Mercy T. Rogers Gardner (1821-1905)

GARDNER, ROGERS

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/5/2005 at 09:45:03

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, November 23, 1925, page 1, column 3. "Obituary - On last Thursday, Mrs. Mercy Gardner, one of the oldest residents in this part of Iowa, breathed her last and her spirit ascended unto the God who gave. Though she had reached the ripe old age of eighty-four and for some time had been more or less feeble, yet she was always clear in mind and had the interest of those around her at heart. Her daily thoughts were upon those whom she loved, and a life such as hers could not help but cast forth an influence that will live in the hearts and minds of people for many years. Her worthy and noble character has been a source of inspiration to many and her kind words of council have helped scores of people to take new hold on life and overcome trials and discouragements. ** No one can measure the results of a life such as hers, for the years spent in service to humanity have been such as are beyond the comprehension of human minds. Mercy T. Rogers was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1821 and died at her home near Maxwell, Iowa, November 16, 1905, aged eighty-four years, five months and two days. In her girlhood she moved with her parents to New York, afterward to Ohio, where she was married to John Gardner, January 7, 1836. They came to Iowa and settled in Jasper county in 1867 and moved to the present homestead in 1872. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, two of whom have preceeded** her to the spirit world. Mr. Gardner passed to the great beyond, July 16, 1896. Mrs. Gardner professed faith in Christ in 1846 and united with the Christian (Newlight) church, in which communion she continued until the time of her death. The funeral services were conducted at the C. P. church, Sunday at 11:00 a. m. by the pastor, Rev. Clay Bobbitt, and interment was made in the Maxwell cemetery by the side of her late husband. The text was composed of two passages of scripture, a part of John, 13-34 and 1st Corinthians, 2 9.** These passages were of her own selection and were given to Mr. Bobbitt by her some time before her death, from which he was asked to preach her funeral. The floral decorations were very beautiful and were expressive of the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The children and friends will have the sincere sympathy of all in their time of great bereavement." **Editorial note - spelling and punctuation used are from the original newspaper article.

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, November 23, 1905, page 1, column 4. "LOCAL EVENTS. - Ed Southwick, who is substitute carrier for rural route No. 1, carried the mail Friday and Saturday of last week, on account of the death of Dayton Gardner's mother."