Viets, Louis Little 1843-1927

VIETS, LITTLE, STODDARD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/25/2011 at 20:17:37

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; June 1927

FUNERAL HERE SATURDAY FOR MRS. H.S. VIETS

Services Held At The Old Home; Many Attended

Louise Little Viets was born on a farm near Wethersfield (now Kewanee) Ill. on May 29, 1843. Her parents, Henry Gilman Little and Fedelia Stoddard came from New England to Ill. at the time of their marriage in 1836.

Her education was obtained in the rural schools of Illinois and at Oberlin College where she met Henry S. Viets. At the close of the Civil War Mr. Viets was discharged from service, June 14, 1865 and on December 27 of that year he and Louise Little were married at Kewanee, Ill. They resided one year in Oberlin and came to Grinnell, Iowa in the spring of 1867. Here the home was established at the corner of Fifth and High street, the family living there when the Iowa Central railroad was built. In this home five of the six children were born, three daughters and two sons.

In 1880 the family moved to a farm on the east city limits, where they resided continuously with the exception of a few years of pioneer life in South Dakota.

In the fall of 1910 the family moved to 1214 Broad St., where Mr. Viets death occurred December 7, 1916. Since that time Mrs. Viets and her daughter have spent much of the time in California as well as one winter in Florida, returning frequently for a several months stay in the old home.

During her life in Grinnell Mrs. Viets was a member of the Congregational church and always loved to attend its services and the meetings of the Missionary Society. She loved the church and was interested in its progress in the community and helped in its work as her strength permitted.

Mrs. Viets was one of the early members of the Elizabeth Earl Magoun Club this being the one social group with which her interests were associated. Although her life was centered mainly in the home, she had many friends who were influenced by her sweet and gentle personality.

Mrs. Viets was the last member of her generation. She was the eldest of the family of five sisters and one brother all well known in Grinnell in the early days. The next younger sister, Mrs. Macy preceding her by only a little more than a year.

During the last eight months of her illness Mrs. Viets was under the tender care of her daughter and of her niece, Miss Myrta A. Lyman, who were constantly alert to surround her with every comfort.

Only two of the six children lived, Sara Elizabeth who has been her constant companion during the later years of her life, Henry Little Viets, who was a tower of strength to his mother for many years. The family of this son, Mrs. Gertrude Van Evera Viets and the two children have added much to the happiness of Mrs. Viets declining years. She was intensely interested in the activities of her only grand daughter, Louise Eleanor and only grand son, Henry Edwin, and followed their advancement with the greatest pride.

Services were held Saturday morning at ten o'clock at the Paul Meyers home, which for many years was the old Viets residence. Rev. E.M. Vittum, her former pastor and a warm friend of the family, conducted the services. Mrs. E.B.T. Spencer, member of the Elizabeth Earle Magoun Club sang, "Jesus Lover of My Soul," accompanied by Mrs. G.L. Pierce, also a member of the Elizabeth Earle Magoun Club. Bearers were Paul Meyers, David Meyers, Professor W.A. Noyes of Urbana, Ill.; Will Sanders, Lyman Sanders and Robert Sanders.