Wilson, Molly Helphrey Abt. 1840-1922

HELPHREY, WILSON, BAUM, NEWELL, FENLOW

Posted By: Sherie Majure (email)
Date: 7/6/2004 at 18:40:04

Dies Suddenly
Mrs. J. Wright Wilson, Country Pioneer, Dead in California

Mrs. J. Wright Wilson, an early pioneer of Jasper County and one of the well known women of Newton a few years ago, died suddenly in Los Angeles, California, Saturday morning from heart trouble, according to word received here by friends.

Last Tuesday Mrs. Wilson was reported to be active and in the best of health and was able to accompany Mrs. Hattie Clements, widow of the late Judge Clements, who has just returned home from California, to the station in Los Angeles. During Mrs. Wilson's stay in California, which has been for the past nine years, she has divided her time to the homes of her two daughters, Mrs. Dick Baum and Mrs. John P. Newell.

Molly Helphrey was born 82 years ago in Ohio and for years she lived in Newton. Her father, Jacob Helphrey, was one of the early pioneers and owned a place now known as the Hartwig Way. Her husband, J. Wright Wilson, was for years a prominent attorney here before and after the Civil War and was a partner of the Law firm of Winslow and Wilson.

Mr. Wilson was in his day one of the leading men of Iowa. He was a Major in the Civil War and active in the work of masonry, of which organization he was a past Grandmaster of Iowa Masons.

Mrs. Wilson was a charming woman and one who has done much good. Her friends in Newton are deeply grieved and send their heartfelt sympathies to the family.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her two daughters with whom she has made her home and one daughter, Mrs. William Fenlow, of Clinton, Iowa. Her sister, Mrs. Kate Brown, is still living near Newton, and she also leaves a niece, Mrs. Kate Cain, Mrs. Josephine Robison of Colfax, and a Nephew, Elsworth Ashley, of Newton. Mrs. Wilson was back to Newton three years ago visiting with relatives and friends, but during her absence has kept in touch with her old friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wilson will be held in Los Angeles. Burial will also be made there according to the word received here by her friend. ~ The Newton Daily news, August 14, 1922