Benedict, Lovina (Blackmarr) 1823 – 1899

BENEDICT, BLACKMARR, RATHBONE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:45

Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 2, 1899 P 6 C 1

LAVINA BLACKMARR BENEDICT.
Sunday afternoon last, after an illness of several weeks, Mrs. Lavina B. Benedict passed away at her home on Franklin street. Mrs. Benedict was born on Oct. 14th, 1823, and her maiden name was Blackmarr. On Feb. 11th, 1841, she was married to Harvey Benedict. In 1863 they came from their home in Greenwich, Ohio, to this county and settled at Springwater where Mr. Benedict engaged in milling. After a residence there of a few years they came to Decorah to reside, and it was in 1871, while engaged in the construction of the house now occupied by E. S. Gjellum that Mr. Benedict was blown from the roof and sustained injuries from which he died the day following.
In religious faith she was a Friend and in that church was recognized as a preacher. Soon after the death of her husband she took up a work which has ever since been associated with her name. That work was the rescuing of fallen women. She founded the Benedict Home at Des Moines, one of the best benevolent institutions in the state, and remained at its head until the board of managers disagreed with her policy and out-numbered her. She then retired and returned to Decorah and established the Benedict retreat.
For a number of years Mrs. Benedict has been in feeble health, but her indomitable will power sustained her in many attacks of serious illness and enabled her to return with seeming rigor to her work. During the past few weeks she has been confined to her bed, and those who attended her saw that the end was not far distant. The cause of her death was consumption.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benedict, two of whom—Alden and Mrs. Eva Rathbone—survive to keep in loving remembrance an affectionate mother. Her son, who was In Pennsylvania when the news of his mother’s death reached him, came yesterday, but her daughter, who resides in North Dakota, is ill and could not come. The funeral services were held to-day, Rev. Lockard officiating.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows her name as Lovina who is buried in Phelps Cemetery.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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