Martha T. (Reynard) Harrison Presnall (1844-1924)

REYNARD, HARRISON, PRESNALL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/19/2022 at 15:38:59

From Nevada Evening Journal November 12, 1924 (page 6)

OBITUARY OF MRS. PRESNALL

In the death of Mrs. Martha T. Presnall Cambridge loses another of her earliest pioneers. For forty-three years she has been a continuous resident of this city. She was born in Henry county, Indiana, March 17, 1844. She lived in that state until she was ten years old. Her parents decided to cast their lot with a more western world. They chose Iowa and settled in Story county, locating Walnut Grove about six miles northwest of Cambridge. Seventy years of residence in this county places her among its earliest pioneers. Those were the days of boundless prairies, the wild deer still roamed its expanse and found food and shelter in the forests. The howl of the coyote was heard outside of the cabin door. Wild game provided meats for the winter. Those were days of hardships, privation, toil, suffering. They were days of great fellowship.

Martha T. Reynard was married to David Harrison in 1859. To this union five children were born, Judith, who died in infancy, Bettie Jane, Mary Susannah, Melissa Ellen, and William Thomas. After the death of her husband she united in marriage with John Wesley Presnall. Seven children were born to them, three of whom are living, Charles, Sarah, and Verne. Her companion preceded her in death.

After a brief illness Mrs. Presnall fell asleep, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 8, aged more than eighty years.

Six children, forty-four grandchildren, seventy-five great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren mourn her death. She was the last of a family of ten.

Funeral services were held in the Cambridge Methodist church Monday afternoon at one o'clock conducted by Rev. Peter Jacobs, pastor of the Cambridge Union church. Hymns were sung by the church choir. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends. Just recently Mrs. Presnall while visiting with her children and grandchildren posed for a five generation picture. Interment was in Walnut Grove cemetery.