Mary A. Hornbaker ~ 1843-1919

HORNBAKER, BATCHELOR, WATTS, ROBINSON, REITH, WILSON, SIMMONS, PERKINS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 2/4/2002 at 09:32:25

Mrs. Mary A. Hornbaker

On January 4, 1919, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Watts, at Ft. Collins, Colorado, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary A. Hornbaker, aged 75 years, 4 months and 20 days.

The deceased, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Batchelor, was born at Newcastle, England, August 14, 1843. When about six weeks old she came with her parents to the United States, living in New York City until 1851, when they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1852 they came to Iowa locating on what is known as the George Batchelor farm southwest of Bonaparte.

On March 14, 1867, she was united in marriage with David R. Hornbaker, (who preceded her in death Feb. 17, 1892). To this union were born ten children, three of whom, Willie H., Benjamin Franklin and James G. have passed to the Great Beyond. There remains to mourn her demise, two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Watts, of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Mrs. Chas. C. Robinson, of Ault, Colorado; five sons, John R., of Mt. Sterling, D.R., C.M., J.M., of Bonaparte and Harry H., of Camp Bowie, Ft. Worth, Texas; three sisters, Mrs. J.W. Reith and Mrs. L.E. Wilson, of Astoria, Oregon and Mrs. Agnes Simmons of Bonaparte, one brother, James W. Batchelor of Bonaparte; 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Hornbaker was converted in a meeting held by Rev. Wilkins at Story Chapel, some ten years ago. On November 10, 1910, she united with the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte, where she remained a faithful member until her death.

She resided on a farm two and one half miles southwest of town until November 1908. She spent the following winter in Oregon coming to Bonaparte in the Spring of 1909, where she since made her home, with the exception of a year which she spent with her grand-daughter, Mrs. Harley Perkins, in Farmington, Iowa. In October of last year, she went to Colorado to visit her daughters and spend the winter. On November 26th while at the home of Mrs. Watts, she fell injuring her hip severely; however, within three weeks she had so far recovered as to be able to sit in a chair, but on December 29th, complications set in, resulting in her death.

Her friends were numbered by her acquaintances, and when the sad news of her passing away was flashed over the wire, all that knew her mourned, she being of a generous, helpful nature, those who appealed to her for aid in time of trouble or sorrow, never appealed in vain.

She never faltered in what she considered her line of duty, but went bravely forward, enduring every trial and hardship with marvelous fortitude. Now her work on earth is done and she has fallen asleep in Jesus.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte on Wednesday, Rev. Coppoc officiating. Interment in the Thompson cemetery beside the grave of her husband.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings