BARNETT, Maria (1803-1894)

BARNETT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/18/2020 at 21:46:22

Maria Barnett
(Aug 11, 1803 – Nov 21, 1894)

Mrs. Maria Barnett died last Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. P. P. Henderson in her 92nd year. She was, we believe, the oldest person in Warren County and had retained her faculties to the last. Of no distemper, of no blast she died. But like the autumn fruit that mellowed long, even wondered at because she fell no sooner. The funeral services were held at the Henderson home at 1:30 Sabbath p.m. and were largely attended for Grandma Barnett had a large circle of warm friends.
Maria Barnett was born in New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, Aug. 11th, 1803. She was raised and educated in the Lutheran church, but in early life joined the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1826 she married James Barnett. In 1843 she with her husband moved to West Virginia and in the fall of 1855 they moved to Warren County, Iowa, where she lived until her death November 21st, at 12 p.m. Her husband died Jan 2, 1874. Maria Barnett lived from her early life to her death a devoted Christian. While she lived in the newly settled portion of West Virginia her house was the home of the itinerant ministers and for many years their preaching place. She was retiring in her manner and disposition, devoted to her family and friends. It was there where she showed her great faith in the Savior a faith that never faltered. She quietly passed away in full possession of all the faculties of mind. As her grandson, Thomas Proudfoot, entered and approached the death bed she uttered her last words on earth. In a clearly audible voice she asked, “Is that you Thomas?” When he answered, she exclaimed, “Praise the Lord!” and soon expired. She was the mother of nine children, four of whom are now living, L. M. G. Barnett and Mrs. W. H. Shafer live in Des Moines and J. H. Barnett and Mrs. P. P. Henderson live in Indianola. [copied from a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, IA]