Rexford, Mrs. Mary Weeks 1842-1916

REXFORD, WEEKS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/1/2010 at 16:26:54

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
May 2, 1916

LIFE STORY INTERESTING
Was A Successful Teacher in Early Life

Akron Register-Tribune: Brief mention was made in this paper last week of
the sad and sudden demise of Mrs. Mary Weeks Rexford.

This estimable lady was born in Jefferson county, New York, September 29,
1842. She died in Akron, Iowa, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. R.
Smith, April 20, 1916, at the age of 64 years, 9 months and 22 days. Her
death was altogether a surprise. She had been sick with pleurisy and was
getting better. A sudden change took place and the end was quite unexpected.

The life story of this woman is interesting. She moved with her parents from
New York state to Wisconsin, Dane county, when she was nine years old. There
she grew to womanhood. Her education began in the district school, and was
completed at a Ladies College at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Before entering the
Ladies’ College, she taught school and was a success. She had the tact and
insight that always spell success, other things being equal. She did not
employ force in her administration of the school, unless it was the force of
compelling interest and affection. Each child found she had for him a
personal interest. After graduation from the Ladies’ College, she taught
mathematics for which she had a fondness, in that institution for four
years. At the close of the Civil War in 1865, she was married to William
Roselle Rexford, at Columbus, Wisconsin. She had in her blood the blending
of strong traits. She had a melancholy vein running through her life. This
type know the deep shadows and high places of joy. She was strong in her
likes and dislikes of persons. No one ever hinted that she was not
industrious. A tireless workers she was all her years. And a home body—she
will be remembered by her own. She was a Methodist church member for
thirty-five years. She was a devoted Christian and good worker.

The funeral was held in the Methodist church Sunday, April 23, Rev. Mahood
conducting the service. A large and sympathetic congregation listened to the
funeral sermon and accompanied the remains to Riverside Cemetery.