Dowdey, Anna (Sarah Anna), 1863-1961

DOWDEY, DOWDY, NELSON, OAKLEY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/6/2015 at 18:54:47

From the Hawarden Independent, February 23, 1961:

Sarah Dowdey Dies at Age 97

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Anna Dowdey, 97, who for many years resided in Hawarden, were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Barnard Funeral home. Rev. Paul William officiated. Burial was in Grace Hill cemetery. Casket bearers were John Groen, Coy Wood, Ivan Walker, Leslie Allen, Robert Garrett and Raymond Buol. James Squier was the vocalist, accompanied by Mrs. Hal Shoemaker at the organ.

Mrs. Dowdey was the grandmother of Don Dowdey, Mrs. John Vander Helm and Mrs. Betty Rhodes. Mrs. Dowdey fell and broke her hip recently and was hospitalized at Bemidji, Minn., where she died Saturday. Prior to that time she had been exceptionally active making scrap books, pot holders and braiding rugs.

Born December 24, 1863, in Person county, North Carolina, she was a daughter of Gabriel Washington Nelson and Elizabeth Jane Oakley Nelson and granddaughter of a minister. When she was a young girl she and her family came to Iowa in a covered wagon. On the strenuous trip her parents died leaving her, at the age of 16, and an older brother to care for four smaller brothers and sisters.

At the age of 25 she married Joseph Henry Dowdey to which union nine children were born. Two babies died in infancy; Mr. Dowdey died November 7, 1915. Also deceased are five sons, Harry, Charles, Guy, Ralph and Arthur. For many years she lived in Hawarden until she went to live with her daughter, Bessie, for the past five years at Pennington, Minn.

Survivors include the daughter, Mrs. James Smith of Pennington; a son, Roy Dowdey of Fort Dodge; 10 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Dowdy, Anna b. 1863 d. 1961 Mother Grace Hill Cem Hawarden IA.

The Minnesota Death Certificates Index has Dowdey, Anna N., died February 18 1961, Beltrami County; mother's maiden name: Oakley; date of birth: Dec 23 1863. Certif. # 1961-MN-000685.