Nancy Newman was born near Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio, Feb. 4, 1835, and departed this life at the family home in English township, Lucas County, Iowa Feb. 29, 1924, at the age of 89 years and 25 days. Her parents were John P. and Lettitia Newman. She was the second child in a family of ten children, all of whom have preceded her in death except Anna Markle of Chanute, Kansas, Tamar Masters of Ft. Collins, CO, and Tompkins Newman of South Dakota.

She grew to womanhood in her native state and there received her first educational training in the pioneer rural school. In the spring of 1854 her parents disposed of the home farm and began preparations for removing to what was then known as the far west. Their goods were freighted to Wheeling, WV, by stage, thence by steamboat on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as far as Keokuk, Iowa, where they landed. They came as far as Fairfield, Iowa, where they resided for a time. Hearing of the possibilities of the prairies in Lucas County, the father entered land from the government and began preparing a cabin where he established the family. After residing here for a time, the father was elected judge of Lucas County. While serving in this capacity, he was stricken with typhoid fever and passed away while comparatively a young man.

Thus the grief stricken family decided to return to the cabin on the prairie. Here the widowed mother, with the small means at her command and with the assistance of her older children, kept the family together. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Edmund H. Keen April 8, 1858, Rev. Joseph Howard officiating. Her companion passed away Feb. 20, 1922, after a marriage extending over a period of more than 63 years. To this union were born 10 children, 2 sons and 8 daughter, all of whom are living except Elma, who died in infancy, and Minnie Estella at the age of young womanhood, The living children are O.C. of Oakley, IA; O.W. of near Williamson; Effie I. Spencer and Viola Larkin of Chariton; Rose who resides on the home farm; Bertha Van Devander of Basin, WY; Lillian of Malvern, IA; Carrie C. Carney of near Williamson. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 19 great granchildren, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure.

Some seven years ago she became unable to walk about without assistance. She was very patient through all these years and was very appreciative of any kindness conferred upon her by her family and friends. While residing at Fairfield, IA, she attended the Academy there, which later became Parsons College. It was here she fitted herself for a public school teacher. She taught in Jefferson and Marion counties. During her life she never tired of being a student. She kept herself well informed on all topics that were helpful and uplifting. The Bible was to her the Book of Books, and the inspiration received from its pages guided her through life. She had spent the greater part of her life in Lucas County and was the last of the early pioneers settling in English Township, and the oldest surviving member of her family.

Her last illness was of only a few days duration, bronchial pneumonia, together with the infirmities of old age, being the cause of her death. She retained her mental faculties to a remarkable degree until the very last. Falling into a sleep, she passed peacefully away. The deceased was highly esteemed by all who knew her and will be sadly missed in the home and by friends in the community where she has resided for so many years.

Her funeral was held from the Federated Church of Newbern, Sunday, March 2nd, services conducted by Rev. Warren C. Ilile of Des Moines, pastor of the Christian Church of Belinda, Iowa. Reared by Christian parents, she kept the faith of this church throughout the long life which she lived. Her children were all present at the last sad rites except a son, O.C. and Mrs. Viola Larkin on account of illness, and Mrs. Bertha Van Devander on account of the long distance. Interment was made in the family lot in the Newbern Cemetery.