HEISTAND, Elizabeth Bly Cummings Bracken Williams - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Elizabeth Bly Heistand was born at Darlington, Montgomery County, Indiana July 31, 1840, departed this life at her son, Clement Williams' Attica, Indiana May 24, 1912, being 71 years 9 months and 23 days of age, having spent almost her entire life in Montgomery and Fountain counties. At the age of 17 she was married to James Cummings and to this union were born two sons, James and Henry both of whom have been dead for a number of years. Her husband having died, she was again married to James Williams. To this union were born three children: Mary, who died in infanty; Clement of Attica and Mettie Bair of Sedalia, Missouri. Mr. Williams having died, she was married to Thomas Bracken. To this union were born four children: George of LA, California; William of Cates; Charles of Attica and Grace Cain of Book, Indiana. Mrs. Bracken, having died, she married John Heistand, who has been dead for a number of years. Since his death she has made her home with her children. She was converted and joined church at the age of 13 years, and lived a faithful, consistent, christian life to the end. When changing locations she would take her church membership with her, always keeping her membership in the United Brethren Church when possible. At the time of her death she was a member of the UB Church at Cates, Ind. She was faithful to her church work. Unless the weather was extremely bad Grandmother Heistand could be relied upon as being at her post of duty and the prayers and testinmonies she sent up in behalf of her children and the community at large are still warm in the ears of the people in the vicinity of Cates. It seemed to be her special duty going about doing good, forgetful of self when possible to serve others. During her last illness she bore her suffering with patience and Chrstian fortitude. Her prayer at the last was that she might be spared until her daughter, Mattie could reach her. After her daughter arrived, she said that she would not turn her hand over for the difference between life and death seeming fully resigned and ready for the crossing over, knowing, that "wher eI am, ye may go also." She leaves to mourn her death, six children, 25 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also mean other relatives and friends. In her death the community has lost a good citizen and friend, the church a faithful member and the children a good, Christian mother   --- transcribed by kbz