Mrs. Hendershot Funeral Rites Jan. 22, 1936

Mrs. Mary A. Hendershot Passed Away After Illness of Several Weeks

The funeral of Mrs. Mary L. Hendershot, of this city, was held at the late residence of the deceased on Thursday afternoon of last week, at 2 o'clock. Interment was at Newman cemetery.

The deceased was one of the pioneers of this community. She had lived in and around Newman for many years, and had experienced the ever changing periods of this community. Mrs. Hendershot was a woman who made lasting friendships throughout her life.

It had been the good fortune of the editor of The Independent to have known her form early boyhood. She had been a subscriber of this publication ever since its beginning, and at our last visit with her she mentioned how much she enjoyed reading the lcoal newspaper.

Music from the funeral was furnished by Miss Martha Shepherd, who sang as a solo, "Some Morning". Mrs. Harvey E. Winkler accompanied her at the piano.

Pall bearers were Hoseas Cornwell, Earl Cornwel, Harlan Hendershot, Harry Hendershot, Harvey E. Winkler and Ray O. Winkler.

Those in charge of the floral offerings were: Mrs. Hoseas Cornwell, Mrs. Harland Hendershot, Mrs. Olive B. Maryt, Mrs. Earl Cornwell, Miss Irene Waltz, and Miss Opal Turbeyville.

Rev. J. Graham Sibson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of this city, deliverd the funeral discourse 8 and gave tribute to the life of the deceased. Barr and Son, of this city were funeral directors.

The following obituary was written and read at the service by H. B. Rutherford.

"Mary A. Hendershot, daughter of John and Elizabeth Gettys Sowers, was born in Green County, Penn. , March. 28, 1845. She was of Scotch ancestry.

In 1854 she came with her parents to Coles, now Douglas County. The meagre family belongings were brought in a covered wagon, but the nine year old girl and her mother made the long journey in a buggy which was one of the first brought to this section of Ilinois. They arrived in Illinois, in November, and their first home was a log cabin on what is known as the Winkler homestead two miles southwest of Newman. In 1855, they bought a farm on what was known then as South Prairie, the home being about tow and a half miles south of Newman.

On Feb. 7, 1867 she was married to Wm. W. Hendershot and for the next fives years lived on a farm near Brushy Fork. They then moved to a farm south of Newman where they lived for forty-four years. In 1916 the moved to Newman, and on Feb. 7, 1917, celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. Mr. Hendershot died May 9, 1917.

They were the parents of five children: Loren W. And Ervin J. , both deceased; Olive E. Burgetet, Edna A. David and Carl S. Hendershot, who survive, There are also thirteen grand children and nine great grandchildren.

In a very brief sketch of her life, written by Mrs. Hendershot in January, 1924, she wrote, " I was converted when twelve years old and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. I have always kept the faith and have tried to live an honest, upright life. " She kept the faith and lived an honest uprigth life to the end of her days.

On the afternoon of January 22, 1936, death came and brought to a close her long and useful life. Mrs. Hendershot was of rhe breed of pioneers who made this country great. When she came to this vicinity over eighty years ago it as a land of prairie swamps and timber. She took an active part in making it what it is today. She was a kindly woman, gentle, free hearted, sympathetic and tolerant. The burden of years rested lightly on her shoulders, She was good citizen, a delightful friend, a generous neighbor, a thrifty, helpful wife and a wonderful mother.

Contributed by Mike Sutton msutton58@cs.com From page 296 Newman Nostaligic 1880-1980.

Home Page | Membership | New Items | Photos | Book for Sale!