Martin, Ellen – 1840-1916

CUNNINGHAM, MARTIN

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:37

Mrs. Wm. Martin Died Early This A.M.
Mrs. William Martin, a colored woman who has lived in Newton for many, many years, passed away this morning. She had been sick with heart trouble for many months. No funeral arrangements have been made for the family are waiting to hear from her brother and sister who live in Missouri.
She leaves her husband and two children, Mrs. Cunningham and Herbert Martin. There are also two grandsons. She was seventy-six years old.
After they were freed in 1865 the Martins came to Iowa from Missouri. They have always been among our worthy and respected citizens, working their way honestly and industriously until they have a good home and are in comfortable financial circumstances. They have long been among the most active members of the African Methodist church.
Mrs. Martin was a thoroughly good woman, and when she was well she was never too tired or too busy to be truly helpful to anyone who needed her. Every one respected her and people of all classes in Newton are sorry to hear of her death.
Source: Newton Daily News; Monday, October 9, 1916, page 1

(NOTE: Newton Union cemetery records say she was the daughter of Julius Graves; wife of William C.; born 4-3-1840 and died 10-19-1916 not the 9th)