Gearhart, Julia F. Reeder Border 1819-1907

REEDER, BORDER, GEARHART

Posted By: J Holtz (email)
Date: 3/21/2006 at 12:54:42

Julia F. Reeder Border Gearhart

Passing of a Pioneer.

At the home of her son, William H., in Sherman Township, last Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock, Mrs. Julia F. Gearhart passed away at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 5 days. Her fatal illness was dropsy, and she had been helpless for several months before the great change.

Of her long and useful life we are furnished the following brief outline. Her maiden name was Reeder, and her native place was Pottsville, Pa, where at the age of 20 years she was united in marriage with William Border, and the fruit of this union was a son, George R., who now resides in Sedalia, Mo, whose father died in 1843. Five years later Mrs. Border was united in marriage with Jacob Gearhart for whom she became the mother of seven children, five of whom survive her. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart lived happily together until his death, which occurred November 12, 1899.

In 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart came to Iowa and located in Jasper County, which was her home for fifty years, part of the time in the spring city. Here she lived the life of a pioneer, known throughout the neighborhood for her kindness to and care for the sick and suffering, and for her benevolence and exemplary Christian spirit. She was a member of Howard Street Christian church from its organization, and her loss is mourned as a personal one by all who knew her. She is survived by 34 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, additional to the six sons and daughter above mentioned.

The funeral was from the Howard Street Christian church at 2:30 p.m., last Tuesday, being in charge of the O.E.S., and conducted by Rev. Pennock, of Des Moines, her former pastor, and the interment was at Oak Hill. A large congregation was present to pay their last tribute of love and respect to the dear old mother. (1907)

(Newspaper Clipping - Publisher Unknown)

Originally submitted on Thu Oct 17 13:09:44 2002 by Glenda Ebert, gebert45@hotmail.com