LINSLEY, Anna B.: Died 1916

LINSLEY, BONNEY, STIDGER, BALDWIN, WALKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/16/2017 at 10:04:56

Mrs. Anna B. Linsley

Anna Bonney, daughter of Josiah H. and Orpha F. Bonney, was born March 21, 1847, and died Wednesday, August 23, 1916, at the age of 69 years, 5 months and 2 days. Her death occurred in the home of her childhood. In the same room where she died, she had parted from her father, mother, her only brother Hinman, and her two sisters, Mrs. Mary Stidger and Mrs. Arma Baldwin, whom she has now rejoined. In this house, with the exception of a few years, she spent her girlhood and young womanhood. On October 25, 1876, she was married to Lucius O. Linsley. For a few years, they lived in Ellsworth, Kansas, then in Jerseyville, Ill., until 1897, when they came once more to Keosauqua, where the family has ever since resided. Three children came to make them happy, Ralph Bonney, now living in Great Falls, Montana; Clarence Hinman in Hays, Montana, and Lucia Estelle in Keosauqua. Besides these, are two little grandchildren dearly loved by her although she had never seen them, Albert Owen and Edwin Clarke, sons of Ralph Linsley. In 1906, Mr. Linsley died after years of ill health which had its origin in typhoid-pneumonia, contracted in the civil war. Through his long sickness, as through her own, she was always cheerful, always hopeful, always brave. Nearly (four) years ago, Mrs. Linsley was stricken with Bright's disease and became a helpless invalid, though not often a great sufferer. During these four years she has been in her childhood home, tenderly cared for by her two sisters, Miss Orpha Bonney and Mrs. W.M. Walker, and her daughter Lucia. Many people bear pain unflinchingly, but few are they who face helplessness and prolonged inactivity with such rare patience and sweet bravery. None can doubt that her happy and uncomplaining disposition was an important factor in prolonging her life. Her eager interest in all that related to her family and friends never ceased, and when difficulty of verbal expression prevented her talking, the joy in her face at sight of a friend was eloquent conversation. Throughout her sickness, reading first the morning Bible chapter, then the newspapers, books and magazines, has been her one pastime, while the presence of her daughter and the almost daily letters from two sons have been her greatest happiness. When a young girl, she gave her heart to God and joined the Methodist church, and often in the last year she expressed the wish that she might be present at church, or be active in work, but we know that "They also serve who only stand and wait." The brief services at the house were conducted by her pastor Rev. J.C. Behrens, and the burial was in the family lot at Oaklawn cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 68, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA