Mary Stowell Mallett 1819-1908

STOWELL, MALLETT, BRENNAN, GILLY

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/13/2014 at 08:58:55

Mary Stowell Mallett.

Grandma Mallett departed this life Sunday, May 24, 1908. Had she lived until the 31st of next October she would completed her 89 year. Her life has extended over a period of vital interest to this country, and her memory carried her back over many a historical event. She was an interesting talker, being able to repeat stories of revolutionary times that had been told knew her mother and grandfather. Her mother with other of the soldier's wives, were shut in at Valley Forge during that famous winter. The women knit socks and sewed for the men, and once, when the supply of water was exhausted and the British were within firing distance, the women dressed in white, and with buckets in their hands, left the fort, walked several hundred yards, and returned with their buckets filled, unmolested by the British. Mrs. Mallett had been blind and partially death for 18 years, but nothing pleased her than better than to have an appreciative listener, to whom she would repeat stories of long ago.

Mary Stowell was born in Broom County, New York, Oct. 31, 1891 [sic 1819], being one of ten children belonging to Aaron and Jerusia Stowell. These children have all been noted for their longevity, five of them living until nearly or past ninety. One brother John D Stowell and one sister, Lavina Gilly of Kinderbook, are still living.

The mother died when Mary was twelve years old, and the family moved west in 1833, settling at Quincy, Ill., then a new town. Her father hauled the brick to build the first M. E. church in Quincy. She was married to Libeus Mallett July 7, 1838, and their first home was near Parson, Ill. The effort afterwards moved to Ft. Madison, then to the farm north of Bonaparte that was the Mallett home until a few years ago. Her husband died in 1855. She was afterwards married to Muriel Brennan, and moved to Kansas. One son, John Brennan, was born to this union. He died in 1902. Her second husband lived only three years after they were married, so she moved back to the farm near town. Of her children, Sarah died at the age of two years. Nelson Mallett died in Trenton, Mo., about 11 years ago. Two survive her. John D of Wicks, Montana, and Mrs. Frances Chase, who has lived with her mother and taken care of her through all the years of her partial helplessness. Two grandchildren, Vera Chase and Elgin Mallett, also survive.

Mrs. Mallett was converted at the age of thirteen years and united with the Methodist church, and her faith remained undimmed throughout her long life.

Her last illness extended over a period of nineteen weeks, through which she has had the constant care of her daughter.

The funeral was held Tuesday at 2 P.M., from the Methodist church, Rev. Kemp having charge. Her brother, John D. Stowell of Missouri, was here for the funeral.

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA