Rebecca Overman 1818-1905

OVERMAN

Posted By: Ardith Earl (email)
Date: 10/18/2015 at 23:16:49

A LONG LIFE CLOSED
Mrs. Rebecca Overman, One of the
Earliest Settlers of this Community, is Gone

After an illness covering a period of several months, though for only the last few weeks considered serious, Mrs. Rebecca Overman died at her home at the corner of Second avenue and Fourth street at 6:30 o'clock last Thursday evening, December 28, 1905, at the age of 87 years 10 months, and 5 days. She was one of the early settlers in this community, having came here many years in advance of the railroad and when the country was one vast prairie.

In her last sickness she was surrounded by her children and all that could be was done for her comfort, and every endeavor made to prolong the life of her who for scores of years has been "mother," though the children themselves are now grandparents of many who are grown.

The title of "Grandma" Overman has not all been pleasure. Going on the frontier means trials and hardships. This she endured until civilization followed the path that had been blazed by others like herself and husband. She has seen the present city of "Villisca" changed from a prairie into its present state, and the country bursting on the town undergo as great a change.

In pioneer days services of all denominations represented here at that time were held in the Overman home, there being no churches here then. The sermons were usually preached by Uncle "Billy" Reed who lived near Milford, and Thos. Brown, now of Nodaway. After these services the little congregation would be invited to dinner which had been prepared for them by Mrs. Overman.

Rebecca Spargur born in Highland county, Ohio, February 28, 1818, and was married to Elijah Overman, April 2, 1834. In 1861 the family moved to this community, settling on a farm which is now a part of Villisca. Mr. Overman was the first postmaster of the city, receiving his appointment in 1863. To them were born thirteen children, seven of whom have preceded the mother in death. One son, Elijah Jr., lost his life while serving his country. Being a member of the First Ohio cavalry he was engaged in the battle of Stone River and received a wound that resulted in his death. He was buried at Chattanooga, Tenn. Those who are living are, Mrs. David Stipe near Braddyville; A. W. Overman, A. R. Overman, Mrs. C. H. Hall, Borter Overman and Thomas Overman, of this city. With these are left to mourn forty grandchildren, sixty-five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

After the death of her husband which occurred in 1875, for many years she made her home with her son, A. W. Overman, but for the past twelve years has been keeping up a home of her own, and up to the time of her last sickness was able to do her own work.

For more than sixty years she has been a member of the Universalist church and a firm believer in the bible. In her religion she has found much comfort and died with the assurance that all was well with her.

The funeral was held in the M. E. church Sunday, conducted by Rev. W. W. Merritt, of Red Oak, and assisted by Rev. Newland of this city.

Card of Thanks --- We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our many friends for their kindness and sympathy during the sickness and death of our beloved mother.

The Children.