Mary Ellen (RAPER) SWETT

RAPER, SWETT, SEVERNS, FORD, TACKETT

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/10/2009 at 01:37:27

The Bedford Free Press

Thursday, December 21, 1899, Page 12.

OBITUARY.

Once again has death claimed a mother and wife in Athelstan on the morning of December 14, 1899. Mrs. Wm. Swett was called to her home beyond after nine weeks suffering of typhoid fever. Mary Ellen RAPER was born in Bowling Green, Clay County, Indiana, August 30, 1859. [She] came to Taylor County with her parents in 1869 where she has ever since resided. She was married to Wm. SWETT December 26, 1876. To this union ten children were born, one dying in infancy.

All were with her in her last hours. Her mother and all of her brothers and sisters were with her during the last few days, with the exception of one, Mrs. Clint FORD, of Ponca City Oklahoma. Mrs. Albert SEVERNS of Geneve, Neb., arrived Monday night. But tender words and loving hands could not ease her pain or save her life. She was a Christian mother, a faithful wife, a generous neighbor and kind friend and respected by all who knew her. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Wm. SPICER at the house, and the remains were laid to rest in the Platteville Cemetery [Taylor County, Iowa] on Friday, December 15.

NOTE: Mary Ellen (RAPER) was the first wife of William Thomas SWETT. William was born at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa on December 5, 1852, and died on July 13, 1931 with interment at Platteville Cemetery, Platteville, Taylor County, Iowa. William married second Nancy TACKETT .

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008