Gregson, Mary Elizabeth 1840-1930

GREGSON, HARRIS, MYERS, STULL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/29/2012 at 10:28:26

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; April 4, 1930

MRS. ELIZABETH GREGSON PASSES

Mary Elizabeth Harris, only daughter of James B. and Julia A. Harris, was born Dec. 12th, 1840, in Warren county, Indiana. She came to Iowa with her parents by covered wagon in the fall of 1855, crossing the Mississippi river by ferry. The winter was spent in a log hut in Union township on a forty acres purchased by Mr. Harris, in connection with 320 acres in Pleasant township. The family in their pioneer life was soon saddened by the loss of the father in the spring of 1856.

The mother, two sons and daughter, moved to their home in Pleasant township erecting buildings out of native lumber. December 14, 1856, Mary Elizabeth was united in marriage to Amos Gregson. During the summer of 1859 the mother, Mrs. Harris, went to Fayette county to visit a brother. While there she was taken suddenly ill and died.

Grandmother Gregson had lived through the period of many changes, from the covered wagon to the automobile. The latter she enjoyed very much for one of her decining years. The past three or four years, in her frail condition, she seemed to desire the quiet of home life.

The end came Monday evening, March 24th, 1930, and life slipped away just at the setting of the sun, aged 89 years, 3 months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by two children and her husband, leaving to mourn her departure her daughters, Mrs. J.S. Myers of Grinnell, now at Prescott, Ariz., and Mrs. Wm. Stull, and one son, E.W. Gregson, both of Montezuma. A brother, Wm. H. Harris of Superior, Wis., also survives, and nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She professed faith in Christ in early life and united with Little Mount Baptist church of Union township, remaining steadfast in the faith to the last. She was a typical home woman, a devoted wife and mother, of a kindly loving manner; highly respected by all who knew her; ever ready to assist in advancing the interest of her home and vicinity. She has gone, but her life will live on in the minds and hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral services were held from the home, March 26th, 1930, at one-thirty p.m., by the Rev. E.M. Gregson and the Rev. W.F. Vanderlip. Beautiful musical selections were rendered by Mrs. Harold Bone and Miss Anna Blakley, with Miss Irene Kline at the piano. The pallbearers were three grandsons, Amos and Cecil Myers of Grinnell, Amos Gregson of Montezuma, and three nephews, M.M. Gregson, Grinnell, Robert Gregson, Montezuma, and M.C. Gregson, Ewart. Interment was made in the family lot at Ewart cemetery.--Montezuma Republican.