Samantha M Backer 1838-1913

BACKER ROBERTS

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/17/2011 at 19:54:04

Onawa Democrat
20 February 1913

Pioneer Lady Dies At Whiting Friday

Mrs. Samantha Backer Passes Away

She Came to Monona County in an Early Day—Was the Mother of seven Children—A beautiful Tribute to Mother

Miss Samantha M. Roberts was born in Nashville, Tennessee, December 8, 1838.

During her early childhood her parents migrated to Illinois, settling in Bath, where her girlhood days were spent. Next they came to Lucas County, Iowa, where she grew to young womanhood and was united in marriage to Daniel Backer, October 28, 1857.

Their next move was to Clark County, Iowa, where they remained until May 1874 when they came to Monona County, and took up their residence on the old homestead.

Eighteen years ago they moved in to Whiting where they resided until the time of her death.

Her husband preceded her to the home beyond ten years ago.

The fruits of their union was seven children, viz; Mary L Johnson, Des Moines, Iowa; Addie A. Weems, Whiting; Hattio Brown, deceased; W.G. Backer, Blencoe; A. W. Backer, Magnolia, Minn.; Birdie Backer, Whiting; Ollie Backer Luburgh, Jackson, Nebraska.

During her girlhood she united with the Baptist Church.

After coming to Monona County she joined the Congregational Church and has lived a consistent Christian life until she was called to join the Church Triumphant on Friday, February 14, 1913. Just as Earth was being lit up by the first gleam of sunlight her spirit went out and on to the land of Eternal Sunshine.

Her husband being a practicing physician, the care of the home and the rearing of the children devolved on the devoted wife and mother. How well she succeeded, the love and loyalty of her children for herself and for each other and their eminent usefulness in the several localities where they resided in a sufficient answer.

The funeral services conducted by Rev. W.H. Skentleburg, took place from the Congregational Church, of which he is pastor.

The services throughout were beautiful and comforting.

Thus has passed out one of Monona County’s pioneer citizens, whose life has counted for much and whose eternal happiness id assured.

All of her surviving children were present at the funeral. The remains were laid to rest in the Whiting Cemetery.