Obituary

Mary Catherine Eskridge, the daughter of George and Susan Eskridge was born in Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, July 18, 1850, departed this life Sept. 8, 1935, at the age of 85 years, 1 month and 20 days. She was united in marriage to Daniel Davis Bethards, May 30, 1872, who preceded her in death on May 9, 1911. To them were born ten children, six living, Mrs. Lizzie Vaughn, Mrs. Elnora Rose, Mrs. Flora French, Asa P., Littleton, and George W. Four who preceded her in death were Angeline M., Johnnie, Jasper N., and Mrs. Sallie Brown. Besides her children she leaves twenty-eight grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and many other relatives and dear friends to mourn her departure.

She came to Iowa in 1882 and settled with her family on a farm near Woodland where she resided until the death of her companion, then she moved to Woodland where she lived until her health failed when she was taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Vaughn. She was saved in a Methodist meeting when a young girl and later was baptized by a Christian minister in 1912. She was a devoted wife and mother and a kind neighbor, and one always willing to serve others. She will be sadly missed by the family and entire community.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Elba Dale on Tuesday at the Union church at Woodland with interment at Lineville by the side of her companion.

Copied by Dennis K. Bethards June 3, 2003