Merchant, Hannah 1848-1913

MERCHANT, SHOEMAKER, DIETRICH, LYNCH, ESCH, JAMES, JENTZEN, STANFORD, CASHMAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/27/2014 at 13:32:37

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
May 2, 1913

MRS. WM. MERCHANT

Hannah Shoemaker was born in Germany, Oct. 2, 1848. In her early life she came to this country and soon afterward united with the German Lutheran church in the doctrines of which she faithfully believed until the end.

In October, 1873, she was married to Jasper Dietrich who preceded her in death on November 20, 1891.

To this union were born nine children, four boys and five girls. They are Fred, John, Charles and Joseph all of Sheridan, Iowa, and Mrs. J.M. Lynch, of this city, Mrs. Marie Esch of Williston, N. Dak., Mrs. Harry James of Waterloo, Miss Anna Dietrich of Silvis, Ill., and Miss Mabel Dietrich of Sioux City, Iowa. Beside these she was a step-mother of three daughters: Mrs. John Jentzen of this city, Mrs. W.F. Stanford of Montezuma, Iowa, and Mrs. N.H. Cashman of Cedar Rapids. All were present at the funeral except Mabel and Mrs. Cashman who were absent on account of sickness.

On April 12th, of 1900, the deceased was married to Wm. Merchant of this city. For a few years they lived on her farm in Sheridan township after which they moved to Grinnell where they have resided since. About five months ago she was attacked with a stroke of paralysis which caused her lower limbs to become useless. Mr. Merchant has been constantly by her side since then caring for every want that was manifested. Since last Sunday she has been failing rapidly until Tuesday, April 29, 1913, at 2:40 p.m. when she answered the final call of her Master. Interment was made at the Sheridan cemetery.