GARDNER, Emma C. (Simar) 1843-1925

GARDNER, SIMAR, SCHAAD

Posted By: Don Gardner (email)
Date: 4/17/2003 at 06:35:17

GARDNER, EMMA C. (SIMAR)
ROCK RAPIDS, IOWA, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1925

MRS. Washington W. GARDNER, PIONEER, IS DEAD
Death Following Paralytic Stroke, Takes Widow of Civil War Veteran - Buried Here Yesterday

Mrs. W. W. Gardner, for nearly half a century a resident of this city, passed away at the family home on Sunday, March 22, 1925 in Rock Rapids, Lyon county, Iowa. Two months ago Mrs. Gardner suffered a stroke of paralysis, and since that time, has gradually failed. The funeral services were held at the home yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Glen H. Crawford, pastor of the First Church of Christ, of this city, of which the deceased was a member. Interment was in Riverview Cemetery.

Emma Celestia Simar, Daughter of Ephraim and Laurinda Simar, was born in Pennsylvania, December 29th 1843, and at the time of her death was 81 years of age. When a girl of 9, she moved with her parents to West Union, in this state, where she grew to young womanhood. On April 8, 1866, she married Washington Walker Gardner, a veteran of the Union army, but recently discharged with rank of captain. Their marriage took place in Auburn, Iowa. They resided in southern Iowa for a number of years, and in 1881 came to Lyon county, and settled in Rock Rapids, where Mr. Gardner engaged in the grain business. As a young girl, Mrs. Gardner associated herself with the Church of Christ, and was an active member until her death. She was a teacher in the Bible school from the age of 15 until a few weeks prior to her death.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, Five children were born. They were Frank, Nellie, Clint, Dan and Kitty. Of these, but two, Dan and Kitty, survive their mother. The deceased is survived by three brothers, V. D. Simar, of Denver; W. P. Simar, of Atkinson, Neb., and Geo. Simar, of White Rock, D. D., and a sister, Mrs. Nettie Schaad, of Estherille, Ia."Mother" Gardner, as she was familiarly known to her many friends, was a devout christian, as the testimony of those who knew her shows. While her strength permitted, she was an ardent supporter of the W. C. T. U. and gave much of her time to that organization and its work. Because of her meritorious service in the Reading Circle she was made an honorary member to that organization. Always active for the best interests of her church and community, she has so ingratiated herself in the hearts and affictions of her associates, that her going, although to be expected, on account of her advanced age, is none the less a great sorrow and loss to all who knew her.

NOTE: This account leaves out one son - Donald Garfield Gardner