Bemis, Matilda (Metcalf) 1829-1905

BEMIS, METCALF, DUNSMOOR, RANKIN

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/24/2025 at 14:07:09

Matilda Metcalf Bemis was born in Hundon, England, May 15th, 1829, and died at Strawberry Point, Iowa, July 19th, 1905, aged 76 years, 2 months and 4 days.

She came with her people to America in 1837, settling near Bellvue, Ohio, and in 1846 was married to Chauncey Bemis who still survives her.

In 1855 they moved to Iowa, settling upon a farm one mile east of Strawberry Point, which was their home until 1892, when they moved to Strawberry Point. This place has since been their home.

She was the mother of thirteen children, seven of whom survive her, and who were present at the bedside when the end came. She leaves also twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The children who survive her are: Mrs. W.W. Dunsmoor, Britt, Iowa; Mrs. C.Z. Rankin, Kanawah, Iowa; John and Grant, Waterloo, Iowa; Frank and Mary, Strawberry Point, and Charles of Aurora, Illinois.

She united with the Baptist church of this city of which she was a member for several years. Later she joined the Universalist church of which she was a member at the tie of her death.

She was a constant sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism for the past twenty years, and this with other complications, were the cause of her death.

She bore her suffering with great patience. She had a very kindly and cheerful disposition and the chief feature of her character was her unselfishness and constant thoughtfulness of others. She thought of others first and herself last. Even during her last sickness her mind was full, not of her own afflictions, but of care and concern for her aged husband and her children.

Though an invalid for so many years, she was always cheerful, with a pleasant smile for everyone. She was all that a neighbor could be, always a friend and helper in time of need. She was universally esteemed by her neighbors and all who knew her.

The sympathy of a large circle of neighbors and friends, some of whom have known her for half a century, is extended to the aged husband and children left behind.

The funeral services were held at the home at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 21st, 1905, Rev. F.A. Dean officiating.

~Mail Press, Thursday, July 27, 1905; pg 1