Mary Ramsey Watts 1815-1901

RAMSEY, WATTS, BISSIT, SHIPLEY, MILLER, BOYER, STURDIVANT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/10/2008 at 07:21:14

MARY RAMSEY WATTS.
Married in Scotland 65 years ago.

Mary RAMSEY was born in Dundee, Scotland, August 1, 1815. There she grew to womanhood and on August 9, 1836, at the age of 21 was married to Isaac WATTS. Four years later they removed to England and in 1844 emigrated to the United States, landing in the city of New York where they resided for six months. Their next home was in Cincinnati, where they lived nearly eleven years. In the spring of 1855 they came to Iowa, locating on a farm two miles southwest of Bonaparte. Since 1878 until the time of her death, Mrs. Watts has resided in Bonaparte. Mrs. Watts was the mother of nine children, five daughters and four sons. Mrs. Catherine Bissit of Wilmington, N. C., Robert WATTS of Hillsboro, Mrs. Mary Shipley, Mrs. Ella Miller and Mrs. Janette Boyer of Bonaparte, and Mrs. Agnes Sturdivant of Farmington remain to mourn the loss of a mother. Isaac, Richard and Peter, and her husband, Isaac WATTS preceded her to the better world. All the children were present with the exception of Mrs. Catherine Bissitt who was absent on account of sickness. Two of the children were born in Scotland, two in England, one in N. Y., three in Cincinnati, and one in Iowa. There are also twenty two grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mrs. Watts lived for her family and her home. She possessed the qualities of industry, integrity and devotion to her family and to her God. It is to just such mothers that our country owes its high standard of citizenship. To her, home was the dearest place on earth, and there she reigned by the power of love. She had a strong constitution and lived a long active life. Early in life she united with the Scotch Presbyterian church, and was a member of the Presbyterian church in Bonaparte for years. During her last days she spent much of her time reading the bible and quietly waiting for her summons. It came Monday, Nov. 4, at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 3 days. She had been well as usual and had lain down seemingly to rest but it was soon discovered to be her last sleep. The funeral occurred Wednesday from the M. E. Church, Rev. Duty delivering the address. Beautiful floral offerings were the tokens of affection and high reward in which she was held by her family and friends.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.