Spire, Elizabeth 1830-1922

SPIRE, HOLMES, PARRY, GROTE, ALLEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/16/2011 at 17:36:58

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Oct. 24, 1922

MRS. JAMES SPIRE

Elizabeth Holmes was born in Gloucestershire England, June 23, 1830. She grew to womanhood in her native village and on Jan. 3, 1859, was married to James Spire. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive her. They are Mrs. E.A. Parry, and Mrs. Katie Grote of Sioux Falls, S.D., B.W. Spire, Alcester, S. Dak., Mrs. Lizzie Alley, Grinnell, and W.E. Spire, who resides on the home place.

Mr. and Mrs. Spire and family came to America in 1875 and lived in Tama County until 1887 when they moved to the farm in Sheridan township, Poweshiek County, where they remained until the present time.

Besides her husband and five children, Mrs. Spire leaves to mourn her loss twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

About three years ago Mrs. Spire fell and sustained a fractured hip, and since has been confined to her bed. The last few days of her life she was unconscious and apparently without pain as she quietly passed away, October 19, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, three months and twenty-six days.

Mrs. Spire was a consistent member of the Primitive Baptist Church with which she united in England, and lived a quite unassuming life, always patient and thankful for everything done for her. She was much attached to her home, family and the Bible. Day and night she was found praising God for His mercies and blessings.

She noted with deep appreciation the patient kindly care and attention bestowed upon her by her youngest son and his good wife who did everyting possible to make her comfortable.

A short service was held at the home after which the body was taken to the Sheridan M.E. Church where the funeral service was held by Rev. F.A. Moore at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22. Interment was in the Sheridan cemetery.