Hilliker, Mary Elizabeth 1856-1944

HILLIKER, HOUGHTON, FLETCHER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/9/2021 at 13:43:50

Note: Her mother's maiden name is Fletcher.

PIONEER WOMAN OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY GOES TO REWARD

Mrs. Charles M. Hilliker Came From England, Settling Near Adaville

One of the highly esteemed and early pioneer women of western Plymouth County, Mrs. Charles M. Hilliker, passed away at her home in Akron on Saturday, January 1, 1944, at 3 p.m. after a brief illness, at the advanced age of 88 years. She had been tenderly cared for by her daughter, Mrs, John Hansen, during her declining years and final illness.

Mary Elizabeth Houghton was born in Cambridgeshire, England, February 24, 1856. She came to America with her parents when she was nine years of age and they settled at Lyons in Clinton County, Iowa. In 1871 the family moved to Plymouth county, Iowa, and located in the Adaville neighborhood in Johnson township, where she grew to young womanhood. On November 17, 1875, she was united in marriage with Charles M. Hilliker in Le Mars, Iowa. They lived on a farm near Adaville for two years. After meeting the pioneer experiences of those days, Mr. and Mrs. Hilliker moved into Le Mars in 1877, where he engaged in the contracting and building business. In 1881 the family moved to Akron, and he continued in the same line of work, later adding blacksmithing and wagon work.

Seven children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hilliker—four daughters and three sons.

Mr. and Mrs. Hilliker were always active in the business and social life of the community. While living at Adaville they united with the Adaville United Brethren church, but when they moved to Akron they transferred their membership to the Akron Methodist Church. She was still a member at the time of her death. Mrs, Hilliker was the only surviving charter member of Vesper chapter, No. 61, Order of the Eastern Star, of Akron, She was an active member of Vesper chapter for many years.

Mrs. Hilliker was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Hilliker, on August 23, 1933, and two daughters and two sons, Arvilla May, George Henry, Alice May and Wilbert James. She is survived by two sons and one daughter, Edward B., of Sioux City; Mrs. Adeline Hansen and Waldo I. of Akron; also, by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister, John Houghton, of Haynes, N.D.; E.J. Stinton of Lucas, S. D., and Mrs. Teletha Morehead, of Montevideo, Minn.

Grandma Hilliker, as she was generally and affectionately known, was a kind and gentle lady. She had retained all her faculties right up to the last and it was a real pleasure to visit with her. The world has been enriched by her life, and now that she has gone she will be greatly missed by all her loved ones and by all of her neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in the Akron Methodist church, conducted by Rev. A.A. Howe, the pastor. Hymns were sung by Mrs. Hugh Chamberlain, with Mrs. W.J. Brunner as piano accompanist. The beautiful and impressive ritualistic work of the Order of the Eastern Star was exemplified at the church. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

[Source: The Akron Register Tribune; Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA; Thursday, January 6, 1944; Volume 57, Number 22; Page 1]