Loomis, Jane Elizabeth 1826 - 1908

BOWERS, LOOMIS, BROWN, SEELY

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 12/6/2006 at 16:05:12

From the Scrapbook of Newspaper Articles by Mrs. Lillian Wheeler - Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Feb. 21, 1908, LP, C2

Jane Elizabeth Loomis was born at Machias, Cataraugus County, New York, July 24th, 1826. When 18 years of age, she united with the Christian church. September 30th, 1846, she was united in marriage with John Milton Bowers at Rushford, N. Y. They established their new home at Delevan, N. Y. where their eldest son was born, Andrew Adelbert, deceased. The west was inviting immigration. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers decided to try their fortune in the new, vast empire. On their western course they stopped in Wisconsin two years where a son, Oscar Olonzo, was born and died. They removed to Rockford, Ill., where their only surviving son, William Wallace, was born. In 1852 they came to Iowa and have lived in this state until very recently. In Winneshiek county their youngest child and only daughter, was born, Emma May, who died at the age of five years in Howard county where they had removed and where they continued to reside for nearly 50 years until Mrs. Bowers' declining health made it necessary for them to live with others. In the year 1860, she united with the Baptist church of Vernon Springs which is now the First Baptist church of Cresco, Iowa and held membership with that church until the time of her demise. In later life they adopted a daughter, now Mrs. F. O. Brown, of Chester, Iowa, who proved to be to them a daughter, indeed, a great comfort in their declining years.

Mrs. Bowers was a woman of exceptionally amiable character, her home was her kingdom where she reigned with hospitable, kindly grace, shedding comfort and good cheer around all who came within her influence. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers' son with some of the grandchildren, having taken claims in Lyman Co., S. Dak., they removed to that place August 1st, 1907 and established a home on a claim, their children caring for them and administering to their needs.

Mrs. Bowers was one of a large family of children, most of whom have preceded her to the better land, two brothers, William Loomis of Mabel, Minn. and Amon Loomis of St. Paul, a sister, Mrs. Nellie Seely of Reliance, Va. being left to mourn with the immediate family and a large circle of relatives and friends, the loss of one well beloved.

She died at her home in Lyman Co., S. Dak., Feb 10th, 1908. Her remains were brought to Riceville, Iowa, for interment, the burial service being held Feb. 13th, 1908 at the Baptist church from the home of Dr. J. H. Bowers.

When on life's highway toiling, there comes a bright, glad day
When weary hands and feet and brain, may tarry on the way
or need recreation, a little time for play
How sweet to rest.

When fell disease asserts its reign
When one's poor body's racked in pain
Then, when is felt surcease of pain
How sweet to rest.

When life's toil is ended and all life's work is done
When the strife is over and the victory won
When the full day fadeth at the setting of the sun
How sweet to rest.

Dear Mother, peaceful be thy rest
Thy worth, thy long life's deeds attest
Upon the gentle Savior's breast
How sweet to rest.