KING, Hadassah Mary Black 1845 - 1937

KING, BLACK, THORNE, GAGE, SANDERS, FRESCOLN, BERRY

Posted By: Richard K. Thompson (email)
Date: 12/5/2011 at 20:44:12

Fairfield Ia. Daily Ledger
Tuesday November 23, 1937
Pg. 4 Col. 5

OBITUARY

HADASSAH MARY KING

Hadassah Mary KING, last member of the pioneer BLACK family who came from Ohio, and settled here in 1844.

Mrs. KING, widow of Perry KING, who passed away Nov. 10, 1937, at the home of her niece, Mrs. Ralph SANDERS in Alameda, Calif., was the last member of her family.

She was born June 22, 1845, being in her 93rd year at the time of her death.

Her father and mother were both born in Adams County, Ohio and came west in the spring of 1844 locating on a farm in Des Moines township twelve miles southwest of Fairfield.

In 1851 her father Moses BLACK was elected the first County Judge in Jefferson county, a postition which he held four years. Hadassah was one of a family of twelve children and although the BLACK home was only a one room log cabin, it was said they always had room for company. Her early and only education was gained in the country schools but she learned readily and was nearly always found at the head of her class.

In 1863 Mr. BLACK sold his farm and purchased another four miles north of the city, where the family resided until he died in 1867.

A few years later Mrs. BLACK and her daughter Hadassah came to Fairfield to live at what is now 504 West Broadway. In 1876 Mrs. BLACK moved to the home of her son William and family, who lived four miles west of town, here she remained until her death in 1881.

After her mother decided to move to the country Hadassah went to live with her sister, Mrs. Cranmore W. GAGE, since she was a natural seamstress she took up dress making while there, however it was not long until she found she needed larger quarters and moved to rooms over the J. C. THORNE store, where she carried on quite an establishment, employing several ladies to assist her.

In December, 1890 she was united in marriage to Perry KING and remained here until after the death of her husband, which occurred December 29, 1923.

She was a very religious woman, a faithful member of the Congregation church, always taking an active part in the work of her church until it was destroyed by fire in 1910.

It was her great desire to spend her last days in sunny California and it was in 1926 that she decided to go to the home of her niece, Mrs. Ralph SANDERS, who was living in Alameda. Here she found every comfort and luxury, and every desire and wish was accorded her during her stay, in this pleasant home.

She returned to Iowa in 1929 to visit friends and relatives, celebrating her 85th birthday while here.

Aunt Dassie as she was better known to most people, had a most likable disposition. She loved children and always had a word of cheer and comfort for those about her. She leaves many relatives and a host of friends who will miss her.

Funeral services were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy FRESCOLN on Tuesday, November 16 and were conducted by Rev. W. B. Ireland assisted by Dr. Whiting. She was laid to rest in the family lot beside her father and mother and other relatives.

* Transcribed for genealogy purposes. I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 172 in Old Fairfield City Cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa. Husband Perry is buried in Evergreen Cemetery with his first wife, Phoebe A. BERRY KING.