BARKER, Martha M.: 1852-1911

VAN EMAN, BARKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 6/6/2013 at 14:21:59

Martha M. Van Eman was born at Louisiana, Mo., Dec. 31, 1852. She departed this life at the home of her husband Arnold C. Barker, at Mt. Zion, Dec. 23, 1911. The length of her earthly pilgrimage was a little less than three score years-59 years and 20 days.

Her father was the Rev. Geo. Van Eman, who served the Mt. Zion Presbyterian church as pastor from 1868 to 1875, and her life became identified with this community at that time. On February 22nd, 1871, she was united in marriage to Arnold C. Barker and this most worthy couple have been constant ever since. She was the mother of eight children, viz, George V., John H., Maude, Nellie, W. Russell, Josephine, A.C., and Chester P., all of whom, save John and Nellie, live to mourn her departure.

Her last sickness was of more than three months duration and during it all she was cheery, hopeful and patient, making a plucky fight for life, not so much that she cared to live, but for the sake of her husband she desired to remain that her presence might banish the inevitable loneliness that must come with her going-on before. It was a source of much joy to her in her final days that she had such a good long visit with her daughter, Maude and family of California last Aug.; and doubtless in that California home there is great comfort this day through many tears that this last visit to mother was undertaken.

But there are many others who will miss "Aunt Matt." Thought a quiet woman, she had won for herself a large place in the hearts of the people of this community, who, should they speak, would only give forth words of praise for many deeds of kindness and gentle ministrations of love. During all these years there has gone out from her a sweet fragrance of the June time rose and its perfume must abice for good among those who have appreciated her worth.

Mrs. Barker was a member of the Mt. Zion Presbyterian church all her adult life. To say that she was a consistent member is to voice the unanimous judgment of all who knew her. She was a devoted beliver in the bible and the child of Bethlehem, whose natal day we have just observed. She, like Paul, knew in whom she believed and was presuaded that he was able to keep that which she had committed unto him against that day.

Funeral services were held at the Mt. Zion Presbyterian church on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 11 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. J.F. Hinkhouse of Fairfield, who is temporarily supplying this church in connection with Bonaparte. Burial was at Miller Chapel. The day was exceedingly stormy but a large concourse of people was in attendance.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 96, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA