Mrs. Jereta Downs ~ 1850-?

DOWNS, MILLER, CHRISTIAN, MILLER, ELY, HANNAH, STILLWELL

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 1/31/2002 at 11:35:06

Mrs. Jereta Downs

Jereta Miller, daughter of Samuel and Amelia Miller, was born in Hardy county, W. Va., June 27, 1850.

The deceased, with her father and mother, came to Iowa in 1852, and remained here through the winter. Then they went to Appanoose county, Iowa, but left there for California in 1854. In 1858 they returned to Iowa where the deceased resided the remainder of her life.

On Feb. 9, 1870, she was united in marriage with William A. Christian, who passed on May 18, 1876. To this union were born two children: Mary Bell and Rosa Etta. Rosa died at the age of 14 years.

The deceased was again united in marriage with Levi Downs Jan. 17, 1883, who preceded her in death Dec. 13, 1912. To this union were born four children. One son, George, died at the age of three years. Together with Mrs. Mary Miller, who survived her first union, she is survived by the remaining three: Mrs. Lucy Ely, Samuel I. and Mrs. Bessie Hannah.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Rawleigh and Stanley Miller, Mrs. Vera Stillwell, Robert Ely, Jr., Delbert Roger, Dorothy and Jessie Bell Downs. She is also survived by three great grandchildren.

With her husband she united with the Harrisburg Baptist church, during the pastorate of Elder Sutton at the organization of the church. Her funeral was held in this church on Monday afternoon, Rev. D.D. Flanagan officiating.

After coming to this community in 1858, she lived on the homestead, where her parents settled, until 1913, when she moved to Hillsboro. Here she resided until Dec. 23, 1933, when she went with her daughter, Mrs. Bessie Hannah where she was under constant care of her family until her death.

She was well known in this community among the older residents. She lived a peaceful life, being tolerant with the views of others, and living actively and cheerfully until the end.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings