Obituary:

HARRISBURG BULLETIN
Harrisburg, Linn Co., OR
Thursday, 27 June 1918

Mrs. Martha Jane Alford, mother of Mrs. Wallace Hawke who has long resided in a comfortable cottage adjoining the home property of her daughter in this city was found prostrate on the floor at her home Tuesday morning when she was stricken suddenly with paralysis while preparing her morning meal. She occupied a bed and room nights in the home of her daughter, but was accustomed to arising early in the morning and going to her own home to prepare her breakfast, and a member of the family called at her home frequently. Not returning from her breakfast as soon as usual Tuesday morning a little granddaughter was sent over to Mrs. Alford's home and found her lying unconscious on the kitchen floor, with the morning meal partially prepared. All possible was done to revive her, but she never regained consciousness and died Wednesday morning June 26, 1981, age 84 years, 7 months, 23 days.

Martha Jane Rodgers was born in Missouri November 3, 1833. She was united in marriage to Russell Alford May 16, 1848 and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1850. Her husband died in 1882 and Mrs. Alford resided on the farm home until about 23 years ago when she moved to Harrisburg where she resided up to the time of her death. She was the mother of 17 children of whom 12 survived. There are 67 grandchildren, 125 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren.

She united with the Baptist Church several years ago and ever remained a faithful member. She was a grand old pioneer lady, kind, affectionate and courteous to all. For one of her age she was strong and spry and had been enjoying reasonable good health.

She was loved by all who knew her and her memory will long be cherished by her relatives and numerous friends. Funeral services were conducted this Thursday afternoon at the Methodist Church South by Roy Young, Pastor of the Baptist Church at Albany, Oregon. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful and the service was very largely attended. Interment in the Alford Cemetery.