Topliff, Rachael Elizabeth (Reed) 1841 – 1920

TOPLIFF, REED

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/2/2015 at 16:31:44

Decorah Public Opinion February 25, 1920

DEATHS OF THE WEEK.

Number of Well Known Residents Pass Away During Past Week.

Topliff.

Mrs. John Topliff passed away this Wednesday morning at one o’clock at the home of her son, Dr. C. L. Topliff. She had been ill and confined to her bed for the past three weeks.

Rachel Elizabeth Reed was a daughter of David and Mary Reed, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. The deceased was married to John N. Topliff in 1860 and the family home was on a farm for some years near Postville. They retired in 1891 and came to Decorah to live. The husband passed away five years ago. The subject of this sketch was 79 years of age last July. She was a beloved wife and mother and universally loved by everybody as she was possessed of a beautiful character, which drew her friends on every side. She was survived by three sons, Dr. C. L. Topliff, Decorah; John Topliff, Bruce, Wis.; and Dr. Ray Topliff, of Postville, who have the sympathy of all in their loss. The funeral services will be held tomorrow, Thursday, at two o’clock from the home of her son. Rev. Wells of the M. E. church will officiate and interment will be in Phelps cemetery.

Decorah Republican February 26, 1920, P3 C4

OBITUARY.

MRS. JOHN N. TOPLIFF.

On Tuesday evening, after a long period of failing health, Mrs. John N. Topliff passed away at the home of her son Dr. C. L. Topliff. The funeral will be held this afternoon at the house, Rev. E. D. Wells officiating and interment will be made in Phelps cemetery.

The passing of Mrs. Topliff removed from Decorah another of the first pioneers of the county. Her maiden name was Rachel Elizabeth Reed. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Reed and came with them from Ohio in 1848. She was born on June 21, 1841, and was married to John N. Topliff in 1860. Four children were born to them, three of whom survive her. They are Dr. C. L. Topliff, of Decorah, John N., Jr., of Bruce, Wis., and Dr. R. F. Topliff, of Postville. Mrs. Topliff was a woman of varied interests, chief of which centered in her home where her devotion to her husband and her sons was a marked characteristic. She was kind hearted and considerate as a neighbor and friend and was held in sincere regard by many acquaintances.

Transcriber’s Note: The month of her birth is different between the articles – one says July and one says June.

Postville Herald, Postville, Iowa, Fri., 5 Mar. 1920. From the Decorah Republican, undated.

On Tuesday evening, after a long period of failing health, Mrs. John N. Topliff passed away at the home of her son, Dr. C. L. Topliff. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at the house, Rev. E. D. Wells officiating. The passing of Mrs. Topliff removes from Decorah another of the first pioneers of the county.

Her maiden name was Rachel Elizabeth Reed. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Reed and came with them from Ohio in 1848. She was born on June 21, 1841, and was married to John N. Topliff in 1860. Four children were born to them, three of whom survive her. They are, Dr. C. L. Topliff of Decorah, John N. Jr. of Bruce, Wis., and Dr. R. F. Topliff of Postville.

Mrs. Topliff was a woman of varied interests, chief of which centered in her home where her devotion to her husband and her sons was a marked characteristic. She was kind hearted and considerate as a neighbor and friend and was held in sincere regard by many acquaintances.- Decorah Republican.

Submitted by Reid Johnson

Phelps Cemetery gravestone
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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