Ann R. Oxley Tomlinson (1831-1909)

TOMLINSON, OXLEY, BACKOUS, COOK

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/24/2005 at 07:59:02

MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, January 26, 1909, page 1: "OBITUARY- Ann R. Oxley was born in Carleton, Yorkshire, England, in 1831, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rose Backous, near Collins, on Saturday, January 23, 1909, aged seventy-eight years and four months. The deceased was united in marriage to George Tomlinson in June, 18__(should be 1851). In 1853 they came to America and resided in Maryland until 1857 when they moved to Illinois and lived there until 1869 when they came to Iowa and settled on the homestead just east of Peoria, where they resided up to the time of their deaths. It will be remembered that her husband, George Tomlinson, was found dead in his sleigh at the bridge, just east of Maxwell, January 11, 1887, a bitter cold morning, and since which time she has made her home with her son S. J. Tomlinson, on the old homestead. Mrs. Tomlinson was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are living and all but one son, Charles, were present at the funeral, and he visited her during her last illness. Two children preceded her to the spirit world, one dying in infancy, and Mrs. Ann Hutson, whose sad death is still fresh in the minds of our citizens. The living are: William, of Springfield, Ill.: Charles, of Arthur, Iowa: Henry, of Bondurant: James, of Ottumwa: Mrs. Rose Backous, of Collins: George, of Maxwell: Mrs. Teresa Cook, of Des Moines and Samuel and Albert, of Maxwell. She leaves thirty-three grand children, seventeen great grand children and two brothers, Thomas and William Oxley, of Maxwell to mourn her loss. She was a member of the Church of England until 1873. She joined the M. P. church at Peoria some years ago, and has been a faithful member, a consistent and upright Christian up to the time of her death. It may be truly said of her "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, sayeth the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours: and their works do follow them." She gave freely and willingly to the support of the church and also to charity, realizing that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Mrs. Tomlinson was a quiet, unassuming woman, always kind to those around her and never so happy as when she was caring for her loved ones. She was known and noted for her hospitality. A devoted and dutiful wife, a loving and self-sacrificing mother and her children in returned loved and honored her. Such in brief was the obituary read at the funeral which occurred at the Peoria church on Monday, January 25, 1909, conducted by Rev. A. Q. Gharrett, of Osceola, assisted by Rev. H. G. Hicks, of Maxwell, and the Presbyterian choir. At her request her sons acted as pallbearers and at the conclusion the remains were buried in the Peoria cemetery. It is eminently appropriate that we should pause in the midst of the busy, bustling business affairs of life to tenderly recall the cherished memory and pay a tribute of respect to the beloved dead. Mrs. Tomlinson has lived as a widow since the demise of her husband above referred to, and by her kind, gentle and sweet disposition has endeared herself to all our people. During her long years of residence among us she has gradually widened her circle of acquaintances and all were her friends. She has been in failing health for some time and has been quite ill, but throughout her sufferings she was patient and lovable. It is with mingled pleasure and pain that we recall the many virtues of the deceased - pleasure, to contemplate the helpful inspiration of her counsel and the guiding assistance of her companionship during life; pain, in the aching void when we realize that she is gone, nevermore to return. No words can truly paint the lustre of the life of this good woman or describe the worth of her example to her acquaintances. She was an honorable lady, loyal to her home, her family, her friends and her church. Justice was an essential ingredient of her nature - justice which embodies the essence of the highest code of morals recognized on earth or in Heaven: "As ye would that others should do unto you, do ye even so unto them."
CARD OF THANKS: We desire to express our heartfelt appreciation for many favors shown by neighbors and friends during the sickness and death of our mother, Mrs. Ann Tomlinson. We are also grateful to the Presbyterian choir and pray for God's blessing on each one who made our burden less heavy. - The family.

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library Des Moines, Iowa POLK COUNTY, IOWA, CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP., general *F 627.P7C4V6, Peoria Cemetery, page 18. Ann Tomlinson, born 9/23/1831, died 1/23/1909, sec. CS, tier 4, row 5.