Delaware County Iowa Obituaries Extracted From The Manchester Democrat, Manchester, Ia., 1917

1917 Obituaries from the Manchester Democrat in Manchester, Delaware County Iowa.

WAUGH, Mary Elizabeth Van Duser Obituary

Mrs. David Waugh Answers Summons - Death of Pioneer Woman Takes Place At Her Home in Manchester Saturday - Funeral Monday Afternoon.

Survived by One Son, Milton J. Waugh, of Chicago and Daughter, Miss Nannie Waugh of Manchester.

After less than a week of rapidly failing strength the brave spirit of Mrs. David Waugh returned to its maker, leaving to mourn her loss one son, J. M. Waugh of Chicago, and her only daughter, Miss Nannie Waugh of Manchester and two granddaughters.

Through the loving and faithful ministrations of her daughter, Miss Nannie, she was permitted to pass the declining years in her own home, surrounding by friends who knew her and loved her for her sterling worth and gracious womanly ways. She also leaves a brother, James Van Duster, two nephews and two nieces of Watkins, New York. Emmert and Dan Huey and Mrs. Floyd Evans, of Manchester are also numbered among her kindred.

Mrs. Waugh was born in Pine Grove, near Watkins, New York, February 3, 1832. Her parents were Nancy Huey and Milton Van Duser and she was christened Mary Elizabeth. Born in a Christian home she identified herself with the Presbyterian church in early girlhood. Thus in early life were laid the foundations of a strong Christian character which made her the defender of every righteous cause. Her father's death when she was only thirteen years of age, developed a spirit of self-reliance and she at once became her mother's companion and dependence. Together they kept the home and developed the little farm among the hills in the picturesque region of Watkins Glen, New York. Fond of study, and helpful and needed in the church and home, she passed a happy girlhood.

In December, 1852, she was married to David Waugh. To them were born five children - four sons and one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh remained near Watkins until the spring of 1865, when they came to Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, where a sister of Mr. Waugh resided. Two years later they came to reside in the neighborhood of Golden, Delaware County, and later purchased a tract of prairie land which by thrift and economy they converted into a fertile farm, beautifying their home with trees and flowers and obtaining from the fruitful acres a competence by which they educated their children and provided for their declining years. In August, 1887, their son, Wallace, was taken from them by death, so they left the farm the following year and have since resided in Manchester. In the morning and evening of life they walked side by side in sympathy and happiness, celebrating their golden wedding in their home in Manchester December 30th, 1902. Mr. Waugh preceded her in death December 4th, 1911, and two sons died in childhood, and one grandson, who died in infancy. Mrs. Waugh's strenuous early life taxed her strength so seriously that her later years have been a period of weakness and suffering, born with patience and Christian fortitude - the last two years being passed in a invalid's chair. Mrs. Waugh was a lady of the old school, giving to her husband and children her untiring devotion, creating a home of culture and refinement which was marked for gracious hospitality and in her life upholding the standard of truth and right.

Funeral services were held at the family home on Franklin street at four o'clock Monday afternoon. The services were in charge of Rev. W. A. Montgomery, pastor of the Presbyterian church of this city. Rev. W. H. Ensign, a close friend of the family, preached the funeral sermon. Burial was made in Oakland cemetery. [Manchester Democrat, (Manchester, Iowa), July 25, 1917]