Iowa Old Press
Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier
June 1, 1909
MRS. COWLES DEAD.
Former Ottumwa Woman and Donor of Barnes Memorial Died at Burlington.
Death removed a woman whom Ottumwans will mourn as a benefactor when at 8 o’clock last night at her home in Burlington, Mrs. Martha Barnes Cowles breathed her last and departed this life after a course well run, was finished. Mrs. Cowles was well known as a former Ottumwa resident and will be best recalled by her recent benefaction wherein she donated the Barnes Memorial to the Ottumwa hospital in honor of her former husband and son.
News of the death was received here this morning and proved a shock to many of her old friends. The funeral will be held in Ottumwa Wednesday afternoon after the arrival of Burlington No. 179, and the service will be held in the First Methodist Episcopal church, the time will be given later. A Burlington minister assisted by Dr. T. W. Jeffrey will conduct the services. The interment will be in Ottumwa cemetery.
Mrs. Cowles Lovet was born in Ohio, near Shreve in 1832. She was joined in marriage to Mr. Barnes in 1856 and two sons, Lovet and Dr. D.C. Barnes were born to the couple, who with their father are now deceased.
[Additional Memorial Day narrative link, includes a photo and transcribed by L.Z., May 2021]