WIRT, Mrs. Emma: 1841-1914

BARRATT, WIRT, DENNING, SPALDING, CARMAN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/30/2013 at 06:02:01

MRS. EMMA BARRATT WIRT.

Emma Belle Barratt was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 28, 1841, and died at her home in Leando, March 14, 1914. She came with her parents to American in 1849, coming direct to St. Louis, Missouri. There, in her early girlhood, she united with the Baptist church, taking an active part in its work until she left St. Louis. July 4, 1864, she married David B. Wirt, who preceded her in death a little less than a year. After residing in St. Louis about two years, they came to Iowa, settling on a farm two miles west of Leando, where they lived until about a year and a half ago, when they moved into Leando. Mrs. Wirt was the mother of nine children, five of whom died in infancy. Those surviving her are William of Fairfield, also Charles Wirt, Mrs. James Denning and Mrs. George Denning, all of the local community. Besides her children there survive two sisters, Mrs. J.H. Spalding, of Douds and Mrs. C.P. Carman, of St. Louis and three grandchildren. During her almost 73 years, Mrs. Wirt was an active woman until about two years ago, when she became ill, since which time she has been almost constantly bedfast. Her neighbors tell of her many deeds of kindness and helpfulness in time of sickness and trouble, and her Bible shows marks of frequent use. This bit of poetry, found among her writings, evidently speaks of her own faith:

"There is no death; what seems so is transition,
They only go to rest as goes the bird and bee,
When the dark river 'round them spread,
They meekly bowed their waiting head,
And laid it on a downy bed,
They only go to rest."

Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon, March 16, with interment in the Leando cemetery.
**Handwritten: 1914

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 209, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA