Ann (Leslie) SHEARER

SHEARER, LESLIE, WILSON, DUFFUS, BRAMER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/28/2010 at 10:31:23

Grinnell Herald, Grinnell, Iowa
August 18, 1925

March 10, 1827 -- August 14, 1925

REACHES THE END OF LIFE'S JOURNEY

Mrs. Ann Shearer Passes Away, Aged 98 Years, 5 Months and 4 Days

FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Mrs. Shearer Lived Many Years of Her Active Life in Ewart and Vicinity.

Ann Leslie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Leslie, was born in Lichley head Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 10, 1827 and after an illness of several weeks passed away at her home in Grinnell August 14, 1925 at the age of 98 years, 5 months and 4 days. On October 12, 1850 she was united in marriage to James Shearer. To this union were born nine children: Elizabeth, now deceased, William, also deceased, Jennie, James L., Mary, Isabelle, deceased, Helen, Joy and Margaret.

The family came to America in 1872 and settled on a farm one and a half miles north of Ewart where they resided until 1881 when they moved to Ewart. Here Mr. Shearer died August 26, 1891. In 1903 Mrs. Shearer moved with her daughters, Mrs. Joy Wilson and Margaret Shearer to Grinnell where she resided continuously until the time of her death.

In her early girlhood Mrs. Shearer was converted and united with the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, remaining in that communion until coming to this country when she transferred her membership to the Presbyterian church at Malcom. She was devoutly religious by nature. Her faith rose triumphant above every obstacle and remained constant to the end. Not only was Mrs. Shearer vigorous and active in body during the long span of her life, but she possessed a keen, inquiring mind that was always searching eagerly for the truth. She read extensively and up to the time of her recent illness kept fully informed on the current events of the world. But while reading largely in many fields of interest she read her Bible most of all. To her it was God's truth and contained the words of eternal life. By its teachings she lived and in its promises she died.

With one voice her friends testify to her splendid womanly character, her gentle and friendly spirit, and her tender love for her family. Earth is richer because of this long, useful life.

She leaves to mourn her loss, one son J.L. Shearer of Goldfield, Iowa, five daughters, Mrs. J.R. Duffus of Pipestone, Minn., Mrs. Mary Wilson of Goldfield, Iowa, Mrs. Helen Bramer, Mrs. Joy Wilson and Margaret Shearer of Grinnell. Also nineteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral, conducted by Rev. W.B. Wilson was held at the home of Mrs. Joy Wilson at 2:30 Sunday and the body laid at rest in Hazelwood cemetery.