PERKINS, Mrs. Luella: 1856-1942

PERKINS, MEREDITH, HORNBAKER, NEALLY, WHITLOCK

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/17/2014 at 08:03:09

Mrs. Luella Perkins
**Handwritten: Neighbor of F. Cummings

Luella Meredith, daughter of Jesse Stanley and Mary Hornbaker Meredith, was born in the Meredith homestead, two and a half miles southwest of Bonaparte, Nov. 24, 1856, and passed away at the Jefferson county hospital in Fairfield, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1942, aged 85 years, 8 months and 2 days. She had suffered a broken hip in a fall at her home Tuesday evening, three days before her death.

Ella, as she was always called, grew to womanhood on the home farm, attended school at Vernon, and on Sept. 19, 1876, was united in marriage with James Corwin Perkins. To this union were born one son and one daughter: Shirley Wayne Perkins who departed this life Jan. 2, 1904 and Mrs. Gertrude Neally, who passed away Dec. 15, 1932. The husband and father departed this life Sept. 28, 1934. She spent her entire life in this vicinity, living on a farm south of town until 1933, when she and her husband and son-in-law moved to Bonaparte.

Mrs. Perkins' father, Jesse Meredith, was a veteran of the Civil war being a member of Co. I, 19th Iowa Infantry, and served from 1862 to 1865. She was one of three children. Her sister, Mrs. Bertha Whitlock, is the only one remaining. Their brother, George Meredith, departed this life Dec. 6, 1941.

Early in life she united with the Methodist church, and remained throughout her lifetime, a faithful member. She also belonged to the Royal Neighbors of America. She was a ever a lover of home and family and a kind and helpful neighbor. Her many nieces and nephews and other near relatives and friends will sadly miss "Aunt Ella." Bereft of her husband and children, the support of her declining years has been her daughter's husband, Elmer Neally, who has indeed been a son to her. He, with the sister, are the immediate family who are left to mourn.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Bonaparte Methodist church.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, Page 108