Rachel (Smith) Groves 1835-1915

SMITH, GROVES, LUKE, WISE, GIBSON, MCKEE, KELLER, ROBERTS, SMITH, EARHART

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/12/2002 at 02:49:14

Note: Part of left margin of this obit was cut off.

OBITUARY

Rachel, daughter of Jacob and [Ja]ne Smith, was born near Danville, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1, 1835, and passed to her heavenly home May 23, [19]15, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 22 days. When three years old, she came with her parents to Van Buren Co., Iowa, which, with the exception of a few years has since been her home.

She was married May 1, 1855 to T. [?] Groves, of near Milton, Iowa. To them were born ten children. Frank[lin?, who died June 14, 1875, J.W. of [?]ood Lake, Nebraska, Mrs. Ida Luke, of Johnstown, Nebraska, C.N. and Mrs. Jane Wise, of Milton, Iowa, Mrs. [?]ce Gibson and Mrs. Amanda McKee near Troy, William who is in the U.S. navy and George and Robert who with the mother and father re[main]ed at the old home.

She is survived by thirty-six grandchildren and seven great grand-children. She is also survived by her sisters, Mrs. Margaret Keller, of Keosauqua, Iowa, Mrs. Amanda [Ro?]berts, of Liberty, Nebraska, Mrs. [Ly?]dia Smith, of Arbela, Mo., and Mrs. [Ch]rystiann Earhart of Cantril, Iowa. Mrs. Groves was one of the early pioneers of Iowa. She suffered the [pri]vations and hardships which are common in pioneer life. It is through the combined efforts and sacrifices of these brave pioneers that the later generations are able to enjoy the luxuries and comforts which are theirs today.

Mother Groves was a good, kind woman. In sickness she was ever ready to lend a helping hand. Among her relatives, friends and neighbors she was regarded as a ministering [an]gel, some one on whom they could always depend in time of need. Too much cannot be said of her good neighborly deeds. She has a host of devoted friends who will always remember her kind services to them, and who deeply mourn her loss.

Mrs. Groves was raised in the Methodist Protestant Church, but united in 1880 with the Christian Church, [?] which she has been a faithful and consistent member. Truly it may be said of her, "She hath done what she could," and for her faithful service, she has gone, at the Masters call to receive her reward.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 67 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in January 2000. Name and date of newspaper not given.)

I am NOT related to this person and am posting it for those who may find him/her in their family tree.

[Original Post 03 Feb 2000]