Emma Jane (Barnett) Barnett (1953)

BARNETT, COMPTON, JACKSON, SILLIVAN

Posted By: Ida Morse (email)
Date: 12/31/2005 at 22:06:48

Whittier, California Newspaper
Earlham Library Obituaries November 1953
Earlham, Iowa

EMMA J. BARNETT

Emma J. Barnett was born on a farm near Richland, Keokuk County, Iowa, January 7, 1856.

When Emma was four years old, her parents with their eight children joined the many seekers for new homes in the far west. After months of hardships and traveling in a prairie schooner drawn by slow ox teams the family arrived at Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory.

After spending three years in this nearly uncivilized place they returned to Iowa. Here Emma grew to womanhood. On Christmas eve of the year 1879, at Earlham, Iowa, she was united in marriage with Thomas D. Barnett with whom she affectionately journeyed for 59 years. The golden anniversary of that event was celebrated in 1929 at their home in Whittier, California.

They enjoyed the pioneering years on the farm in Iowa and later in Alberta, Canada to which they moved with their three children in 1900.

While living at Red Deer, Alberta, she offered the use of her home for the organizing of a WCTU in the town. She has remained a member of the society ever since.

After twenty years spent in Canada they sought the warmer climate of Southern California and chose Whittier as the place in which to spend their declining years. The husband passed away in 1939.

Emma Barnett was of a quiet, gentle disposition and she made many warm friends. She was a birthright Friend and was converted in young girlhood. The worship service of her church and the Bible class of which she was a member were very dear to her heart and she faithfully attended both as long as health permitted.

On May 19th last, she suffered a fractured hip which confined her to her bed the past five months. In spite of devoted ministrations of her family and nurses she gradually failed. During long hours of pain she at times expressed a longing to find rest in her Heavenly home, but was very patient through all her suffering.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 3, 1953, she slipped quietly away at the age of 97 years, nine months, and 27 days.

Surviving are one brother, Curtis Barnett of New Cannan, Conn., two sisters, Elizabeth Compton and Laura Jackson, both of Earlham, Iowa, two sons, Charles A. Barnett of East Whittier, Arlie C. Barnett of Brea, daughter, Mary E Sillivan of Whittier, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.