Mary Jane (Stocking) Downs (1820 - 1903)

STOCKING, DOWNS, SMITH

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 4/18/2016 at 18:04:31

MONROE COUNTY NEWS
Thursday, May 28, 1903

Aged Resident Gone

Death, the grim and relentless reaper, has calmed another of Albia's aged and respected citizens, Grandma Downs, wife of J. C. Downs, who died at the family home on North Main street, at 11 p.m. Wednesday night, May 27, aged 83, after four weeks of sickness caused from old age and general debility.

Funeral services Friday, May 29, at the M.E. church, Rev. D. C. Smith officiating.
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The Albia Republican
Thursday, May 28, 1903

The Grim Reaper's Harvest

Downs

Mrs. J. C. Downs, aged 83 years, died at 11 o'clock last night at her home on North Main street. The end was caused by a complication of diseases and general disability. She had been very ill for some time. The funeral will be held at the M.E. Church tomorrow at 2:30 p.m., Rev. D. C. Smith, her former pastor and friend, officiating. She had been a resident of this vicinity since 1866. She leaves a husband and two sons, Ed and Albert, who were with her when the end came. She was respected and loved by all who knew her and lived a conscientious Christian life. Obituary later.
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THE ALBIA REPUBLICAN
Thursday, June 11, 1903

Obituary of Grandma Downs

Mary Jane Stocking was born in Western New York, Jan. 18, 1820, removed with her parents to Illinois in 1839; was married to Jonathan C. Downs Dec. 21, 1842; removed with her husband to Ozaukee County, Wis., in 1847; came to Albia in 1866. She was the oldest daughter in a family of five sons and five daughters. Three brothers and two sisters survive her. She was the mother of two sons, Albert S. and Edgar S. Downs. Mrs. Della Shull being an adopted daughter. Her father, Rev. S. H. Stocking, was a traveling preacher for fifty years and a member of the Rock River Conference. She was converted when about 16 years of age and joined the Methodist church of which she was a faithful member for over sixty-seven years. Her faith was strong, her hope bright, and she was ready and anxious to go home.

Died May 27, 1903, aged 83 years, 5 months and 10 days.
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