Abigail P. (Flint) Barber Meek 1822-1892

FLINT, BARBER, MEEK, SANDERS, LEACH, FOSTER, KINNEY

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/1/2001 at 12:43:22

Rest Thee in Peace!

Abigail P. Flint was born in Pottsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, October 24th, 1822. There she grew to womanhood; and in the summer of 1847 came with her father's family to Iowa and settled at Albia, in Monroe county. There she was married to Dudley C. Barber, on the 21st day of March, 1848. To them were born three children, one daughter and two sons, the daughter dying in infancy. And on November 14th, 1851, her husband died in Monroe county. She came to Bonaparte with her two children, in June, 1853. On October 12th, 1856, she was married to Robert Meek, and to them were born four children, one daughter and three sons. The daughter, Alma Ida, died at the age of 5 years, 9 months and 4 days. Robert Meek died September 4th, 1885. Since then she has made her home with her son, L. C. Meek, at the old homestead in Bonaparte. In early life she embraced the Christian religion and united with the people called New Lights and remained a member of that church until after her removal to Bonaparte. She then united with the Baptist church of this place, and remained a member until her death. She departed this life on Friday, April 22d, 1892, at 4:40 a.m. She leaves to mourn their loss, five children: Geo. W. Barber, of Selma, Io.; D. C. Barber, of Denver, Ill.; L. C. and R. E. Meek, of Bonaparte, and O. L. Meek, of Des Moines,Iowa; and ten grand-children. Also five step-children, Mrs. E. A. Sanders of Bonaparte; Mrs. S. J. Leach, of Milton; Mrs. A. P. Foster, of Cantril; and William and R. F. Meek, who live in the west. One member of her father's family survives her, Mrs. Kinney, of New York. She has been an exemplary christian, an affectionate companion and a loving mother. As a proof of her devoted, affectionate disposition, she has during life, had the care of the children of four different families as it were, most of whom have grown to honored manhood and womanhood.
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While sitting at the breakfast table Sunday morning, April 17th, she was taken with a sinking spell, and in spite of the best medical skill she gradually sank away from earth, although conscious to the last, and bidding those around her bedside farewell.

The funeral services took place at the spacious mansion of the deceased at 2 o'clock p.m., Rev. D. McMasters assisted by Rev. Lee conducting the services, which commenced with the choir singing an Anthem. Rev. Lee read the 36th pslam [sic] and offered an earnest prayer. The choir sang, "Gathering homeward one by one." Rev. McMasters then read a short sketch of the life of the deceased and then preached an eloquent discourse from the 36th Pslam [sic], 5th to 11th verses inclusive. The choir sang, "Nearer my God to thee," when three hundred people passed through the room and gazed for the last time upon the earthly remains of the departed mother and friend. The procession then proceeded to the home of the dead, when gathering around the open sepulchre, the loved one was lowered into her last earthly home, beside her beloved companion, Robert Meek. "Earth to earth, dust to dust." The choir then sang, "It is well with my soul." Rev. Lee thanked the people for their presence and kindness, and pronounced the benediction.

The pall bearers were A. McDonald, Geo. W. Brown, Phil Eich, H. Humphryes, R. G. Rees, John Fry, W. Cates, C.C. Steadman. The casket was metalic and magnificent design, being mounted with gold trimmings. The grave was lined with white, and evergreen partially filled the space above the box containing the casket. Two hundred and thirty-four people were seated in the house. About fifty relatives were present. There were several floral emblems, among them a beautiful pillow inscribed with "At Rest," in blue flowers. The carriages of Farmington were called into requisition, for the relatives, and a number of people were present from that town. Geo. Fahr and Raymond Blackford assisted Undertaker Demple as ushers.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 35 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in November 1999. Name and date of newspaper not given; however the heading "SUPPLEMENT" is at the top of this page.) ORIGINAL POST 15 Nov 1999.

2nd Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA