Caroline Story

STORY, WEBER, MCLAUGHLIN, MILLER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/9/2019 at 13:39:24

Wapello Republican, October 3, 1935, page 2

Butte, Neb. Gazette: Caroline Weber Story was born March 10, 1851, near Wapello, Iowa, and passed away at her home in Butte, September 19, 1935, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 9 days, after a month's illness.

She was married on November 4, 1869, to John Story, who preceded her in death January 18, 1913. To this union six children were born, two dying in infancy. Surviving are two sons and two daughters, Mrs. Rose McLaughlin, George Story, Mrs. Stella Miller, and Harvey H. Story, all of Butte.

Mrs. Story moved with her husband and family to a homestead northwest of Stuart, Neb., in 1883. In 1890 they moved to Mankato, between Butte and Spencer and a year later went to Butte, where she had since resided.

She was associated with her husband in the hardware business at Mankato, and then in the general mercantile business at Butte, and they also operated a hotel at Butte for a time. She was associated with her son, George, in the mercantile business at Butte for 42 years, being active in the operation of the store until about two years ago. She was a woman of exceptional business ability, and displayed her talent through the many years of active life.

She was a loving mother, unselfishly devoted to her children, grandchildren and friends. She was optimistic, always looking on the bright side of life and had a kind word for all. She joined the German M. E. church near Wapello, Iowa, when a child, and was a charter member of the Butte Methodist church always attending all services when her health permitted.

She leaves besides her children, eight grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, one brother Chris Weber of Maryville, Mo., and other relatives, besides the host of friends.

Even though Mrs. Story had retired from business during the last years, she was still at the store considerable of the time and spent many hours visiting with friends, and passing a greeting to all. She has been a familiar figure to everyone in the community since the town of Butte began, and her place will never be filled. As a pioneer merchant, she has done her full bit toward the development of the town and community, taking her share of the hardships of the early pioneer life.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful, mute evidence of the high esteem in which she was held.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Butte Methodist church, in charge of Rev. Sumner Williams, assisted by Rev. Albert Swanson and Rev. O. E. Richardson of Bassett, and the friends who gathered to pay their last respected filled the church and many more were unable to gain admission. Burial was made in the Butte cemetery beside her husband.