Martha Louisa Smith

SMITH, BURNS, BONNEY, CHAPMAN, LORTON, HUNTER, JACKSON, MARTIN, HARMON

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 3/8/2009 at 11:29:31

Martha Louisa Burns was born in Wilks County, North Carolina, on April 11th, 1847, and died at her home in Bonaparte, Iowa, May 8th, 1917, at the age of 70 years and 27 days.

On her 19th birthday she was united in marriage to Mr. Newton H. Smith of bonaparte, Iowa. To this union seven children were born, six of whom are still living, the 1st one, Julia, having passed away in infancy.

She grew to womanhood in Independence County, Arkansas, then moved near Ottumwa, Iowa during the civil war, staying there until her marriage, then moved to Bonaparte where she spent the remaining part of her life. The husband preceded her in death eleven years, having died on July 3, 1906.

During her twelve month's sickness she was very uncomplaining, possessing the virtue of patience until the end.

She leaves to mourn their loss five daughters and one son, namely:-- Mrs. Ada J. Bonney of Portland, Oregon, the only one unable to be present at the funeral services; Mrs. Eva A. Chapman of Lemmon, S.Dak.; Mrs. Maud H. Lorton of Mt. Sterling, Iowa; Mrs. Mable I. Hunter of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Ethel L. Jackson of Bonaparte, Iowa; and Orin N. Smith of Bertrand, Nebraska; also nine grandchildren, one granddaughter and either grandsons, and two sisters, Mrs. M. L. Martin of Cord, Arkansas, and Mrs. W. I. Harmon of Cushing, Oklahoma.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte on Thursday afternoon, Rev. D. Mason officiating and a choir from the Mt. Sterling Christian church furnishing music. Interment in the Bonaparte cemetery.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook, Bonaparte, Iowa Library