Simmons - Mary Evans
Source: Kingman Star Friday, February 1, 1907
Mary A. Evans was born in Montgomery county, Penn., Dec. 12 1841, and departed this life Jan 20, 1907, aged 64 years, 1 month and 8 days. She was united in marriage to Benj. F. Simmons at Rainsville, Ind., Aug. 26 1862 and to this union was born three children, two sons and one daughter, the daughter, husband and father having preceded her to the better world. She was an active member of the Methodist church and her home was always open to the weary itinerant preacher who was always welcome. She died as she lived—a Christian and it can well be said of her “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, hense forth there is laid up for me a crown, in righteousness that the Lord will give me at that day.” She was a great reader and the Bible was the book so much delighted to read, only a few hours before her death she was seen reading from the word of God, which was a lamp to her feet and a light to her pathway. Her sickness was very short but severe, but she never complained, saying “the will of the Lord be done in earth as it is done in heaven.” Gone but not forgotten and we are comforted in the reflection that our loss is her eternal gain. She leaves two sons, two grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters and a host of friends to mourn her loss. The funeral services were conducted by Revs. McHargue and Vessels at the Methodist church after which the remains were laid to rest in the Harveysburg Cemetery. – “S”
Source: Kingman Star Friday January 25, 1907
Sudden death – Last Sunday about noon when Inez McDaniels called at the home of Mrs. Mary Simmons in the west part of town she was greatly astonished to find the aged lady lying on a bed in a condition that later proved fatal. Miss McDaniels had been in the habit of making frequent calls at the Simmons home, but this time had stayed away longer than usual. When she entered the house the fire had gone out and the body of the aged lady lay prostrate and stiff from the intense cold. She at once gave the alarm and in a short time friends and neighbors gathered upon the pitiful scene. The stove in the room burnt coak and no one knew how to start the fire, and considerable time elapsed before any heat could be had in the house. Dr. Ratcliff was called and was soon at hand trying every available remedy to bring life into the cold and seemingly breathless body. After some hard and skillful work by the physician and those present Mrs. Simmons revived enough to tell how it happened. She stated that about midnight Saturday night she became very sick with a heavy chill. She tried to call to the neighbors, but she could not make any one hear. She then went back to bed where she was found the next day. When Dr. Ratcliff arrived scarcely any pulse could be distinguished and every effort seemed hopeless. She died about midnight Sunday night, having lived about twenty four hours after she took sick. About nine o’clock Sunday night Dr. Ratcliff not to be satisfied with the results of his efforts called Dr. Williamson but their consultation was to no avail. Immediately after the discovery of the unfortunate lady a message was sent to her son, Roe, at Veedersburg at which place his train was due to arrive in a short time. He did not arrive until 10 o’clock Sunday night. His mother, although very low, recognized him when he came to her bed side. She leaves to mourn her loss two sons and a number of friends. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 10 o’clock. – S-