Amanda Tompkins(1834-1917)

TOMPKINS, BALLARD, BUCHNER

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 8/30/2008 at 09:14:05

Maquoketa Excelsior-Record
August 3, 1917

Grand Old Lady is Summoned
Mrs. Thos. Tompkins, Aged 83 Years,
Passed Away Tuesday Afternoon
Funeral Held Yesterday.

Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock occurred the death of one of Maquoketa’s most honored women, Mrs. Thomas Tompkins, who, after nearly a lifetime of unselfish devotion to family and friends, passed on to her reward.

Mrs. Tompkins truly lived a beautiful life, always ready to help the needy and afflicted and loved by old and young alike. The memory of this dear old lady will linger long in our hearts and will recall only the tenderest thoughts of kindness and justice.

Mrs. Tompkins, whose maiden name was Amanda Ballard, was born Nov. 14, 1834, in the town of Swanton, Vermont, situated on Lake Champlain.

When 14 years of age she came with her parents to Jackson county where she has since resided.

On September 20, 1854, she was united in marriage to Thomas Tompkins. The wedding took place at the little house just across from the Congregational church which was the home of her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins engaged in farming for many years living east of this city. They retired from farm life about twenty-five years ago.

Mr. Tompkins passed away October 11, 1910.

Mrs. Tompkins was the mother of seven children: Jennie who died at the age of three years, Mrs. Effigene Callen of Fremont, Ind.; Harry of Lansing, Iowa; Wylie of Fayette, Iowa; and Mrs. E. T. Clark, Mrs. J. A. Buchner and Lyman Tompkins of this city. One brother, Wayland Ballard, of Fairmont, Minn., survives, also 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

The funeral service was held from the home yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Dr. J. G. Morgan officiating. The Rebekah lodge of which Mrs. Tompkins was a charter member, had charge of the services of the grave. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.