MINER, Hattie E. (Bywater) 1846-1922

MINER, BYWATER, MENZIES, MERSHON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 7/7/2024 at 17:01:43

A Good Woman Gone
The death of Mrs. H.B. Miner, which took place at the family home in this city Monday Jan. 16, at 8:30 p.m., was not unexpected, but nevertheless it brought a poignant feeling of grief to all who knew this good woman. Death came to her so quietly that the family and friends watching by the bedside could scarcely tell when the spirit took its flight.

Hattie E. Bywater was born at Leeds, England, March 17, 1846. When four years old she came with her parents to Troy, N.Y. Here her parents died and in 1857, with her three brothers, she came to Stoughton, Wis., where she attended school and fitted herself for the profession of teaching.

When seventeen years old she came to Ion in Linton township, this county, to teach. There she met Harvey B. Miner. They were married March 17, 1864, and settled down on a farm near Ion, where they resided until May, 1899, when they moved to Waukon, where they have since made their home.

Five children were born of this union. Fannie died in infancy and four survive as follows: Frank D. of Becker, Minn.; Mrs. R.C. Menzies, Chicago; Mrs. N.A. Mershon and Willis H. of Waukon.

Mrs. Miner was a model wife and mother and the enduring love life with her implanted in the hearts of her husband and children is the most significant testimonial of her worth. She patiently endured the privations and hard work of the farmer's wife in the pioneer days and was a helpmate to her husband in every sense of the term.

In those days people were, perforce, more hospitable than they are now, and more neighborly. These traits were predominant in her and lasted to the close of her life.

The latter years of her life she was an invalid and confined to her bed or wheel chair, and it was during this time that she reaped the harvest of love sown in the family circle. Nothing too much could be done for her, her slightest wish was anticipated. Especially was this true of her daughter, Mrs. Cora Mershon, who was her constant attendant. She bore her sufferings so patiently and evinced so much pleasure at everything done for her that the family felt well repaid for their effort. Her cheerful disposition could always summon a smile, and when so low that even speech had left her, the smile was still there.

The deceased was a member of the Methodist church since her 16th year. Rev. Young, the Methodist pastor of Fayette, assisted by Rev. Butler of this city, conducted the funeral services Wednesday afternoon. In the sunny east parlor at the home, which had been her living room for the past two years, in a casket covered with beautiful flowers, lay the body, surrounded by the surviving members of the family and sympathizing friends.

The service was simple, consisting of prayer, reading of the scriptures and a cheering, consoling talk by Rev. Young. Burial in Oakland cemetery.

~Allamakee Journal, Wednesday, January 25, 1922; pg 7 (Waukon, Branch office page)

Same paper & page:
- Frank Miner of Becker, Minn., came Wednesday morning, to attend the funeral of his mother Mrs. H.B. Miner, returning home Thursday.
- Mrs. Lou Kramer and her brother Ben Kingsley, of McGregor, old friends of the H.B. Miner family, came up last Wednesday to be present at the funeral of Mrs. Miner, returning home the same day
- A great mass of beautiful flowers was sent to the H.B. Miner home on the occasion of the death of Mrs. Miner. After the funeral Wednesday afternoon the family sent about fifteen boxes to sick or shut in people in the town. It was a thoughtful, kindly act and these lovely flowers in midwinter gave pleasure to many..