Elizabeth J. (Null) Rees (1925)

REES, NULL, BAIN, HOBBS

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 12/22/2010 at 12:46:48

Winterset Madisonian – August 27, 1925
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Mrs. E. J. Rees, the aged mother of Mrs. B. D. Hobbs, passed away at her home on Sunday morning about 11 o’clock. Grandma Rees, as she was lovingly known by all had passed her 87th year, was an unusual woman and greatly admired by all who were privileged to know her. For many years she has been in frail health.

In March, 1866, she with her husband, David F. Rees, came to Winterset, having lived here nearly sixty years. The husband and two sons preceded her to the great beyond. One daughter, who has tenderly cared for the mother through the many months of affliction, with several grandchildren are left. One grandson, Albert, has made his home with the grandmother and been lovingly cared for since nine months old when his mother was called by death.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church, of which she was a devoted member. Her pastor, Rev. David J. Shenton, had charge of the service.
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Winterset Madisonian – August 27, 1925
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Elizabeth Jane Null was born Feb. 18, 1838 in Warren county, Ohio, and died in Winterset, Aug. 23, 1925 at the advanced age of 87 years, 6 months and 5 days. She was the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Null. She had one brother, William Null, father of Finley Null and the late Mrs. Bain of Winterset; also one sister, Mrs. Emma Farrar. Both brother and sister with her parents have preceded her to the better land. In 1856 she came with her family from Ohio to New London, Iowa, by wagon.

Feb. 18, 1858 she was united in marriage to a young man who came from her home town in Ohio, David Fulton Rees, at New London. They resided in New London until March, 1866, when they came to Winterset by stage coach. To this marriage were born three children: Alfred, who died in infancy at New London; Albert T., who preceded his mother in death by 8 months and 23 days, and one daughter, Maggie B. Hobbs of Winterset. Mr. Rees departed this life, May 9, 1900 in Winterset.

At the age of 16 she united with the Methodist church and remained a faithful member until God called her home. She had an unusually useful life always giving of herself to others in a Christlike spirit, never faltering or thinking of self when others needed her. So faithful to home and family always. Her life has been a wonderful example, a living monument to all, who knew her. She faithfully cared for her own father and mother for years. A double bereavement came to her at the death of her husband as she lost her mother two weeks after his death, leaving her alone in the home. Her son, Albert T., at this time built a home next door to his mother, to be near her. For several years she resided in her own home, spending her winters with her daughter in St. Louis. In 1904, her son lost his wife, leaving two girls and one son: Hazel M., Edna I. and Albert David, an infant of nine months. The first thought of the son in his bereavement was “Thank God, I have a mother.” And his mother did not fail him. She never faltered. She wanted to do it for him and the dear children and for five years kept the family together giving them all a mother love and care. Then she and Albert, a boy of six years moved to her present home where she resided until death claimed her caring for Albert and loving him as only a true mother could, enjoying every minute of their life together.

In 1917, failing health made it impossible for her to longer keep up the home duties and her daughter and husband came to care for her and keep the home together. They, with Albert have loved and cared for her until she was called to meet her loved ones who were awaiting her on the golden shore.

The death of her son T., Dec. 1, 1924 was a great shock to her, for he had been a faithful son and she missed his cheery daily visits to her. Although in poor health himself, he always brought cheer and love into her life and home. She kept up bravely until July 3rd, then for two days was better, but on the 6th of July, she grew gradually worse until she passed to her reward, Sunday morning, Aug. 23rd at 11:20. She bore all her suffering so patiently, never complaining, and whenever able, giving a cheerful word to others.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. B. D. Hobbs; two granddaughters, Mrs. Chas. Barrus of Winterset and Mrs. Harry Childers of Gilmore City, and one grandson, Albert David Rees of Winterset; and seven great grandchildren, and her son’s wife, Mrs. Mamie Rees and her three children.

Note: Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.

Gravestone Photo
 

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