Lindley - Hannah Woody
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, May 25, 1917
Hannah Lindley, daughter of James and Margaret Woody, was born Nov. 11, 1846 on the farm now owned by Frank Maris in Liberty Township, Parke Co., Indiana. On the morning of May 21, 1917 her spirit quietly and alone took its flight from its prison house of pain and weakness and went back to God who gave it. Leaving her at the age of 71 yrs, 6 mo, 10 da. She was the 8th child and the daughter of a family of ten children. Of the ten only three survive her, viz, Levi Woody and Sarah W. Lindley, of Kingman and Lot Woody, of Berkley Cal. All of whom were present to pay their last respects to a loved sister. Her childhood and youth were pent in the home of her birth. She received a common school education at the Rush Creek school. At the age of twenty years she was united in marriage to Hiram Lindley Dec. 14, 1865. To this union were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters. The oldest daughter Fannie L. Jester and three of the sons have preceded her to the life beyond. Stephen, Mrs. Winnie Randolph, Warren Guy and Max survive her and were all present. Less than a year ago she was deprived of her companion with whom she had lived for more than 50 years. Through all those years she cheerfully and faithfully did her part in making, maintaining and caring for the home. In unselfish, loving, willing service she ministered to the needs of her household. Under her supervision her children were well cared for. Today, those that are living “Rise up and call her blessed.” She bore all of the trials and bereavements that came into her life with great fortitude and christian resignation. She cared for her husband most tenderly and devotedly through his long affliction. Being frail herself it was wonderful how her strength of spirit and of body held up to the task day by day. Her own testimony at that time was that her strength came from God through prayer. While she was devoted to her own home and loved ones, her love and sympathy were not confined to the narrow limits of her own household. She had a heart broad in love and sympathy for others. The poor and needy found in her a friend. She was like a mother to the younger women living near her. As a neighbor she was good, kind, generous and helpful, always ready to do her part. As the bible puts it she was given to hospitality, she gave it without grudging. Her home was ever open and free for the entertainment of her many friends. She was converted in her fathers home while yet in her early youth. She had a birthright in the Friends Church. When the revival spirit came upon the church in the early seventies she entered actively into christian service. She has been interested in the work of the church ever since. Her voice was often heard in prayer and praise. She has filled the station of elder in the church at Tangier for a number of years and was filling that place at the time of her death. She loyally and liberally supported the work of the church with her means. In her death the church sustains a great loss, a valuable member has gone from our midst. She has been a sufferer from asthma for 47 years. Not being strong she has had to keep hired help for the house work for a number of years. She and her helpers always got along nicely together. Though she could not do the heavier work she was never idle, she worked willingly with her hands. It is an item of interest to know that she pieced 14 quilts this past winter and spring. The relaxation or her nervous system was so great after the death of her husband, last July, that it looked for a while like she would soon follow him. But with rest and nourishing food she rallied, she got through the winter fine. She took cold in March and has not been herself since some three or four weeks there was a perceptable change. She lost her relish for food and grew so weak she had to give up all work. The last ten days of her life she failed rapidly. We all thought that the end of her life was approaching but it was nearer than we thought. All of the children who were in reach of her visited her last sabbath. Not realizing that the end was so near they all went to their homes, the family was left alone sabbath night. At 4 o’clock in the morning her son, Guy, arose for the duties of the day, before going out to attend to the barn work he went to his mother, but as she seemed to be breathing easy and resting he did not speak to her. After breakfast was over he went again to the barn and Eva went to see if Hannah was ready for her breakfast. She still seemed to be resting so she did not disturb her. In a little while she went again but could not arouse her, for her spirit was gone and life was extinct. She had expressed herself at different times as being ready and did not care how soon the summons came …….. grain, fully ripe and ready to be gathered into the heavenly garner. She leaves to mourn their loss 4 sons, 1 daughter, 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, 2 bothers, 1 sister and a host of nephews and nieces together with other relatives and friends. Funeral services conducted by Sarah T. McKey at Rush Creek church. Burial in the Rush Creek Cemetery. – jlr