Rebecca (Ray) Eldridge (1921)

ELDRIDGE, QUINN, OGBURN, MILLER

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 6/8/2006 at 19:41:45

Winterset Madisonian
Wednesday, May 18, 1921

Mrs. Rebecca Eldridge

Rebecca Ray was born in Shelby county, Indiana, Nov. 13, 1826 and departed this life at the home of her son, L. A. Eldridge, May 1, 1921 at the age of 94 years, 5 months and 18 days.

On Feb. 20, 1844 she was united in marriage to William Eldridge of Hamilton county, Ohio, who preceded her in death May 19, 1892. They moved from Indiana to Marion county, Iowa in 1856, making the trip overland and a year later moved to Madison county, settling among the earliest pioneers in South township, on the farm where they continued to reside for more than 50 years, but for the past ten years she has made her home with her children.

At an early age she united with the Methodist church to which faith she remained true until death. She was a faithful attendant at the church services until failing health compelled her to stay at home. About five years ago she suffered the misfortune of a fall, breaking the hip bone. Since that time, she has been a constant sufferer. Her faith in God never wavered and she often expressed a desire to leave this world of suffering and pain and be with the Lord in that heavenly home.

Her recollections of pioneer days was perfectly clear and she loved to talk of the days spent in spinning, weaving cloth and knitting, such as the thrifty housewives did in the early days. There were few idle moments in her life; she was always busy and even when failing health compelled her to resign the activities of life, her needle, thread and thimble were her constant companions, and piecing quilts her favorite pastime.

She was a loving, self-sacrificing wife and mother, and her children and their comfort were always foremost in her mind. She numbered her friends by the score.

To Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge were born seven children; Mrs. Louisa Quinn of Ainsqorth, Nebr.; Frances A., who died Feb. 20 1902; Mrs. Ellen Ogburn, Winterset; Lawson A., St. Charles; J. W. of Winterset; C. A. of Lorimor; and D. M. of Des Moines. Those living mourn her death, together with one sister, Mrs. Emma Miller of Bellingham, Wash.; 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, with a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were conducted from the Union Chapel church, by Rev. Jackson Giddens of Winterset and the mortal remains laid to rest in the cemetery by the church.

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