Vanatta, Martha (Sherer) 1929-1899

VANATTA, SHERER, MORTON, YOUNG

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/14/2005 at 19:08:41

The Newton (IA) Record Thursday, November 9, 1899

Vanatta, Martha (Sherer)

Mrs. Martha Vanatta, wife of Thomas Vanatta, died at her home in this city on Sunday morning, Nov. 5th, at 2 o’clock, after an illness of just one week, in the eightieth year of her age.

Thus has passed away a good old woman who has been widely known and dearly loved in this community for over forty-five years. Aunt Martha, as she was familiarly known, was a cheery little woman, of a bright and happy disposition, reflecting her cheerfulness on all about her, allowing no shadow of discord or discontent to remain long in her presence. The writer has known her from his boyhood, loving her almost as one of his own kindred, and her death come to him almost as a personal bereavement.

Mrs. Vanatta’s maiden name was Marth Sherer. She was born in Lawrence County, Pa., in August of 1829. She was married to Thos. Vanatta Dec. 28, 1837. In 1846 they emigrated westward and settled in Muscatine County, this state, living there until 1854, when they moved to this county, settling on the farm adjoining what was then known as the “College Farm,” where they continued to live until 1881, when they moved to town. To them were given twelve children of whom only four are living, viz: Mrs. W. W. Morton and Chas F. Vanatta of this city, Mrs. Abe Young of Rice County, Kan., and Richard Vanatta of Wichita, Kan., all but Richard being with their mother during her last illness. Mother Vanatta had been a member of the Presbyterian Church for over sixty years ­ a long and beautiful record of earnest Christian work for her Master. He aged husband is prostrated by the loss of his companion, and has been confined to his bed since her funeral. He has the sympathy of everybody.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. R. F. Chambers, the music being by Mr. and Mrs. Will Carrier, Margaret Robinson and T. G. Bryant, with May White as organist.

Originally submitted on Wed Nov 6 16:29:42 2002