Raper - Clarissa Watkins
Source: Crawfordsville weekly Journal 21 June 1901 p 5
Clarissa Watkins was born Dec. 25, 1822, in Montgomery county, Ohio, and moved to this county with her parents at seven years of age, where she continued to reside until her death which occurred in Darlington June 11, 1901. August 20, 1839, she was united in marriage to John McMullen, to whom was born one son, James W., of Frankfort, Ind. On July 23, 1844, she was again married to Nathan S. Smith. To this union was born one son and four daughters, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth, Dorothy and Phoebe. Elizabeth alone survives the death of her mother, and as if by special providence she was left to care for her during all these years, and a more dutiful, affectionate or self-sacrificing daughter never soothed the dying hours of a mother than she. On November 3, 1864 she again married Henry N. Raper. The result of this union was one son, W.C. Raper, now a resident of Darlington. Mrs. Raper, so long identified with this part of the county was known by almost everyone, and grandma had a host of friends young and old. Her counsel was sought after by both old and young; she was entertaining, affectionate and kind; her home was a resting place for the weary and all enjoyed a conversation with her. She was a mother in its truest sense. She had been a consistent member of the Methodist Church and her influence was always for good; she died in the full assurance of a home beyond the river. The funeral was conducted at the home by her pastor, Rev. Crowder, and was largely attended – kbz