Margaret Ellen Cresap

CRESAP, BRADFORD, STEBBINS, MOORE, RATLIFF

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 2/24/2009 at 16:48:25

The funeral services of Bonaparte's oldest resident were held on Saturday afternoon at the residence which had for so many years been her home. Rev. F.M. James of Keosauqua, a former pastor of the Bonaparte Methodist church, was the officiating minister. Mr. And Mrs. Leslie Watts were the singers, and Mrs. Philip Whitely, pianist. Interment was in Bonaparte cemetery.

Margaret Ellen Bradford was born near Peaksville, Mo., Feb. 1, 1846 and passed away at her home in Bonaparte on Jan. 14th, 1937, at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 16 days. Her mother died when she was six months old and she was reared by her aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Roger N. Cresap, who took her into their home as their own daughter. Mrs. Cresap has been a resident of Bonaparte since that time, ninety years ago.

On Jan. 22, 1865, at the age of eighteen, she was united in marriage with John Hanson Cresap, who preceded her in death Sept. 4, 1909. To this union five daughters were born, three of whom died in early childhood. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Berenice Stebbins and Mrs. Medora T. Moore, both of Bonaparte, also five grandchildren, of whom she was especially fond, viz: Mrs. Louise Ratliff of Mt. Pleasant, Miss Marjorie Stebbins of St. Louis, Charles Cresap Stebbins, Brown Moore and John H. Moore of Bonaparte; also one great grandchild, Mary Ellen Ratliff of Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Cresap will be remembered by her many friends for her generosity and kindness. She possessed a great love for her country and for her community. As her husband had done before her, so she was also anxious to help in any way for the good of her country, her church and her community.

During the latter years of her long and useful life, she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Moore.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook