Elizabeth, beloved wife of J. L. Mathena, died at her home southwest of town on Sunday, May 18, 1913, after a brief illness, age 82 years, 5 months, and 20 days.
Elizabeth Jane Spence was born in Virginia the 28th of November, 1830. She was married to Lewis Mathena March 3, 1854. To this union were born nine children, two of whom preceded her into the spirit world. The husband, seven children, and 103 grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her. In the spring of 1860 Mr. and Mrs. Mathena emigrated to Nebraska, arriving in Omaha June 3rd.
The deceased was a woman of strong character and excellent qualities and endured the hardships of the pioneer without a murm'r. She was a most devoted wife, a kind and indulgent mother and an obliging neighbor. As a mother, wife and neighbor, she will be greatly missed.
Funeral services were held from the Eagle Creek M.E. church at 11 o'clock Monday morning, conducted by Rev. C. R. Rice. Interment was made in the Hartford cemetery.
To the grief stricken husband, children and relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their sad bereavement.
------------
Note: The obituary erroneously reported that the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. They actually moved to Harrison County in Southwest Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha.
Elizabeth Jane's parents were James Joseph Spence and Elizabeth "Betsy" Tuttle
Their children were:
John Ballard Mathena
Mary Elizabeth Mathena
Howard Jackson (James) Mathena
Hulda Jane Mathena
Lewis Columbus Mathena
James Elexander Mathena
William Thomas Mathena
Martha Kathrine Mathena
Amanda Pearl Mathena
Elizabeth, beloved wife of J. L. Mathena, died at her home southwest of town on Sunday, May 18, 1913, after a brief illness, age 82 years, 5 months, and 20 days.
Elizabeth Jane Spence was born in Virginia the 28th of November, 1830. She was married to Lewis Mathena March 3, 1854. To this union were born nine children, two of whom preceded her into the spirit world. The husband, seven children, and 103 grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her. In the spring of 1860 Mr. and Mrs. Mathena emigrated to Nebraska, arriving in Omaha June 3rd.
The deceased was a woman of strong character and excellent qualities and endured the hardships of the pioneer without a murm'r. She was a most devoted wife, a kind and indulgent mother and an obliging neighbor. As a mother, wife and neighbor, she will be greatly missed.
Funeral services were held from the Eagle Creek M.E. church at 11 o'clock Monday morning, conducted by Rev. C. R. Rice. Interment was made in the Hartford cemetery.
To the grief stricken husband, children and relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their sad bereavement.
------------
Note: The obituary erroneously reported that the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. They actually moved to Harrison County in Southwest Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha.
Elizabeth Jane's parents were James Joseph Spence and Elizabeth "Betsy" Tuttle
Their children were:
John Ballard Mathena
Mary Elizabeth Mathena
Howard Jackson (James) Mathena
Hulda Jane Mathena
Lewis Columbus Mathena
James Elexander Mathena
William Thomas Mathena
Martha Kathrine Mathena
Amanda Pearl Mathena
Family Members
-
![]()
John Ballard Mathena
1854–1903
-
![]()
Mary Elizabeth Mathena Sales
1856–1938
-
![]()
Howard Jackson (James) Mathena
1858–1918
-
![]()
Hulda Jane Mathena Herold
1861–1911
-
![]()
Lewis Columbus Mathena
1863–1929
-
![]()
James Elexander Mathena
1866–1965
-
![]()
William Thomas Mathena
1870–1943
-
![]()
Martha Catherine Mathena Osborn
1872–1935
-
![]()
Amanda Pearl Mathena Williamson
1875–1961
