Widell, Mary A. 1823-1901

WIDELL, MILBURN, RAMSEY, WOODS, CLARK

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 12/2/2003 at 04:48:39

Mary A. Widell (Milburn)

Grandma Widell died at her home in this city Tuesday morning at an early hour after having been seriously ill for less than one week.

Mary A. Milburn was born in Bedford, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1823. There she grew to womanhood and was married at her parents’ home, in that town, May 7, 1839, to George W. Widell. There they lived for many years and there all their children were born. The family moved to Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1866, and stayed one year, after which they all came to Jasper County, Iowa, and moved into the house which has been the family homestead ever since. It was first located on part of the present schoolhouse playground of the Central school, and afterwards moved to the lot north of the Presbyterian Church, where it still stands.

Mr. and Mrs. Widell had six children. Their daughter Amanda died at the age of 22 in the year 1864. The other children are still living and are: Sarah, now Mrs. E. B. Ramsey of Newton, Mrs. Georgia Woods of Newton, Etta, now Mrs. C. A. Clark of North Yakima, Washington, and Will Widell of Newton. Mr. Widell died Dec. 20, 1889. Besides her five children, Mrs. Widell leaves to mourn her loss eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mrs. Widell had met with several severe accidents during her life, the last of which was two years ago when she had the misfortune to break one of her legs. Since that time her health had not been good and she had been quite feeble at times, yet for one of her advanced age, she was quite cheerful and hopeful. Wednesday of last week she was stricken with paralysis and apoplexy since which time she had never fully regained consciousness.

Deceased was converted and united with the M. E. Church when only 22 years of age and had ever since remained true to her faith. She was a devoted Christian and took great pleasure in going to the house of worship. When failing health and strength prevented this it was quite a cross to her. She has now departed at a ripe old age, leaving to her children the priceless heritage of a good name, and the blessed memory of a life spent in doing good to those about her.

The funeral services were held this afternoon in the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. R. F. Chambers, assisted by Rev. Leitzell. ~ Iowa State Democrat, Thursday, May 2, 1901, Page 1, Column 2