Grace Ellen (Arthur) Middleton (1878-1933)

ARTHUR, CARTER, MIDDLETON

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:52

August 8, 1878 --- July 15, 1933

MRS. SUMNER A. MIDDLETON PASSES ON

Widow of the Late Sumner Middleton Died at Spirit Lake and Was Buried at Troy Tuesday A. M.

Mrs. Sumner A. Middleton, 55, wife of the late Sumner Middleton, died at her home in Spirit Lake on Saturday, July 15. Burial was in Troy cemetery. Her husband was a brother of the late Adam Middleton and the family lived on a farm near Eagle Grove until 1914 when they moved to Mississippi where Mr. Middleton operated a cotton plantation for four years, returning to Spirit Lake in 1918. The following obituary was written by the Rev. W. G. Muhleman and read at the funeral services which were held at Spirit Lake Monday afternoon. Interment was in Troy cemetery on Tuesday.

Obituary
(By Rev. W. G. Muhleman)

Grace Ellen Arthur, daughter of Albert E. and Mary Arthur was born on the home farm on East Okoboji Lake, August 8, 1878, and died at her home in Spirit Lake, July 15, 1933, in her fifty-fifth year. Most of her life has been spent in this community. She attended the local public school and later taught several years in the rural schools of the county. In November, 1903, she was united in marriage with Sumner A. Middleton and they, went to Eagle Grove, Iowa, where they engaged in farming. To this union seven children were born, one of whom died in infancy. Those who survive are as follows: Mrs. Ruth Ellen Carter of Chicago; Ethel Leone of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Harold Burton of Somers, Wis.; Frances E., Dorothy Mae and Marylee of Spirit Lake.

In 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Middleton moved to Mississippi where they operated a cotton plantation, returning to Spirit Lake in 1918. Those years of hardship and discouragement. Mr. Middleton’s health failed and he passed away in December, 1919, leaving his widow and six young children to face the world without his companionship and support.

The welfare and Christian culture of her children has been the ruling thought of this good mother's life and their attainments and characters have richly rewarded her solicitude.

In early life, Mrs. Middleton became a member of the local Methodist Episcopal church and continued steadfastly loyal to its various activities, and to her faith until the end. For several years her health has been frail and during the last three months she has been confined to her bed under the loving care of her mother and daughters.

Besides her children, she leaves to mourn her death, her mother, Mrs. Mary Arthur, her brothers, Harry J. Arthur of Spirit Lake, Lee Arthur of Edon, Ohio, and many other relatives and friends. The six children, her son-in-law, R. D. Carter, and Mrs. Mamie Middleton, a sister-in-law of Eagle Grove, Iowa, who has been like a second mother to her children, were present at the services. Funeral sermon was preached at Spirit Lake Monday afternoon by Rev. W. G. Muhleman, an old friend of family.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
20 July 1933