Harriett Christina Sauders

SAUDERS, DONOHOO, VANDEVORT, GIPPLE, SMITH, HURLEY, GIPPLEOF

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/10/2019 at 21:33:38

Wapello Republican, October 10, 1935

Harriett Christina, daughter of James Madison and Sarah Jane (Donohoo) Vandevort was born at Grandview, Iowa, December 23rd, 1853.

Originally from Virginia, the Vandevort family was early settlers to Louisa county, coming in 1841--nearly 100 years ago. James Madison Vandevort, father of Mrs. Saunders died in 1892 and Sarah Jane Vandevort, her mother, in 1896. They were the parents of nine children all having preceded Mrs. Saunders in death, except one sister, Evaline Gipple, who resides in Grandview.

In Wapello, Iowa on October 13th, 1870, Harriett Christina Vandevort became the wife of Henry L. Smith, who also was born in Virginia in Rockbridge county. After their marriage they came to Wapello to make their home and the deceased has lived here continuously since. To this union were born three children, Carrie Belle, now the wife of Walter H. Hurley of Wapello, Chester L. of Denison, Ia., and Harley Edmund who passed away at the age of one and a half years.

Mr. Smith, before his marriage had managed hotels in Wapello, among them the Iowa House and in 1885 together with Mrs. Smith equipped and conducted for a number of years what was known as the Park Hotel, located across the street east of the court house, in Wapello, later and at two different times they conducted successfully the Sherman House. Mr. Smith departed this life on August 27th, 1898.

Mrs. Smith continued to live in the family home until in 1900 she became the wife of W. G. Saunders, former sheriff of Louisa county.

Mrs. Saunders was until her passing, a member of the Women's Relief Corps.

Since Mrs. Saunders early marriage she has lived and enjoyed life in Wapello with her family and among her neighbors and friends numbered as her acquaintances to whom she was ever loyal. A kind and faithful friend, a generous neighbor, Mrs. Saunders will long be remembered by those with whom has mingled during the years.

Unassuming in life her true heart was known best by her own family to whom she was ever and always devoted. Mrs. Saunders has lived here according to her understanding of the teachings of God, that we live each day that the world might be a better place--and that her life might help toward the honor and glory of Him who have His life to save the world.

Never critical, never complaining, always kindly, sympathetic and appreciative, Mrs. Saunders life is another example of the true life emulation of which could but make for a better world.

Mrs. Saunders leaves her daughter, Mrs. Walter H. Hurley and husband of Wapello; her son, Chester Smith of Denison, Iowa; her sister, Mrs. Evaline Gippleof Grandview, a number of nephews and nieces and a host of friends who will long remember the kindly, cheerful life which never failed a loved one or a friend.

Funeral services were held from the home yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. J. R. Fraser. Two solos were rendered by R. G. Hawkins, "God's Tomorrow", and "Savior Pilot Me", accompanied by Mrs. Jesse Huddle on the violin.