Eliza Dorrel Boner was born in Sangamon county near Springfield, IL, Nov. 27, 1838. She came to Iowa territory with her parents when four years of age, and settled near Utica, Van Buren county, attending school at that place, and later entering Iowa Wesleyan College at Mt. Pleasant. January 12, 1860 she was married to John W. Nelson, and came, when a bride, to the farm, 3 miles west of Utica, where she was continuously resided. To this union were born nine children, three dying in infancy. Those living are Mrs. J.F. Murphy of Vinita, Okla.: Mrs. L.J. Perkins of Lewiston, Idaho; Mrs. O.S. Calhoun of Birmingham, Ia,; Mrs. Todd Hootman of Santa Rose, Calif.; Mrs. Webb Barker of Des Moines, Iowa, and John E. Nelson of near Mt. Zion. Also 25 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The husband and father died April 1, 1889, at the age of 56 years. Her nephew, J.R. Gilchrist of Keosauqua, and John Denton of Mt. Zion vicinity, being members of the family through boyhood. In early life she was converted and joined the Methodist church at Utica, later being a member at Miller's Chapel, and in 1889 transferred her membership to the Mt. Zion Presbyterian church, at which place she has been a regular attendant, taking great interest in all the work of the church.
About March 1 she accompanied her daughter, Mrs. J.F. Murphy, to Vinita, Okla., her last illness dating from March 16, and she gradually grew weaker, until the end came at 7:30, Friday a.m. May 6, 1921, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 9 days, all her children being present at her last illness, assisting with loving care one who had lived life full of work, industry, christian fortitude, benevolence, and successful effort for the uplift of humanity, all of which was rewarded by physical and spiritual happiness. She was one of the great and noble wives and mothers of this land of ours. Truly her children shall rise up and call her blessed.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon May 8, at Miller's Chapel, conducted by Rev. Wiley and Rev. Mitchell, former pastors, and she was tenderly laid to rest near the old home.