Sophia Weir Mahannah

MAHANNAH, WEIR, PETTIBONE, DIXON, BROWN, CLEVENGER, BURT, MATHEWS

Posted By: Gloria J. Henry (email)
Date: 2/12/2005 at 12:17:55

PIONEER WOMAN PASSED AWAY ON THURSDAY EVE
Mrs.Sophia Mahannah, Aged 87 Years, Died after Lingering Illness
Sophia Weir was born in the state of New Jersey, May 28, 1836, and died at her home in North English may 15, 1924, aged 87 years, 11months and 17days. She was united in marriage to Clark Mahannah at Centerville, Ohio, October10, 1853. To this union were born twelve children, two of whom died in infancy and Curtis D. Passed away four years age. The remaining children are Wm. J. of Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. Emma Pettibone, North English and Mrs. Sue Dixon of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Carrie Brown of North English; Chas. Of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Mrs. T.M. Clevenger of Waverly, Iowa; Mrs. Chas. Burt of Delta, Iowa.; Frank of Denver, Col. And Mrs. Blanche Mathews of Oskaloosa, Ia. She also left forty grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren, besides many other relatives and a host of friends.
She came to the State of Iowa in 1857 and endured the hardships of the pioneer in the settlement of the new country and during her whole life she was intensely loyal to the State of Iowa. Her first home was on a farm in Keokuk county near North English.
When the Civil War broke out her husband responded to the call and she, with her five small children, kept the home fires burning and served her country as truly as the bravest soldier.
She was a charter member of the Christian church established in 1857, and in her passing the last one is gone. She remained a very active member until recently, when she was unable to attend the public worship. She was an active member of the Loyal Women’s Class, Missionary society, and Ladies aid. She read the Bible through many times, and at the close of the day did not neglect to seek Divine guidance. The church has always been all in all to her. She and her companion were indeed pillars of the local church sacrificing much for the cause. From such a home as might be expected all of the children came into the church. All of us are richer because they lived and labored. During her life she saw three church housed erected on the same site, The first was the little old brick church dear to the memory of the older people; the second was a frame building designed from a plan of a church seen by Me. And Mrs. Mahannah during a trip to the east; and the present one dedicated in 1911.
The Scriptural injunction, “Given to hospitality,” may well be applied to her. A friendly welcome was shown to all, both old and young. Her home was the preacher’s home. She was a wonderful woman, having great executive ability; a tireless reader taking a vital interest in the questions of the day; and so remarkably did she retain her faculties that she never grew old, save in years. Peaceableness, an unassuming disposition modest and a lover of home were a few of her many virtues. At her advanced age she carried on an intelligent correspondence with her absent children, grandchildren and many other relatives. Her hands were seldom idle. Her beautiful handiwork was the wonder and admiration of all.
During the World War, though 82 years old, she spent much of her time knitting for the soldiers and accomplished more than many younger in years.
In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Mahannah retired from the farm and moved to North English. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary October 10, 1903. Six years after in 1909, she was left to finish the journey alone, no not alone for her devoted children have cared for her, some leaving their own homes to be with her and all every ready at all times to show their appreciation of Mother.
Many changes have taken place during her long life, but she remained unchanged, the same unassuming homemaker of the type which has done much for the world.
“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all”
Funeral services were held at the Christian church, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by the Pastor, Roy C. Leeds, and assisted by Rev. J. A. Wilson, pastor of the M.E. church. Interment was made in North English cemetery.
Card of Thanks
We wish to extend to our friends and neighbors our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their many kindnesses shown during the illness and death of our mother Mrs. Sophia Mahannah. Also for the many beautiful floral tributes. The Children
North English Record 22 May 1924