Cristian (Eley) Parks (1812-1898)

ELEY, PARKS

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

A Long Life Closed

Grandma Parks, as she was familiarly known, died Thursday afternoon about two o'clock. The funeral was held from the Christian church at three o'clock Friday, Rev. Green preaching a touching sermon.

Christian [sic] Eley was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania January 1, 1812 - more than eighty-six years ago. She was married January 1, 1830, to Jas. Parks. Soon after their marriage they moved to Knox county, Ohio. In 1840 the moved to Green county, Wisconsin, where they lived until 1876, moving then to Montezuma county, Iowa. In 1893 they came to Sutherland to pass their old age with their son James.

Except for a year when they were with a daughter in Watertown, South Dakota, where Mr. Parks died January 14, 1897, they have lived here since.

Thirteen children were born to them, three dying in infancy. Harriet, the eldest daughter, died two years ago.

Five sons and three daughters survive their parents. Only tow of the children, James and William, were present at the bedside of their dying mother.

Mrs. Parks joined the Christian church 67 years ago, and throughout her long life was a true example of real Christianity. She died peacefully, and has often lately expressed her desire to go when she should be called.

"Blessed are they that die in the Lord."
Mother has gone to her reward.

Sutherland (Iowa) Courier, 6 May 1898, p9