McDowell, Barbara J.(1822-1907)

MCDOWELL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/28/2008 at 11:27:23

Maquoketa Record
April 16, 1907

Obituary.

Barbara J. McDowell was born in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1822, and died of pleura pneumonia, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Fort, at Carson, Iowa, April 8, 1907, aged 84 years, 4 months, and 18 days. She was united in marriage to Mr. John Patterson Thompson on the 28th day of October 1842, in Summerhill, Pa., with whom she lived in devoted wedlock for 64 years. She came to Maquoketa in 1864, where they resided for many years and formed many true friendships. In 1897 they removed to Mt. Vernon, Ia and thereafter made their home with her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Fort, residing for a time in Des Moines and other places before going to Carson.

Mrs. Thompson was the mother of nine children, as follows: Mrs. D. W. H. Aillman, of Bristolville, Ohio; Mrs. Dr. H. A. Walling, of Jefferson, Oh.; Mrs. W. H. Fort, of Carson, Iowa; W. A. Thompson, of Glenwood, Minn.; J. Fortis Thompson, deceased, of Denver, Colorado; J. H. Thompson, of Bedford, Pa.; Edwin S. Thompson, deceased, of Maquoketa, Ia.; C. J. Thompson, of Clinton, Iowa.; and J. E. Thompson, of Kansas City, Mo.

Mrs. Thompson has lived a model life. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church for 74 years. She has been a most consistent Christian and a very devoted mother. Her real life and true worth were not known by the world at large. In her home and to her circle of friends, who saw and knew her real life and spirit, there was that clear, beautiful, Christian character that always distinguishes the child of God from the world. Every one respected her, wherever she resided, and was always held in high esteem by her many friends and acquaintances. Society loses one of its most estimable members.

There survive to mourn her departure besides the living children, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. J. Fortis Thompson of Maquoketa and seventeen grandsons, Karl Fort and Teddy Thompson, being present at the funeral services.

The body reached this city on Wednesday morning, via the C. M. & St P. R’y, accompanied by Mrs. W. H. Fort, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Thompson, and Messrs. J. E. and C. J. Thompson. The funeral services were held in the Methodist church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. L. L. Lockard, on Wednesday, April 10, at 2 p.m.

Mesdames F. H. Wilson and L. L. Black rendered appropriate music, and Messers O. W. Joiner, Dr. S. T. Holmes, J. E. White, D. A. Fletcher, Harvey Reid and H. S. Tracy were the pall bearers. Interment in family lot in Mt. Hope.