Gifford, Mary Ann (Case) 1841-1899

GIFFORD, CASE, SCOVILLE, COMPTON, FENNER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/29/2005 at 13:47:11

The Newton (IA) Record Thursday, November 9, 1899
Gifford, Mary Ann (Case)

The happy home of D. H. Gifford, in Buena Vista Township, is now darkened by a great sorrow caused by the death of the faithful wife and idolized mother, which occurred on Tuesday night­ or rather Wednesday morning about one o’clock, November 1st.

Mrs. Gifford had been sick for over seven months, during most of which time she had suffered intensely. Physician’s skill and the tender ministrations of her loved ones could not check the progress of the fatal disease, although all means possible were employed to save the life so precious to her loved ones.

The sweet, trusting faith of the Christian, which had sustained the good woman in all the trials of life did not forsake her as she was passing through the “shadows of the Valley;” she was willing to go at the Master’s will, only regretting to leave the loved ones who would grieve for her.

Mrs. Gifford had been a member of the M. E. Church for over twenty years, and her pure, Christian character was exemplified in her daily life, filling the home with that perfect happiness and sunshine which can only be reflected from the beautiful life and blessed influence of a Christian wife and mother. Her influence, however reached far beyond the limits of her own home circle; she was dearly loved by her neighbors and highly esteemed by all who had ever come into social contact with her. Her death has cast a shadow of gloom over the entire community in which she had lived for so many years.

Mrs. Gifford’s maiden name was Mary Ann Case. She was born in Litchfield County, Conn., March 12, 1841. She came to Iowa with her parents in 1843, and in 1854 to Mahaska County, Iowa, where, March 14th, 1857, she was united in marriage to Daniel H. Gifford. In 1864 they moved to this county, settling on the beautiful farm in Buena Vista Township on which for over thirty-five years they had lived happily until death opened the way for her to enter into a more beautiful home beyond. Five children were born to them, all of whom were with the mother in her last hours, except the eldest daughter, Mrs. Kate Scoville of Nebraska, who had, however, visited with her only a few weeks ago. The others are Mrs. Myra Compton, Mrs. Susie Fenner and Riley and Frank Gifford, all of whom live near the old home place.

The funeral services were held at Mt. Zion M. E. Church, Thursday afternoon, conducted by her former pastor, Rev. David Phillips, now of Senora, Ia. The large number in attendance was an evidence of the love and esteem in which she was held in the community where so many years of her life had been passed.

Originally submitted on Mon Nov 4 20:03:50 2002