Layton, Mary 1816-1909

LAYTON, RAINBOTH, HIGDAY

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/23/2008 at 21:08:44

LeMars Sentinel
August 27, 1909

NEAR TO THE CENTURY MARK
WAS PROBABLY THE OLDEST RESIDENT IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY
MARY LAYTON LIVED TO A GREAT AGE

Deceased Was a Native of England Where She Was Born Ninety-Four Years
Ago-Had Lived With Only Surviving Daughter Many Years.

The dread reaper Death calls us to chronicle the departure of one of the
oldest settlers in Plymouth county.

Mary Layton was born December 15, 1816, in Birmingham, England. When a child
she came with her parents to Canada, taking up her residence near Quebec.
Here she spent her girlhood days. When eighteen years of age she was married
to Louis Rainboth. To this union eight children were born. In 1863, they
moved to Wisconsin and made their home at Albany on a farm. Her husband died
three years after they moved to Albany.

In 1867, she married William Layton and eight years later moved to Plymouth
county, Iowa, where she has lived every since. In year 1881, her husband
passed away in triumphant faith. When sixteen years of age she was converted
to Jesus Christ and lived in the blessed knowledge of His personal love. She
was a faithful wife and devoted mother, ever seeking the best interest of
her children, both spiritual and temporal. For many years she has been
suffering and for more than three years has been a "shut-in" requiring the
constant, careful attention of faithful, devoted hearts and hands.

During the last years of her life it seemed that her spiritual vision became
clearer and her joy in the Lord greater. At no time when she was conscious
would she hesitate to speak of Him who died for her and in whose love she
walked day by day.

All her children have passed on before to welcome here, except one daughter,
Mrs. O.H. Higday, with whom she lived many years. No daughter could be more
devoted or minister more kindly and faithfully to her beloved mother.

The deceased passed away Tuesday evening, August 24, looking for the King in
His beauty. She has been a member of the Methodist church more than
seventy-five years. Funeral services were held at the First Methodist
Episcopal church conducted by Rev. G.F. Whitfield on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.