Mary Ann Sanvel Reneker 1824-1925

RENEKER, SANVEL, EPLY

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 4/8/2003 at 04:55:28

MRS. MARY ANN RENEKER'S LIFE BROUGHT TO CLOSE FRIDAY, SEPT. 11
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The death of Mrs. Mary Ann Reneker last Friday at the home of her son, Dallas Reneker, between Kilbourne and Douds, marked the passing of Van Buren county's oldest citizen in point of years; one of the longest time residents of the county, and certainly one of the real pioneers of the county--meaning by pioneers, those who were residents of the county and had reached their majority prior to 1850.

Mrs. Reneker was almost 101 years old, and had been a continuous resident of this county since she came here with her husband in 1849, when they settled on a piece of land near Kilbourne and carved a home and farm out of the wilderness. Her husband, the late Daniel Reneker, died four years ago at the age of 99 years. The span of her life marked the greatest advancement in all the arts of civilization ever recorded in a length of time in the history of the world.

The death of Mrs. Reneker was the passing of the second centennrian [sic] of the county within the past year, Mrs. Margaret Beatty of Keosauqua, having died last spring at an age of a little over 100 years.

Mary Ann Sanvel, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Eply Sanvel, was born in Adams county, Penn., Oct. 13th, 1824, and departed this life Sept. 11th, 1925, aged 100 years, 10 months and 28 days.

She was the last of a family of 13 children. She came with her parents to Ohio when four years of age and there grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Daniel Reneker Oct. 22nd, 1846, at New Rumley, Ohio. To this union were born five children, one daughter, who died in infancy, and four sons, Jacob, Joshua and Dallas of near Douds and Dr. George of Falls City, Neb. Her husband preceded her in death more than four years ago at the age of 99 years. They came to Iowa in 1849 and settled on a farm northwest of Kilbourne, on which she continuously resided until nearly two years ago, when helpless and afflicted, she was moved to the home of her son, Dallas, where she was cared for until she went to be with her Savior.

At the age of 18 years she united with the Lutheran church and later became a charter member of the Zion Lutheran church near Douds. She was faithful until death.

Some day we hope to meet again,
On Heaven's blissful shore,
Where free from toil and pain,
And all our suffering o'er.

Services were held at the Zion Lutheran church in charge of Rev. J. C. Austin, assisted by Leslie Cox. Interment in the Zion Lutheran cemetery in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pedrick.

(Photocopy of this obit found on page 179 of Obit Book "A" of the Van Buren County Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Jan 2001. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

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

[Original post 23 Jan 2001]