Velie, Julia A. (Root) 1821 - 1916

VELIE, ROOT, MEDBURY, BARNEY, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 1/2/2007 at 11:43:02

Lime Springs Sun Herald August 31, 1916

Again the grim messenger has been amongst us, but taking this time one in the person of Mrs. Julia A. Velie, to whom the course of nature gives him full right.

Julia A. Root, duaghter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Root, was born in Port Byron, N. Y., August 11, 1821, and died August 12th, 1916, at her home in Osage. Miss Root was united in marriage to Mr. Peter Velie in Port Byron September 16th, 1841. They moved west and after various locations settled in Lime Springs, Iowa, where they lived many years and where in 1879 he died. Some twenty years ago Mrs. Velie moved to Osage with her daughter Hattie, and the two have since lived there together. About thirteen years ago she suffered a severe fall from which she never fully recovered and which has since that time shut her away from most of the privilege of the church and society, which she so much enjoyed. Here in this home sheltered from care and gently nursed by the faithful hands of her daughster, she rounded out an unusual period of life in a most beautiful spirit. Though shut in the house all these years, she has kept her facuilies to a remarkable degree, seeing and hearing everything until within a few months. Her passing was quiet and like the falling asleep of a tired child.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Velie eight children: Mrs. Fannie L. Medbury, Voinery R., Harriet, Mrs. Elmira Medbury, Perer, Albert, Mrs. Julie A. Barney, and Mrs. Belle Williams. These all survive their mother except the two first named. Besides these she leaves eleven grandchildren and as many great grandchildren.

Mrs. Velie came of a well educated family and through life appreciated the best things. She united with the Baptist church of Osage, soon after taking up her home there and unto the end remained a faithfull member. Althought in late years she has been compelled to miss the public service she has kept her bible close to her side and cultivated an increasing love for it. She has truly glorified the passive side of life, by no means the easier side, to illuminate with a cheerful spirit, putting into practive as best she could the precepts of the master. She may be said to have solved the very difficult problem of growing old gracefully. Her memory will long be a blessed one with those she nourished long years ago, and who now tarry for a time.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at her late home on the corner of 8th and Mechanic streets, Rev. H. O. Allen of the Congregational church conducting the services in the absence of her pastor, Rev. Rolla E. Brown. The interment took place at Lime Springs Monday where her husband lies buried. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."