Moore - Freelove Groves
Source: Waveland Independent, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana March 22, 1906
Mrs. Freelove Moore died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mattie Austin in Davenport, Iowa, Friday, March 16. She was subject to heart trouble but was otherwise in good health. She waked about twelve o'clock, spoke to her daughter and died in a few minutes. The body was brought here for burial, which took place at Union Cemetery on Sunday afternoon after services at the Christian Church. By her request there was no sermon, but F.N. Johnson read a chapter which she had selected and the choir sang some of her favorite songs. The coffin was borne by six of her grandsons. Another request that she made was that no hearse be used. Freelove Groves was born near Ewing Station, Fleming County, Ky, Sept 5, 1812. While young she removed to Indiana, where on February 16, 1837, she married Robert S. Moore, also a native of Kentucky. They moved onto the place south of town where she has since made her home. Eight children were born: Mrs. Lydia Farmer, William Wallace, John T, Mrs. Mattie Austin, David, George, Mrs. Dora Hand and Robert. Of these only George and Mrs. Austin are living. Mr. Moore died June 16, 1851. When the Civil War came on, the four older boys enlisted; William in the 15th, John T. and David in the 60th and George in the 4th Regiment. Robert was but a boy at the time. While nearly all her children have preceded her, she leaves a brother, Benjamin Groves, who lives in Union Mills, Iowa; 28 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. The latter are the two children of Mrs. Pearl Brant and the child of Mrs. Willie Clark. She joined the Christian Church in early childhood and has always been a faithful member, attending whenever able. As long as her strength permitted she insisted on keeping house at the old homestead, but of late years, she has made her home among her children. The following tribute was read at the funeral by F.N. Johnson: It has been my fortune to be acquainted with Aunt Freelove (as we called her) for 50 years. Her cheerful, contented disposition was inspiring; her hospitality proverbial; her hand open to the needy, and her heart full of sympathy for the sorrowing. Her manner was unassuming and simplicity itself, but she had the inner adorning of a loving heart. But it is unnecessary for me to enumerate the many sterling qualities of her character for her life was spent among us and was an open book, known and appreciated, by all of her acquaintances. Aunt Freelove was not afraid to die. She was willing and waiting and so expressed her self to me, goodbye and said she did not expect she would ever see me again on earth but hoped to meet me in a better land. She also suggested the character of the funeral services to her son George and myself, and as a last tribute to respect to her memory we are trying to carry out her wishes.
- kbz