Frear, Permelia (Mrs. Abraham), 1828 or 29-1900

FREAR, DAVIS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

From the Alton Democrat, March 10, 1900:

On Wednesday Feb 28th, Mrs. Frear died after a lingering illness of some time. A very impressive sermon was preached by Rev. Chandler of Hull to a large audience of sympathizing friends.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Boyden Reporter, March 9, 1900:

The community was shocked Wednesday afternoon when the news flew swiftly from one to another about town that Auntie Frear was dead. Though everyone was expecting the end at any time, yet the shock came with the news came that another of God’s noble women had passed into glory.

Mrs. Parmelia Davis Frear was born at Exeter, Pennsylvania July 28, 1829. Her girlhood days were passed at the place of her birth in Pennsylvania. In 1848 she was united in marriage to Abraham Frear who died about four years ago. They had no children of their own though they raised several in the home. Gene Frear is possibly best known to our readers. He died a couple of years ago in Colorado where his wife Mary Frear survives him.

About 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Frear moved to DeKalb county, Ill. They lived there about seventeen years when they came to Storey county Io. at which place they lived five or six years, coming from that place to Boyden or the vicinity of what is now the town of Boyden about thirty years ago. They lived on a farm until the last few years which they spent in town, Mr. Frear being in the furniture business. Since his death she made her home with her brother John B. Davis, her niece Myrtle Davis taking care of the home.

Her life has been one of suffering being an invalid much of her latter years. She was a patient sufferer and a woman who appreciated her friends. She professed Christ at the age of 14 years and has had a connection with the Methodist church much of her life. About three years ago she placed her Letter in the United Presbyterian church in Boyden and was a consistent member at the time of her death. She was a true follower of the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” and was willing to cast her lot in with the people of God and have a church home with them. She was a delightful companion and especially welcomed her pastor who often visited her and found pleasure in so doing. But she has now gone to her reward. Rev. Chandler of Hull preached her funeral sermon at the request of friends. Her pastor assisted in the service.

Three brothers survive her, Wm. and Hiram living in Minn. She also leaves four sisters, Mesdames Lovisa Parks, Mary Hadsell and Jerusha Green all living in Oregon and Mrs. Libble Elliot of Nevada, Io., the latter sister and her husband also Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Davis of Buffalo Lake Minn. were here at the time of her death.

The church of which she was a member shall ever cherish her memory and sweet christian disposition. [Followed by additional sentiments.] We had hoped that some one who had known her longer and had suffered pioneer privations with them or at least those who claimed a more extended and closer friendship than we, had given us a sketch of her life, but as no one volunteered we have gathered these few facts and are glad in so doing to lay a tribute on the grave we loved as well as a flower on her casket.

* * * * * * * * * *

Her husband A. E. Frear’s obituary (posted separately) says that he was buried in the cemetery northwest of Boyden, and presumably she was as well, although neither appears in the Sioux County Cemetery Index.

Researcher Wilma J. Vande Berg found the following information in an online family tree: Permelia Davis was born in Pennsylvania 1828 daughter of Samuel and Phoebe Davis and died March 1900. Her husband was Abraham Eber Frear b. 16 Mar 1824 died 16 Apr 1896 Boyden IA. They had three children Rocelia 1852, Eugene 1860 and Mary 1870.

Her name is spelled Permelia in the 1850 U.S. census, as well; she is aged 21 [therefore born 1829?]