Esther Cordilla (Jones) Leonard (1840-1928)

HIGLEY, JONES, LEONARD, MAXON, MAXSON, MCMULLEN, WALLIN

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

September 30, 1840 --- February 13, 1928

AGED LADY DIES AT WOOLSTOCK

Mrs. Esther C. Leonard, 87, Dies After Illness of About Two Weeks.

FUNERAL THURSDAY

Was Mother of Mary Maxson of Webster City.

WOOLSTOCK, Iowa, Feb. 14—Mrs. Esther C. Leonard, 87, died at her home here yesterday afternoon. She had been suffering from a general breakdown for some time, although the last Illness was of only two weeks duration.

Funeral services will be held at her home here Thursday at 1:30 p. m. Burial will be made in Graceland cemetery at Webster City.

Mrs. Leonard would have been 88 years old in September. For 28 years she had made her home at Woolstock, the family having come here from Serena, Ill.

She is survived by six children, who are: Wm. Leonard, of Monango. N. D.: A. J. Leonard, of Sioux City; G. F. Leonard, of Sterling, Colo.; Mrs. Musa McMullen, of Chatsworth, Ill.; Mrs. Daisy Wallin, of Eagle Grove, and Mrs. Mary Maxson, of Webster City, who has been living with her mother here this winter. Her husband died 18 years ago. Mrs. Leonard is also survived by two brothers, Wm. Jones, of Woolstock, and John Jones, of Fort Dodge. There are also 26 grand children and 23 great grand children.

Mrs. Leonard had been a member of the Methodist church since she was a child.

Daily Freeman --- Webster City, Iowa
February 14, 1928

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WOOLSTOCK NEWS NOTES

Mrs. Esther C. Leonard died at her home in Woolstock Monday afternoon at 4:15. She was 88 years old and had lived in Woolstock many years. Mrs. Leonard had been in poor health for several months but her death was unexpected, and came as a shock to her many friends here.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
February 16, 1928

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WOOLSTOCK NEWS NOTES

Esther C. Jones was born on the 30th day of September, 1840, in the state of Vermont, and passed to her reward on the 13th day of February, 1928, being 87 years, 4 months, and 13 days old. When, quite young she came with her parents and lived in Serena, Ill., where she grew to womanhood. It was in the year of 1885 [1855], on the 29th of December, that she was married to Thomas Leonard. Ten children were born to this union, of which six survive. They are: three sons, Wm. H. Leonard, of Marengo, S. Dak.; A. J. Leonard, of Sioux City; and Frank Leonard, of Sterling, Colo.; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Maxon, of Webster City, Mrs. Musie McMullen, of Chatsworth, Ill., and Mrs. Daisy Wallin, of Eagle Grove. All were present at the funeral. Her husband preceded her May 22, 1910, at the age of 76. She came with her husband and family to Woolstock 30 years ago, where she lived until her passing.

In the passing, of Sister Leonard (or Grandma Leonard), as we called her, the community will miss one of its best friends. In many spheres she will be missed. When it was possible she was always in her place at Sunday school and church services. She was energetic and very ambitious, in the church work and the Rebekah lodge, being the chaplain of the lodge for many years, and vice president of the Ladies Aid society. She had been connected and a member of the church practically all her life. She will be sadly missed by her pastor and he is wondering who will take her place in providing flowers for the church. The church last year received the first and last flowers of the season from her beautiful garden and never a Sunday was missed, as she always brought or sent them.

In season and out Sister Leonard was always the same and her precious, sweet influence which she cast forth, not only in her family circle, but in the community, will live for many years to come.

She leaves to mourn her loss the above mentioned sons and daughters, two brothers, J. P. Jones, of Fort. Dodge, and Wm. T. Jones, of Woolstock, 26 grand children, 23 great grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Mortals cry. “A Woman Is Dead.”
Angels sing. “A Child Is Born.”
Servant of God well done
Thy glorious warfare passed
Thy battle fought, the victory won
And thou art crowned at last.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
February 23, 1928

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[Transcriber’s Note: Transcribed as published. Illinois Marriages, 1851-1900 Name: Esther Jones Spouse Name: Thomas Leonard Marriage Date: 29 Dec 1855 Marriage County: La Salle. Iowa, Death Records, 1920-1940 for Esther Cordilla Leonard 1921-1928 – Wright Esther Cordilla Leonard Widowed Spouse: Thomas L. Leonard Date of Birth: Sept. 30, 1840 Age: 87 Years 4 Months 12 Days Occupation: Retired Name of Father: John R. Jones Birthplace of Father: Vermont Maiden Name of Mother: Vercy Higley Birthplace of Mother: Vermont. Date of Death: 2/13/28 3:45 P.M. Cause of Death: Myocarditis.]