ohio, being among the earliest settlers in that region. They came to Iowa in 1844 and settled on a farm in New London township.
After the death of her only sister Mrs. Sarah Anderson, in 1872, she has since made her home most of the time with her nephew, Asa Anderson, having been to him as a mother, giving him the tender care of a mother since he was a babe of 2½ years.
A little over four weeks ago, Aunt Maria fell, breaking her hip, which was the cause of her death. She was given the kindest attention by the family, friends and neighbors, and also inherited a remarkably strong constitution, but owing to her advanced age, she was unable to recover.
Aunt Maria was converted about 44 years ago, was baptized, and united with the Universalist church, at about that time.
She had many friends, both old and young, who will remember her kindly, gentile nature, quiet and unassuming, always patient, she was beloved by all for her true Christian character.
She leaves to mourn her loss, a number of nephews and nieces, also many friends and neighbors.
The funeral was held at the L. D. S. church. Rev. Miller, of Burlington officiating. A male quartette composed of Messrs Willis Brown, Herbert Scrack, Elmer Reed and Philip Westerbeck furnished some very beautiful music. The floral offerings were very beautiful telling the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Interment in Brooks cemetery. (Newspaper article found in scrapbook at Dover Museum, New London, Iowa)