BROWN, Mrs. Lutitia Alston: 1831-1913

FREEMAN, FIELDS, BROWN, MCDONALD, GREEF

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 5/25/2013 at 14:40:42

Mrs. Lutitia A. Brown

Lutitia Alston Freeman was born in Hamilton, Ohio, June seventh, 1831, and died at her home in Bentonsport November 25th, 1913, being eighty-two years, five months and eighteen days of age at the time of her death.

At the age of seven she removed with her parents from the old home in Ohio and settled on a farm two miles north of the town of Bentonsport. In 1851 Lutitia Freeman was married at Keokuk, Iowa, to William Fields. Mr. Field lived but two years. To this union were born one son, William C. Fields, now of Sandwich, Ill.

In 1857 Lutitia Fields was married again, to Noah G. Brown, of Bentonsport. Mr. Brown departed this life August 19, 1903. To this union there were born four children, Cora Lutitia McDonald, now of this plac; Harriet Rachel Greef, now of Los Angeles, California; and Elbert Noah, of Baltimore, Maryland, one child, James died in infancy.

Only William Fields and Mrs. McDonald are here today, the others being too far away to attend their mother's funeral.

Besides the four children, there are left to mourn their loss, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Brown united with the Presbyterian church in Bentonsport at the first communion service after the building was finished and dedicated. She was, her whole life through, a very faithful attendant and earnest worker in all things connected with this church. In its Sunday school she was a faithful teacher for many years. From its infancy the Ladies' Aid Society repeatedly chose Mrs. Brown for president. She was always in her pew at all regular church services and prayer meetings, just as long as her health and strength permitted her to go to the church, and after that she used to say when she would hear the bell ringing, "I wish I was able to go to the church today."

Mrs. Brown was the last of a family of five brothers and three sisters. In her death a truly good woman has been taken away, a woman who will be missed in her home, in the church, and in the community. Blessed, thrice blessed be her reward!

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon in charge of Rev. Wm. McCoy of Centerville who also sang a beautiful solo, "Face to Face." He had been selected by the deceased about five years ago. Many friends were present from Keosauqua, Bonaparte, and Harrisburg. The floral offerings were unusually beautiful.

Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Burton of St. Louis and Mrs. Wm. Sinton of Keosauqua were present.

The pallbearers were Wm. Bostock, Robt. McDonald, Brown Moore, W.B. Tade, Arthur Greef, and Brown McDonald, the last three being grandsons. xxx

We desire to thank the neighbors and friends for their kindness during the long illness of our mother and in our bereavement.

Cora L. McDonald
Wm. C. Fields
Hattie R. Greef
E.N. Brown

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 86, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA