CATHERINE NYE PASSES AWAY--the oldest resident of the community was in her ninetieth year. Born in Maryland and came to Ogle Co. seventy years ago.

Mrs Catherine R. Nye, the oldest resident of the community and a lady held in the greatest esteem by all, passed away in death at the home of her son:U.C. Nye, Saturday afternoon about 4 o'clock. Mrs Nye until about two years ago, remained quite active for one of her advanced years.and although quit frail she retained her mental faculties to a remarkable degree up to the last moment. Only until a few days previous to her death did it become apparent to those in attendance at her bedside that the time for final parting was drawing near.

Catherine R., the daughter of James and Nancy Coffman was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, July 24, 1820. In 1840, when she was twenty years of age she came with her parents to Ogle County, first locating in Pine Creek Township. This journey which now requires a little more than a day, at that time required about two months in the overland drive. Two years later on May 19, 1842 she married Michael Stonebraker also a native of Maryland, and their home continued on the farm two miles north of Mount Morris through many years. Eight children were born to this union six of whom survived and although their homes are widely scattered, five of them were present at the funeral, the exception being Mrs Urilla Potter whose home is in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and who was detained on account of the illness of her son. Those present were Newton Stonebraker, of Huron, South Dakota; Eliphlet Stonebraker, of Hampton, Iowa, Orville of Lincoln, Nebraska, Charles, of Mt. Morris, Illinois and Mrs Thomas Bell of Wellsville, Ks.

Mr Stonebraker died October 3, 1859 and on October 2, 1860 Mrs Stonebraker became the wife of John H. Nye. Mr Nye died February 23, 1896, in California. To them were born two sons, one of whom, Frank, died in young manhood, the other Ulysses C. has remained with and cared for his mother practically all his life, showing a devotion and pleasure in performing this filial duty that was exceptional in its character and filled at all times with the most tenderness shown as her every need and comfort be supplied. Mrs Nye is also survived by twenty two grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren.

Mrs Nye was nearly a life long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having united with it at the age of 14 years when Methodism in America had less than half a million members and she had seem it grow till the membership is now nearly six million. During the last few years she has had several severe attacks of illness from which her relatives feared she would not rally, but her remarkable constitution brought her through until Saturday afternoon last she became ill and quickly passed away. If she had lived till July 24, she would have reached the age of 90 years.

The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the home, being conducted by Rev. N. R. Hinds of the Methodist Church. Rev. J. H. More, of Polo, a friend of many years also took part in the service speaking mainly of personal associations and character of the deceased for the long time with whch he had been acquainted as pastor and neighbor. Mrs C.V. Taylor sang two beautiful and appropriate solos and the remains were borne to the grave by five sons and a son-in-law. There were a large number of floral offerings sent by friends. Interment was in the old cemetery by the body of her first husband.

Submitted by Jane Edson

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