Rachel A. (Downing) Jones (1918)

CLARK, DOWNING, GRIMES, GUIBERSON, JONES, STEWART

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson
Date: 1/7/2006 at 14:24:20

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 1918
Page 9, Column 2

Mrs. Thomas Jones

Rachel Alena Downing was born on July 11, 1852, in Carroll county, Illinois. She emigrated with her parents to Red Oak, Iowa, in 1866, where she resided until 1874, at which time she came with her mother to Winterset, with whom she lived until her marriage to Thomas L. Jones, Sept. 6, 1877. This city has been her residence until her death, which occurred at the home of her son, Beverly at Grinnell Feb. 6, 1918

To this union were born eight children, all living except one, a girl who died in infancy. Those surviving are: Mrs. Ida Guiberson, Mrs. May Grimes, Miss Geraldine and Mrs. Kate Clark, all of Winterset; Frank of Elmwood, Ill., Beverly of Grinnell and Mrs. Vera Stewart of Oskaloosa; also one brother, H. T. Downing of Guthrie, Okla. She also leaves three grandchildren: Joe Irvin Guiberson and Carl and Mary Clark; also a number of nephews and nieces and many friends to mourn the deceased.

Her death came unexpectedly, although she had been in failing health for some time. At her bedside at the time of her death were her children: Mrs. Grimes, Mrs. Stewart and husband, Frank, Beverly and wife; also her niece, Mrs. Homer Thompson of Valley Junction. Her whole life was devoted to the happiness of her family, never forgetting the welfare of others, with whom she came in contact. She had a cheerful disposition and loved to be with young people. As well as older ones. The regard in which she was held was shown by her funeral offerings of friends of short acquaintance at Oskaloosa and Grinnell where she died.

Those from out of town were Mrs. J. W. Donahue of Red Oak, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Thompson of Valley Junction, and F. H. Graves of St. Charles.

Funeral services were held at the United Presbyterian church Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Interment at Rock City cemetery.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, February 13, 1918
Page 4, Column 4

Death of Mrs. Thomas Jones

A former resident of Winterset, Mrs. Thomas Jones, died on February 6th at the home of her son, Beverly Jones at Grinnell. Mrs. Jones came here from Red Oak forty four years ago, living in this community nearly all of that time.

Before her marriage she was Miss Rachel Downing, a native born in Carroll county, Illinois, July 11, 1852.

She leaves one brother, H. T. Downing of Guthrie, Oklahoma, and the following children: Mrs. Ida Guiberson, Mrs. Kate Clark, Mrs. May Grimes and Miss Geraldine of this city, Frank of Elmwood, Illinois, Mrs. Vera Stewart of Oskaloosa and Beverly Jones of Grinnell.

Funeral services were held in the U. P. church of Winterset Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. J. Stewart, followed by burial in Rock City cemetery.