Martha L. (Newby) Wilson (1924)

WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 11/25/2010 at 13:19:34

Winterset Madisonian
Thursday, February 14, 1924
Page 3

Earlham

The funeral of Mrs. Mattie Wilson was held at the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon. Rev. Fink, assisted by Rev. Nelson, had charge of the service. A quartet from the Presbyterian church furnished the music with the exception of a solo by Miss Mildred Bales.

Mrs. Wilson was one of the pioneers of Earlham, having taught the first school in the town. For 40 years, she has been the only living member of a family that formerly numbered twelve. She was an active and energetic woman, always doing her part in every good work. She has been a semi-invalid for the past few years and her efforts did not reach beyond her own immediate family, who are left to mourn the loss of a faithful mother.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, February 14, 1924

Martha L., daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Newby was born in Washington County, Indiana, June 2, 1844.

She received an education at Blue River Academy and taught school in Indiana. She came to Iowa in 1869 and later taught the first school held in Earlham. This was a prodigious task which would have qualified a heartless stout or a personality of less energy and courage.

Let us think of the difficulties: School was held in the first Quaker Church. There were no desks, only long church benches, and the number of pupils too great for one teacher. At this late day we can scarcely conceive of the task of teaching where six restless boys would sit on one bench and all grades recite to one teacher.

She was married to Christopher Wilson, December 1, 1870. Four children grew up in this happy home, Ida M., Clarence E., Lillian and Winefred. All were with her when the last tide of life ebbed out to sea on the morning of February 6th, 1924.

She came to an infant community a strong young woman of high ideals and indomitable spirit.

She passed out of a ---- prosperous community in whose welfare she had always had an earnest interest.

She was born of pious parents and through a long life daily repeated the prayer her mother taught. She often voiced a prayer during the intense suffering of her last days. Fully conscious of her approaching departure and expressing gladness for the love that served her as best it could, she passed away for over 40 years the last survivor of a large family. As indicated in her own words written with weary head and hand:

There were twelve of us came out of the dear old home
Twelve in all were we
Two lie near a southern battle field
And one near a western sea,
Eight are sweetly sleeping in the old home land
And none are left—but me
I have journeyed east and journeyed west
And mused by the restless sea
For all who are gone from the dear home nest,
All are gone—but me.

When the boatman comes from the mystic shore
And I sail on Eternity’s sea
I shall rejoice with bliss without alloy
For dear ones will watch for me.

I shall bathe my weary soul
In the River of Life
I shall walk by the crystal sea
Pain and sorrow will be no more
Heaven will be waiting for me.

Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church of which she was a member in Earlham, Iowa February 8th at 2:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rev. W. P. Fink assisted by Rev. John Nelson. A quartette consisting of Mrs. Ralph Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Shifflett and Mr. Will Price sang. Interment was in the Earlham cemetery.

Gravestone Photo
 

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