Mrs. M.P. Wolford ~ 1854-1930

WOLFORD, METCALF, DEHART, MADDEN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 1/31/2002 at 10:26:41

Mary Metcalf, daughter of James and Martha Metcalf, was born at Dale, Ind., Jan. 14, 1854, and departed this in Keosauqua Dec. 15, 1930, aged 76 years and 11 months.

Her father, James Metcalf enlisted in Co. K, 22nd Indiana Regiment and served in the Civil War under Gen. Roscencrans. He died April 14, 1865, the day before the assassination of President Lincoln.

She moved with her mother and family to Delevan, Ill., December, 1860, where she was united in marriage to M.P.Wolford. To this union two children were born, Iona DeHart, now deceased, and F.M. Wolford of Des Moines. Her mother died Sept. 30, 1872.

She united with the Presbyterian church at Green Valley, Ill., in 1876. In 1890, she with her family, moved to a farm near Keosauqua where she resided until 1904 when she and her husband moved to Keosauqua. She transferred her membership from the Presbyterian church at Green Valley to the Methodist church at Center Chapel, and later to the Methodist church at Keosauqua.

Mrs. Wolford was instrumental in organizing the Womans Improvement Society of which she was president for 17 years, and the community building stands as a monument to her life. Her interest was not in self, but for others and like the Master, gave herself in willing service.

She is survived by her husband, son, F.M. Wolford, and sister, Mrs. Phoebe Madden; three grandsons, Dwight and Delmar DeHart and Eldred Wolford; three Great-grandchildren, Blaine and Joe DeHart and Shirley Wolford and a host of neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Keosauqua Methodist church Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17, at 2:00 o’clock in charge of the pastor, Rev. M.E. Hayes. Sermon by Rev. M.D. Cox, her former pastor. Burial at Center Chapel.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings