Julia Ann (Roach) Kilmer (1929)

KILMER, ROACH, STEVENSON

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 1/1/2008 at 14:07:38

Winterset Madisonian-Winterset, Iowa
January 24, 1929; p. 7

Mrs. Julia Kilmer

Julia Ann Roach was born in Indiana on May 21st, 1846. Her father and mother left this life when she was very young. She was then adopted by Amson and Ardelia Stevenson. Her sister, Jennie, was raised in the Taylor home. Her brother, Albert made his home with his father. She was the last of a family of three. She has left her earthly home to go and live with her "Heavenly Father."

On March 1, 1870 she was married to Jesse Jackson Kilmer at Mendora, Illinois at the age of 24 years. They made their home at Beulah, Illinois, later moving 3 miles east of Dallas Center, finally moving to town where she lived about 35 years. Her husband preceded her in death January 4, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Kilmer never had any children of their own, so they adopted four children, two of whom died in infancy. The fourth child, Charlie died in 1909. Arthur is the only one who survives her. He and his family live in the northwest part of Winterset.

She joined the Methodist church at a very young age always living a Christian. Her companion fought in the Civil war in 1861-1865. He fought in the army at Fort Donalson and Shiloh campaigns, during the siege of Vicksburg and with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. She was a member of the Relief Corps., doing much good for the needy.

In 1925 she came to Winterset making her home with her son, wife and family for several months. She had always a warm feeling for the Soldiers Home at Marshalltown. She went to the home on May 7, 1927, living there until her death. When she became seriously ill in inflammatory rheumatism and a weak heart, on December 31, 1928, her son, wife and family went to her bedside, "That she did the best she could". Finally passing away on January 5, 1929, at 5 a.m. at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 15 days; 18 years and 1 day from the time her husband died. She was a good mother and grandmother, a trustworthy friend and sacrificing neighbor.

She is survived by her son, wife and six grandchildren, to mourn her loss. The funeral was held at the Tidrick funeral home on January 8th, the Rev. A. P. Keast conducting the services at 9:30 a.m. Burial was made at Dallas Center in the Brethren cemetery.