Iowa
Old Press
Sumner Gazette
Sumner, Bremer co. Iowa
Thursday, April 9, 1908
John Miles was down to Westgate Saturday and reports the sale of
the instruments of the old Westgate cornet band to the new St.
Peter's church band of that place. Mr. Miles and ye editor were
in the old band, and both are now cutting a swell with the
dividend he brought from the sale of our shares.
Miss Mary Bartels, who is employed in the P.A. Smith home, went
Saturday to her home in the Hope church neighborhood for an over
Sunday visit.
Notice.
I hereby notify the public that I am not responsible for
any debts made by Mrs. A. Ganske.
Mr. J. Ganske.
Obituary
Violitty Farnum was born Sept. 11, 1843, at Merengo,
Ill. She became converted at the age of 15 and united with the
Baptist Church, of which she was a consistant member always
living a true christian life. She was a very active woman, being
post mistress at Mentor for 23 years. She was married to Chas.
Countryman Feb. 12, 1859, at Belvidere, Ill. They immigrated to
Iowa in 1860. In the year 1867 they bought the farm on which she
resided until about a year ago, when she came to Sumner to make
her home with her son Lawrence.
Her husband preceded her in death. He died, Oct. 8, 1891. To tme
was born 8 children. Two girls and one boy preceded her to the
great beyond. The remaining children are, Mrs. Ed Barker, of
Mentor; Perry of Grant, Minnesota; Geo., residing on the old
homestead; Ralph of Menor; and Lawrence of Sumner, at whose home
she died, April 1, 1908, at the age of 64 years 6 months and 20
days. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Swates of Fredericksburg,
and Mrs. Babcock, of Monticello, and a brother Frank of La Port.
On the 30th of Dec. Mrs. Countryman was taken sick with
pneumonia. Everything that could possibly aid her was done by
loving sons and daughters, and after several months of severe
suffering she died as she lived, trusting in a wonderful Savior.
The funeral was held frrom the United Brethren church at 10:30
o'clock Friday. The Rev. Mr. Jones of the Baptist church of
Fredericksburg conducted the religious services. Interment in the
Mentor cemetery.
[transcribed by S.F., March 2016]