Shipman, Susan A. (Mrs. William), 1838-1921

SHIPMAN, WOOD

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/17/2016 at 06:04:39

From the Rock Valley Bee, March 25, 1921:

MRS. SUSAN SHIPMAN

Mrs. Susan Shipman, whose death was briefly mentioned in last week's Bee, passed away at the home of her son, H. R. Shipman, last week Thursday, March 17, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, eleven months and twenty-eight days.

The subject of this sketch was born at Bangor, N.Y., March 19, 1838, where she spent her early life and grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage December 24th, 1857, to Wm. Shipman of Malnoe [i.e., Malone], N.Y. The deceased was a resident of Iowa for nearly sixty-five years, and of Rock Valley and vicinity for forty-one years. The family moved to Iowa from New York state in 1867, and came to Rock Valley in 1880. Eight years later, in 1888, the husband and father died, leaving the mother and children to make their own way in the world in the pioneer days in this part of the state. They lived on a farm west of Rock Valley for a number of years.

Besides her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she leaves to mourn two sons and one daughter, George A. Shipman of Rock Rapids, Howard Shipman, Rock Valley and Mrs. Emma L. Clark, of Parker, S.D.

The deceased was a woman of strong Christian character. She was united with the Presbyterian church in early life and remained a faithful and consistent member throughout her life. She was a woman who was highly esteemed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at the home of her son, H. R. Shipman, in Rock Valley, Sunday afternoon, and the remains were taken to Valley View Cemetery for burial.

(Followed by Resolutions of Sympathy from Rock Valley Lodge No. 496, I.O.O.F., of which H. R. Shipman was a member.)

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From the Alton Democrat, March 26, 1921: Rock Valley news:

Mrs. Susan A. Shipman, 1838-1921

We are called again to chronicle the death of an esteemed and respected pioneer citizen of this community, Mrs. Susan A. Shipman, March 17th, 1921, at the home of her son H. R. Shipman in Rock Valley Iowa, after an illness of short duration, due to the infirmities of old age.

The deceased was born at Bangor New York March 19th 1838 and at the time of her demise was 82 years, 11 months, and 28 days old. She grew to womanhood in the vicinity of Bangor. She formed the acquaintance of William Shipman of Malone of that state, which acquaintance ripened into mutual esteem, and culminated in their marriage December 24th 1857, after which they continued to reside there for a period of ten years when in 1867 they turned their faces westward, and came to Iowa and located at Monticello Jones county, and maintained a residence there for five years when in 1872 they came to Lyon county and endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. She taught three consecutive terms of school in the rural district. In 1880 she and the family moved to Rock Valley and has maintained a residence here till her passing.

She was bereft of her husband in 1888, and for a time maintained a home for several years, but in latter years was compelled to abandon her home and live with her children who tenderly ministered to her every want. She became a Christian in early life, and was interested in church life, and its advancement was her total ambition. She affiliated with the Methodist church of Rock Valley for several years, and being a personal friend of Vice Pres. Wheeler of New York she received $50.00 from him to aid in the congregation of the Methodist church. Several years later the United Presbyterians organized a Society here, with which she identified herself being a charter member, and was an indefatigable worker in the activities of that church.

She was companionable and courteous in manner. There was a chasteness of expression, a refinement of speech in conversation which challenged admiration. She endeavored to exemplify in her life the principles of Christianity whose life and virtues are worthy of emulation. We bid her farewell for a time, but with the confident assurance that we shall meet again in a brighter clime on the shores of immortality.

She leaves three children to mourn her departure, namely, G. A. Shipman, Rock Rapids, Mrs. Emma Clark, Parker S.D. and H. R. Shipman, Rock Valley, all of whom were present at the funeral. Funeral services were conducted at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 under the supervision of Rev. F. S. Bostick, pastor of the Methodist church in the presence of many neighbors and sympathizing friends. Many floral tributes covered her bier, contributed by the several fraternal societies, as an evidence of the esteem in which she was held. Her remains peacefully rest in Valley View cemetery. The bereaved have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in the hour of sadness.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Shipman, Susan A. (Wood), d. 17 Mar 1921 age 83, Valley View Cem Rock Valley IA (WPA Index).