Susan C. Babcock Carr (1830-1921)

CARR, BABCOCK, OXLEY, YOUNG, HOLM, MEAD, PUGH

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/28/2005 at 10:00:40

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, October 27, 1921, page 1. "Mrs. Susan C. Carr - Susan C. Carr, younger of two daughters of James and Hannah Babcock, was born in Petersham, Worcester county, Mass., December 31, 1830. At the age of six her parents moved to St. Joseph county, Michigan, and on this trip she saw one of the first railways in the United States in operation. On March 5, 1850, in Colon, Mich., she was married to William C. Carr. To this union were born three children, William Wyatt, of Collins; Orlando Marion, who died February 15, 1864, and Mrs. Clara Wyanette Oxley, of Maxwell. A little girl, Annie Mackey, was taken into the home at the age of six and remained there until her marriage to Simon Young, and now lives at Elm Creek, Neb.; she, together with the other children, being present at the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Carr came from Michigan to this location in 1857 and being no railroads here, the came overland, Mrs. Carr driving one of the three teams they brought with them. Arriving here, Mr. Carr bought from the government the tract of land where Mrs. Carr has lived continuously for sixty-four years and until her death; Mr. Carr having passed away February 12, 1879. Mrs. Carr possessed a strong mind and was a great reader. She was always interested in affairs of state, and passed through the vivid and impressive scenes of fours wars in which our nation was engaged. She had a hospitable home which she opened to all in need. She was liberal and charitable and it would be hard to overstate her good qualities, and yet she was noted for her simplicity and did not desire that extended eulogies should be said or much display made in her funeral service. She was of the Baptist faith originally, but identified herself with the Peoria Methodist Protestant church in the infancy of its organization. She was always one of its most loyal and liberal supporters and it was mainly through her support and interest that the church was maintained through some of its trying years. She was the oldest resident in this section and came when Peoria was an important town and other cities had not come into existence. One by one the other pioneers have gone and finally her summons came October 23, 1921, at 4 o'clock p. m., when she had reached the advanced age of ninety years, nine months and twenty-three days. Mrs. Carr is survived by the two children named, eight grandchildren, namely: John W. Carr, Goldie M. Clearwater, Stephen A. Carr, Amos B. Carr, Charles B. Carr, Clyde M. Oxley, Olga A. Holm and Florence A. Mead, the last six named acting as pall bearers. One granddaughter named for her, died eight years since. She also had seven great grandchildren and of other near relatives but one remains so far as known - a niece, Mrs. Laura Pugh, of Minneapolis. The funeral services were held from the Peoria church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, appropriate songs being beautifully rendered by a double quartet and an able sermon delivered by Rev. W. H. Betz, after which interment was made in the Peoria cemetery. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Card of Thanks - We wish to sincerely thank the friends and neighbors who so kindly helped in any way during the sickness and death of our mother. Wyatt Carr and family. Clara W. Oxley and family."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, POLK COUNTY, IOWA, CEMETERIES, WASHINGTON TWP., Peoria Cemetery, page 3. CARR, Susan C., born 12 31 1830, died 10 23 1921, Sec. SS, row 9, misc. info., W/O WM C.