Seward, Mary Young 1849-1937

SEWARD, YOUNG

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/14/2015 at 14:46:27

From: Akron Register-Tribune, February 4, 1937

DEATH COMES TO PIONEER RESIDENT OF UNION COUNTY

Last Rites for Mrs. Mary Seward Held Wednesday Afternoon

Mrs. Mary Seward, a pioneer resident of Union county, S. D., and who had lived in Akron for more than forty years, passed away at 2:45 o'clock Sunday afternoon, January 31, 1937, from ailments incident to advanced age, complicated with influenza, at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 17 days.

Mary Young was born at Pontiac, Mich., March 17, 1849. At the age of fourteen years she accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd Young, on an overland trip by ox team to Denver, Colo., and the following year they continued west with the pioneers to Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1865 she, with her parents, came to Union county, S.D., (then Dakota Territory) and located on a homestead near Richland. On October 12, 1867, she was united in marriage with Elmer Seward, of Richland township, Justice Jos. Collins performing the ceremony. They homesteaded on a farm six miles north of Elk Point, S.D., and experienced all the trials and privations of the pioneer settlers. Their union was blessed with three children, William H. Seward, of Elk Point, S.D.; Mrs. Bert Hilliker, of Akron, Iowa, and Frankie, who died in infancy. In 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Seward retired from farming and moved to Akron, this since remaining the family home. Her husband preceded her in death on November 2, 1922, and she has since made a home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hilliker, here. Mr. and Mrs. Seward observed their golden wedding anniversary October 12, 1917.

Mrs. Seward joined the Methodist church in early life and was the last charter member of this church. Her long life was a useful one, filled with kind deeds and helpfulness to others and devotion to family. During her many years’ residence in this community she gained a wide circle of friends who extend their sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives. Besides her son and daughter, she is survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the Akron M. E. church, conducted by Rev. J. F. Moore. The pallbearers were Edward Holden, Andy Peterson, Gustof Grothe, J. A. Jenson, Waldo Hilliker and John Hanson. “Lead, Kindly Light,” and “Rock of Ages” were sung as duets by Mary and Eunice Burket. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.