Rachel Webb Nixon

WEBB, NIXON, LYTLE, SWEENEY, WHERRY, PRATT, DUNN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/7/2003 at 13:25:52

“Our Grandma” Rachel Webb Nixon

(In memory of the late Mrs. Samuel Ray Nixon of Utica, by her granddaughter Ray Nixon Lytle).

She, being dead, yet speaketh. No, not dead – she still lives in God. Her body sleeps, but the mother heart, the chirstian spirit, the self, lives now and forevermore in the upper room of our Father’s house, where she is basking in the smile of the Savior’s “Well done, good and faithful servant”, and also meeting with those gone before. Many women are great in their own homes, and to their own children. Our grandma was a mother to her grandchildren as well, as half dozen of us can testify; and we hope that we may exemplify in our lives that noble chirstian character that taught us: Seek first the kingdom of God. Do right under all circumstances, and if you cannot speak well of your friend, speak not at all. Our grandma was an ideal in her married life. No discord was ever heard in the home and she fulfilled to a very high degree the true life. She was also Dorcus like, “fall of good deeds not only to her own household but to those of the household of faith”, no difference as to creed or doctrine, her hands were always ready to minister to their needs – the guest chamber always in order. Our grandmas greatest example was evenness of temper, never angry, never hysterical or in a panic – in joy or sorrow always well balanced, taking a common-sense view of the situation exemplifying Paul’s philosophy: “let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the fear of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

[date handwritten at bottom “3-13-13”
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Mrs. Samuel Nixon

Mrs. Samuel Nixon, one of the good wives and mothers who have blessed this earth, died at her home near Utica, Van Buren county, Iowa, March 14, 1913, lacking only one month of being 92 years of age. She was born in Pennsylvania and came with her husband to Van Buren Co., in 1848, settling on the farm near Utica which was ever afterwards her home. The funeral was held March 16, from the Baptist church in Utica, the services being in charge of Rev. Carroll of Hillsboro, assisted by Rev. Bishop of the M.E. church. The burial was by he side of her husband in the Dibble cemetery. Following is the obituary read by Rev. Carroll a the funeral address:

“Rachel (Webb) Nixon, daughter of Moses Webb and Maria (Sweeney) Webb, was born April 15, 1821. She was buried with her Lord in christian baptism at the age of 15 and lived a consistent chirstian life to the end. March 25, 1841, she was joined in marriage to Samuel Nixon, who passed on before, April 5, 1905. Then children were born to them; Jacob, Maria Wherry, Emily J. Dunn, Harriet A. Pratt, George, Moses, Alonzo, Ezra H., Anna and Julius G. Maria Wherry, Harriet A. Pratt and Anna have gone before, awaiting her coming to welcome mother to the spirit land. She departed to meet those gone before March 14, 1913, aged 91 yrs, and 11 months.”

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA