Shelley, Tabitha Ann – d. 1910

BICKNELL, KING, SHELLEY

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 1/30/2011 at 15:04:25

Mrs. Tabitha Shelley’s maiden name was Tabitha Ann Bicknell. She was born August 14, 1825 in Wilksborough, South Carolina, and moved with her parents to Wayne county, Indiana at the age of nine years. August 14, 1846, she was married to Leroy F. Shelley of New Castle, Ind. They came to Jasper county, Iowa, in the fall of 1857 nad lived for two years in Adamson Grove. Four years later moved to Newton and Mr. Shelley enlisted with Company B 5th Iowa Volunteers.
On September 18, 1862, he fell in battle and was buried on the battlefield at Iuka, Miss.
One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Shelley, a daughter, now Mrs. Richard King of Grinnell. Besides this daughter, Mrs. Shelley is survived by four granddaughters and one brother, Mr. Stephen R. Bicknell of Kellogg.
Mrs. Shelley has lived nearly a half century in the little home on East Marion street where she died. It was just as it was then with the exception of a small addition that was added many years ago.
She had a pension of $12 a month and $8 from the soldiers fund from the county. This $20 was more than the frugal woman needed for her plain wants and she saved money every year.
Some months ago the last time she came down town she arranged for her funeral paying not only those expenses but also for a monument.
Mrs. Shelley was blind. For sixteen years she had been deprived of her sight and yet had done all of her own work, washing, ironing, baking until about one year ago. Since then her daughter and granddaughters have taken turns in caring for her.
The neighbors were always good and kind to the afflicted woman and tho they found her strangely peculiar they considered that she got along remarkably well and saw good qualities in her to admire.
The funeral services were held at her home and were conducted by Rev. W. Dieffenback. The interment was in the Adamson Grove cemetery.
Source: Newton Daily News; Feb. 9, 1910, page 1, col. 5