Josephine Spurrier Pitney

SPURRIER, PITNEY, COFFIN, KENNEDY, FOLKER, GASTON, HARNESS

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 11/1/2011 at 09:26:49

Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 270, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Mrs. Josephine Spurrier Pitney died at her Clark County home Monday, July 12, following a six weeks acute illness.

Mrs. Pitney was the daughter of Chas. and Mary Spurrier, and was born at Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1849. The family moved to what is now the Walter Coffin farm, and kept a tavern until they moved to Davis county, near Pulaski, where the father bought about 500 acres of land, Thomas, James and Matthew Kennedy and the latter’s family stopped with the Spurrier family at Pulaski, in ’64, when the Kennedys were on their way to California.

About 1865, the family returned to Clark county and lived at the Kennedy place along the Fox river. It was here that the girl Josephine grew to womanhood. The family was devoted to the Union cause and after the war Josephine and her sister, Sarah, made a hit singing patriotic songs. A few old timers still remember that they sung[sic] at a July 4 celebration held in Folker’s pasture.

She was married to Aaron Pitney Sept. 7, 1871. He preceded her in death Sept. 14, 1890.

To Mr. and Mrs. Pitney four children were born, of whom three survive, James W. of Mt. Sterling, Mrs. Ida Gaston and Charles A. of Farmington, Eldon died in infancy. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Russell and Helen Pitney and Thad Gaston.

Mrs. Pitney was married to John Harness April 26, 1899, and she then resided at Mt. Sterling until 1923, when they separated, and Mrs. Harness returned to the old family farm home near Acasto,. Here she lived until her death.

In her girlhood days she united with the M. E. church and was one of the stewards of the church who raised the money to build the Acasto church. She served as a steward so long as the regular organization was maintained. Her home was the stopping place for Methodist pastors and ministers.

She was the last of her father’s family, although nephews and nieces now reside in California.

Mrs. Pitney’s illness only covered a period of two months. She realized her growing weakness and expressed her willingness to go to her heavenly home, saying “all that loving hands can do has been done.”

Funeral services were held at the Accasto church Wednesday of last week in charge of Rev. W.A. Samp.
Four grandchildren, with Harley Green and Vera Hufford, three boys… (Note: The rest of the obituary was cut off.)