Mrs. William Hunter ~ 1847-1919

HUNTER, SMITH, BOSTOCK, HUFF, VAN AUKEN, JOLLIFFE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 2/4/2002 at 09:57:52

Mrs. William Hunter

Mary Jane Smith was born in Canada, Dec. 9, 1847, of Scottish parents and passed to her eternal reward on Friday, April 11, 1919, aged 71 years, 4 months and 2 days. She grew to womanhood in Canada. She was united in marriage to William Hunter, Oct. 22, 1868. After her marriage she with her husband came to Van Buren county, Iowa, and lived a short time in the vicinity of Vernon. In Jan., 1870, they moved to the farm where their son Nelson now resides. To this union were born seven children: Iowa E., Nelson, Mrs. O.L. Bostock, Mrs. Everett huff, all residing near Bonaparte; Mrs. Austin Van Auken of near Mt. Sterling and George, who is now located at Rossland, B.C.; also one son who died in infancy. Twenty eight years ago she with her family moved to the place where O.L. Bostock now resides, having lived in this community some 50 years, with the exception of two years spent in Bonaparte. The husband and father preceded her in death, having passed away Dec. 12, 1910.

Her death took place at the home of her daughter Mrs. O.L. Bostock, after a brief illness of one week of pneumonia and complication. Her death has ended a long life of good deeds, and her passing has brought sorrow to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was always ready to help others and seemed most happy when she could make others happy. This trait of character was a part of herself all through life. She united with the Presbyterian church in Bonaparte under the pastorate of Ref. Welch. Recently, when able, she has been an attendant of the services in Story Chapel. She leaves to mourn their loss, the children, seventeen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, also one sister and three brothers: Mrs. Wm. Jolliffe of Avon; Dr. John A. Smith, collector of customs, Windsor; Wm. Smith, Vesschoyle; all of Canada; and Robt. Smith of Montana.

She lived, but she did not live in vain. She is gone but she will not be forgotten. Her children, grandchildren and friends will miss her, oh, so keenly, but she is gone where sorrow, sickness and death can never come. Our loss will be Heaven’s gain.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings