Elizabeth Clark Owen obituary 1913

The Homer Star – October 23, 1913

Homer, Dakota County, Nebraska

Family name is usually spelled Owen (not Owens)

MRS. OWENS IS DEAD

Oldest Woman in Dakota County Dies at the Age of 96 Years

Elizabeth Dorinda Clark, was born in Pennsylvania on August 19, 1817 and died in Homer, Nebraska, Sunday night, October 19, 1913, aged 96 years and two months.  She moved with her parents to Michigan in 1829.  At the age of 17 she was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church of Orion, Michigan, and remained a member to the time of her death.

She was united in marriage in 1836, at Pontiac, Michigan, to Charles Owens, who preceded her to the other world in 1863.  To this union were born 10 children, six of whom are still living to mourn the loss of mother.  Mrs. Mary E. Adams, of Bellingham, Wash., Mrs. Minerva C. Williams, of Ardmore, Okla., Romaine Owens of Brewster, Wash., Asa Owens, Folsom Cal., Mrs. Daniel Purdy, at Homer, Mrs. William Parvin, Lowell, Mo.

She has 45 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.  Three brothers survive her, Romaine Clark, Orion; Chauncey Clark, Metamora; and Smyth Clark all in the state of Michigan.

In 1864 she moved with her family to Blue Earth County, Minnesota, where she experienced all the hardships and sufferings of an early pioneer.  She remained in that county until 1893, when she traveled in a covered wagon to Joplin, Mo.

From there she came to Homer, Nebraska, in 1897, making her home with her daughter Mrs.  Daniel Purdy.  In 1901 she fell and fractured her hip and since that time she has been an invalid.  She has always been a patient sufferer.  Death came to her not as a dread monster, but rather as a welcome messenger who would take her to her home on high.

For several months she has been failing, but on last Thursday there was a decided change for the worse and the end came peacefully on Sunday night. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Methodist church in Homer on Thursday afternoon, Rev. L. R. Keekler officiating.  The remains were laid to rest in the Omaha Valley cemetery.