BLACKETER, Rebecca Elliott - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Rebecca Blacketer daughter of Samuel and Susan Davis Elliott, was born in Hendricks County, Indiana May 20, 1847 and after a long, worthy life of 80 years 1 month and 22 days like a sheaf of ripened grain she was gathered to the Great Garnerer. Her early life was passed at her birthplace and here on September 26, 1861 she was united in marriage with Ephraim Blacketer, to whom she was a faithful, devoted wife until his passing July 30, 1907. Four children were born of this union: two sons, John of Whatcheer, Iowa and Samuel of Estherville, Iowa and two daguthers, Mrs. Susan P. Hawk of Rose Hill, Iowa and Mrs. Magnolia Mitchell of Bridgeton and all are left to mourn the loss of a dear mother. Others bereft are 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Blacketer lived in the vicinity of Ferndale, later moving to Iowa, where they lived on a farm for 20 years. Here their children grew from childhood to youth in a home made comfortable and happy by the parents. Theirs was a musical family and their home was a center of communicy social life, the father and mother, jolly and young, joining with the young folks in their frolics. The mother affectionaly known to all as "Aunt Becky," was especially popular with both old and young. When the family returned to Indiana they took up residence on the farm in Ferndale neighborhood where the deceased had lived the remainder of her life. Mr. Blacketer was a volunteer in the Civil War in Co I 9th Indiana Cavalry, being honorably discharged August 28, 1865 and while he was at the front defending his country's flag, Mrs. Blacketer did her part at home caring for her little ones, managing the farm and unselfishly and nobly battling with the hardships and trials of the "war widow" of those stirring days. The deceased was a true home woman best content in service to family and home living quietly a modest, unpretentious woman both in manners and dress, yet neat and tidy always. In household management she was thrifty and prudent. She was a sincere friend, a good neighbor and one whose dignified life commanded the respect of all. Early in life she confessed her savior and united with the Baptist church to which she held faithful allegiance as long as she lived. During her last illness she realized her time on earth was brief and spoke of it, assuring those with whom she talked that she was fully prepared and ready for the summons. And after days of weary waiting through intense suffering the angel of death came with merciful release and her gentle spirit passed on to the glories of the beautiful home of the soul. Funeral services were conducted at the family residence Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock the Rev. William McKeehan officiating. Rock of Ages, Nearer My God to Thee were sung by a neighborhood choir and Beautiful Isle was rendered by Miss McKeehan. Mrs. Gene Martin acting as organist. An obituary was read and all that was mortal of Mrs. Blacketer was conveyed to Martin Cemetery and laid away to awit the resurrection morn. The beaers of the pall were: Messrs Thomas and Elmer Blacketer; Luther mcHargue; Marion Spencer; Eugene Martin and SA Noble.