Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, February 6, l90l

MARY ANN BAILEY was born Dec. 2d, l830, at Stone Alerton Somersetshire, England. When she was eighteen years of age she came with her parents to America. The journey was a long and tedious one in those days, requiring a voyage of six weeks.

MISS BAILEY, with her parents, settled on a farm near Dyersville, Dubuque County, Iowa.

She was married Sept. 7, l85l, to D.R. ANDERSON, and together they settled on a farm in Dubuque County. Five children were born to this union, three of whom still survive.

Her husband died Aug. 20, l86l, and in June, l869, she was married to JOHN HOUSE. One son was born to this union, FRANK E., who, with the husband, live to mourn the loss of a faithful wife, and a devoted mother.

She was a Christian for many years, having united with the M.E. Episcopal Church in l880 at Dyersville, Iowa. Her present family moved to Decatur county, Iowa, the same year, and as they were far from any church organization, she never presented her church letter to any organization. She took great pleasure in reading her Bible and religious papers.

About January l9, l90l, she was taken down with pneumonia, and after a hard struggle with that dread disease she died on February 2d at the age of 70 years, l month and 6 days. The day before death she bore testimony that Jesus had been with her through all these years and sustained her through many afflictions. The same Savior was with her to the end.

The funeral took place at the home six miles northeast of Decatur on Feb. 5th at l0:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. W.E. Harvey, Pastor of the M.E. Church at Decatur. The remains were laid to rest in the Decatur Cemetery.

Her hands are folded on her breast,
Crossed as the cross that gave her rest;
Her spirit clothed with Heavenly love,
Looks smiling down from realms above.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
January l6, 2003