Mary (Findley) Anderson (1886)

ANDERSON, FINDLEY

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 10/20/2007 at 09:00:46

Winterset Madisonian - January 14, 1886
Winterset, Iowa
page 5

DIED

Our town was thrown into considerable excitement last Saturday morning by the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. Mary Anderson, or Grandma, as she was usually called, the second mother of Dr. J. M., T. T., J. T. and R. P. Anderson. Grandma had been in her usual health. She arose on Saturday morning, dressed herself complete, and when attempting to arise from the side of the bed upon which she was sitting suddenly sank upon the floor, and in a few moments after being placed upon the bed expired, having only time to distinctly utter the prayer: "Into thy hands I commit my Spirit."

She was born in April, 1809, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and would have been 77 years old next April. She removed with her father from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1821, and from there to Illinois in 1853. From there she removed to Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, in 1858, where she shortly afterwards married Andrew Anderson, who at that time, lived near Spring Hill, Warren county. In 1877 her husband removed to St. Charles for the purpose of living near his children, all of them but T. T. living here at that time, but family ties are soon severed.

In March 1878, her husband died, after which she lived with the children, making her home with J. M. Anderson, but frequently visiting the other boys where she was always a welcome guest; as she was with all our people. She was a lady of remarkable intelligence; was possessed of a cultured mind and had unusual literary ability. During her latter years she produced quite an amount of poetry of the highest order. We all knew Grandma, and she will be missed in this community. She was buried Sunday. Thus has passed away one that has always been an example of Christian patience and forebearance with all.

Note: Burial was made in the St. Charles cemetery. Her maiden name was Findley.