Ava Z. (Bellmore) Franklin (1846-1928)

BELLMORE, FRANKLIN, KENDIG, YOUNG, COUCH, DENSMORE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/17/2024 at 13:20:14

From Story City Herald November 15, 1928 (page 3)

PIONEER LADY SAW PROGRESSIVE AGE

Mrs. Ava Franklin Lived from Ox Team Age to the Day of Aeroplane

Ava Z. Belmore was born at Laporte, Ind., May 7, 1846, and departed this life at Story City, Ia., Oct. 30, 1928, at the age of 82 years, 5 months, 23 days. Her father was a Methodist minister.

At the age of 5 she moved with her parents to Jasper county, Ia., making the trip by ox team. It was during this journey that she saw her first railway train, and the impression on her young mind was so great that she never forgot it. Practically all her life was spent in Jasper county, excepting those first 5 years, a few years of early married life spent in Michigan and about 9 year at the close spent in Story City.

On Dec. 3, 1864, at Newton, she was united in marriage to Benjamin Franklin. To this union were born 6 boys and 5 girls, two of whom preceded their mother in death: Rosa Leah in infancy and Mrs. Fannie Kendig at the age of 42. Those left to mourn her loss are John, James, Andrew and Mrs. Jane Young of Des Moines, Mrs. Lily Belle Couch of Aberdeen, S. D.; Benjamin of Cambridge; Guy of Ames, William of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. Lura Densmore of Story City. Also there are living 17 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchildren, while 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild preceded her in death.

Mrs. Franklin was the only surviving widow of a Mexican war veteran in Iowa. Her husband preceded her in death in 1890, but she held the family together until all were grown. The last 8 years of her life were lived with her daughter, Mrs. Lura Densmore, seven years of this time being spent as an invalid, attended with great suffering.

Hers was the life of a pioneer, with the hardships and dangers attendant thereto. And hers was the privilege of passing all the way from ox team age to the radio and aeroplane age and of seeing these great and wonderful changes. Her spirit was shown in that though bereft of an education in early life, she learned to read and write at 65 years of age taking great pleasure in the accomplishment.

In youth she united with the M.E. church, remaining a member thereof until her death. Among her last words were those giving clear testimony of her faith that she was ready and anxious to go to her heavenly home, and we are sure that she is far happier in her new experience than in her pain wracked body.

Interment was made at the Ashton chapel cemetery in Jasper county, where she was carried to her last resting place by her six sons. Services were held at the home of Story city at 10:30 a.m., and at the Ashton chapel at 2:30, with Rev. C. L. Fuller in charge.