Iowa Old Press

Palo Alto Reporter
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa
Friday, April 17, 1896

Died in Her Chair.

     Mrs. Ellen Wilson, wife of George Wilson, who resides about six miles west of this city, died very suddenly, Saturday evening, form heart failure. Saturday afternoon Mr. Wilson had been sowing some oats and having a finished the piece drove to the house, about four o'clock, to throw out the oats that remained in his wagon. As he drove up he saw his wife come out of the house and get some clothes that hung on the line and then enter the house again. Their two little girls, who were playing in the yard, entered the house a few minutes later and the elder one seeing her mother sitting on a chair with her head resting on her arms, which were lying on the table, went up to her and asked her what was the matter. Not receiving any answer she took hold of her hand, when her mother partially raised her head, and she immediately seemed to realize that her mother was dying and told the smaller girl to run and tell her father, which she did. Mr. Wilson hurried to the house and lifted his wife in his arms to lay her on the bed, but she had already passed away.
      The cause of her death was heart failure. About one month before she had had an attack of LaGrippe and had been quite ill from it, but lately had been feeling quite strong again.
    Mrs. Wilson was born in Cluny parish, Perthshire, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1854, and grew from childhood to woman's estate in her childhood home. She was married to Mr. Wilson Aug 9, 1876 and they continued to reside in that vicinity until five years ago in March, when they came direct to this county from Scotland.
    Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Methodist church of this city and was striving to live according to the precepts of the Master.
    The funeral took place from the house Sunday at 1:00 p.m., the services being conducted by Rev. Bagnell. The remains were brought to this city and laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery.
    Mrs. Wilson is the mother of five children, all of whom survive her. Her death is especially sad as it leaves the father with the care of two small children.

Obituary.
     Died of blood poison, at her home in Plover, Ia., on Tuesday, April 7, at 6 a.m., Mrs. Nancy L. Curtis, aged 55 years, 9 mos. and 22 days.
    Nancy L. Brown was born in Indiana, June 15, 1840. At the age of four years she went with her parents to Rock county, Wisconsin, where she resided during her young womanhood. She was married to Geo. M. Curtis October 14, 1858, and in 1861 moved with her husband to Iowa, settling in Fayette county. They removed in 1871, with the three children that had been born to them, to Cedar Rapids, and in  1882, came to the northwest part of the state, settling in Palo Alto county.
    About three years ago, Mr.s Curtis became a widow, when she and her daughter moved to Plover, where they have since resided.
    When about fifteen years of age she confessed her faith in Christ, and united with the Seventh Day Baptist church of Milton, Wis. After her removal to Iowa, she severed her connection with that church and has never united with any other. Although she has not of late years may any public profession of religion, she has always endeavored to live in a righteous, Christ like manner and often expressed her belief that God would be merciful to her and receive her to himself. About thirty years ago Mrs. Curtis had a shock of paralysis, which left her almost helpless for a year and a half, and from which she never entirely recovered. For the past fifteen years she has been afflicted with terrible sores on her feet, which about two weeks ago developed into blood poison. The poison went to her brain, and for several days she was unconscious and on Tuesday morning passed quickly away.
    Mrs. Curtis was a woman who was respected and beloved by all who knew her. Although her poor health has not permitted her mingling much in society for a number of years, still she always had a kindly greeting for her friends. Especially will she be missed in the little home circle, where she always reigned as queen in the hearts of her children.
    She leaves to mourn her departure two sons, L. Curtis, of Emmetsburg, Ia., and one daughter, Lillian J. Curtis, of Plover, one sister, Mrs. G.H. Huffman, of Smyth, S. Dak., two brothers, D.Brown, of Dell Rapids, S. Dak., and A.A. Brown, of Milton, Wis.
    The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church on Thursday, at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Fraser, after which the remains were taken to Curlew and laid beside those of her deceased husband.

Obituary.
    Mr. John Hand, one of the old and esteemed residents of Great Oak township died Sunday night, about 12 o'clock. For some years Mr. Hand had been feeling the weight of his years, and it took but little to cut asunder the slender thread of life. A few days previous to his demise he took cold, which together with his age carried him away.
    Mr. Hand was born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1818, and had thus attained the ripe old age of 78 years, when death summoned him to the other shore. In the year 1847 he left Ireland and came to America, settling in the vicinity of New York City for a number of years. Later on he removed from New York State to Allamakee county, this state, where he continued to reside until 1873 when he again moved westward and settled on a farm in Great Oak township, this county. Since then he has been a continuous resident of Palo Alto and has always taken a keen and active interest in everything pertaining to her welfare. He was a capable, intelligent citizen and took his position on questions of public policy after due thought and consideration. It was due to this fact that his judgment was always respected and won for him the well wishes of his fellow men.
    The funeral took place from Assumption church Tuesday morning, at 10:00 o'clock, the services being conducted by Rev. Father Costello. His six sons, John Hand, Thomas Hand, P.V. Hand, P.H. Hand, James Hand and T.E. Hand were the pall bearers and theirs were the hands that sorrowfully laid the remains of their beloved father in its final resting place in the cemetery of this city.

[Additional Information: John Hand was married to a woman named Margaret, surname unknown. His daughters, not mentioned in the obit, were Mary Hand, Bridget Hand O'Brien, Elizabeth Hand, Margaret Hand Egan. Bridget, Elizabeth and Margaret were all born Allamakee Co., IA]
   

  [C.J.L. Feb. 2004]