Lydia Hoskin Higgins 1861-1944

HOSKIN, HIGGINS, BAIRD, BARR, BOYD, MORT

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 3/8/2012 at 10:04:05

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 287, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA
Mrs. A.G. Higgins

Lydia Leanna Hoskin, daughter of Isaac and Ruth Hoskin was born in Noble county, Ohio, June 2, 1861, and departed this life, January 15, 1944, at her home in Milton having attained the age of 82 years, 7 months and 13 days. When but five years old, she came with her parents and brothers and sisters from Ohio to Iowa, the trip being made in a covered wagon. The family settled in South Prairie community. She received her early education in the rural schools of Iowa and Missouri and later attended the high school at Milton, where she fitted herself for teaching. After teaching for several years in the rural schools about Milton, she went to northwest Iowa, and while teaching there, met Albert G. Higgins whom she married, Nov. 4, 1891. They settled on a farm near Schaller, Iowa, and there their two children were born, Ruth, who passed away at the age of 7 months and Hazel, the wife of Clay Baird.

Anna, as she was called, at the age of 12 years joined the Methodist Protestant church of which her parents, were faithful members. Later while living at Schaller she transferred her membership to the Grace Methodist church. As long as her health permitted she was an active member and seldom missed the Sabbath School or the worship services of the church; was a faithful worker in all the societies of the church. She was, also, an active worker in the W.C.T. U. as long as there was a society in Milton.

Mrs. Higgins was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away January 27, 1933, her daughter, Ruth, her father, mother, seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Hazel, and her niece, Helen Barr Boyd, who was loved as a daughter, and grew to womanhood in the Higgins home; and sister, Ida Barr of Sac City, Iowa, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Louella Mort of Milton and a large number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Surviving also is her son-in-law, Clay Baird, who so devotedly helped with her care during the last illness, Helen’s husband, Clarence Boyd, and their children, Junior, Russell, Charles, Julia Ann, Robert, Clay and Frederick whom Mrs. Higgins loved as only a grandmother could.

She was a devoted wife and mother, a true friend and a good neighbor. Hers was a life of service for others, as she was never too busy to do something for someone else. She will be missed among us, but her simplicity, sterling character, and fidelity to all that is ‘good and noble’ in life will long be remembered by those who know her.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Milton, Tuesday, January 18th in charge of Rev. J.C. Behrens, pastor, assisted by Rev. Ira Parker of the Nazarene church. John Holland sang “Sometime I’ll Understand” and “Goodnight Here Is Goodmorning Up There” accompanied by Mrs. W. D. Sherwood.

Casket bearers were Belmar Slater, Paul McBratney, Sam Evans, Marion Roberts, O.E. Rowland, E.J. Andrews and the body was laid to rest in the Sunnyside cemetery beside her husband.