Frances Amanda (Allen) Middleton (1865-1948)

ALLEN, EPPARD, MCVICKER, MIDDLETON

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:58

The Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, June 17, 1948
Page 8, Column 5

Frances Allen Middleton, daughter of Eugene and Malvina Allen, was born near Sharon, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 2, 1865, and departed this life in Eagle Grove, Friday, June 11 at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 9 days.

In 1871 she came to Iowa with her parents, who settled on a farm near Ames, Iowa, where they lived until 1876. That year the family moved to the farm south of Eagle Grove, where she grew to womanhood. As the eldest of ten children, she early in life assumed duties and responsibilities which helped develop such qualities of character as made her an outstanding person in her community later in life. She received her education in the Troy township school where she later taught. Several persons and some attending this service were once her pupils and will attest to her kindness and fair mindedness.

On Nov. 18, 1885 she was united in marriage to J. C. (Jesse) Middleton at the home of her parents by Rev. C. B. Winters, then pastor of the Eagle Grove Methodist church. At that time she was teaching the home school Dist. No. One Troy and her husband the school at Head Grove. The young people spent this first winter with her parents, finishing their teaching contracts. In the spring they moved to a farm on the Boone river south of Troy Center. There they lived this first year, but the following spring, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmore Middleton moved to the farm now occupied by Sam and Etta Middleton and Jesse and Frankie, as they were known to all, moved to this farm which was to be their home for the next 50 years. It was here her family was born and raised and here she in stilled in the minds of each the precepts of an honorable Christian life. She was a charter member of the Methodist church and when it was disbanded her membership was transferred to the Eagle Grove church where as in Troy, she was a regular attendant at all services and as long as her health permitted, taught a class of young girls in Sunday School.

It was in her home that the Troy Culture club held its first meeting and her home was always open for the entertainment of the club members and their families. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.

In church, club and social affiliations her influence was always felt on the side tending toward the uplift and betterment of human relations and her sweetness of disposition and goodness in every day living was felt by everyone whose life she touched.

Twelve years ago she and her husband moved to a home at 609 W. 3rd St. No., in Eagle Grove and so long as her health permitted her home was always open to her many friends and family.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her aged husband, three daughters, Bessie, Mrs. Glen McVicker, Hampton, Ia.; Florence, Mrs. Roy McVicker, Greeley, Colo., and Frances, Mrs. Clyde Eppard of East St. Louis, Ill.; four sons, Guy of Clarion, Paul of Mason City, and Lee and Lysle of Webster City. Also twenty-four grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, two sisters and three brothers, many other relatives and a host of friends.

One son, Homer, preceded her in death, passing away two years ago and grief at his untimely death doubtless hastened her own demise.

It can be truly said of her life. “He that doeth the will of God, abideth forever"

February 2, 1865 – June 11, 1948