Obituary - Franklin Report (Dixon, IL) July 6, 1903

Mrs. Martha Hunsdon died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Hepfer, in this village, Monday morning, June 29, 1903, aged 83 years, 8 months, and 11 days.

Martha Brown was born in County Armagh, Ireland, October 18, 1819, and came to this country with her father's family in 1822. She was the third child in a family of nine children, - six sons and three daughters, - of whom Elder George A. Brown of Lafayette, Ogle County, who was present at the funeral, is the only survivor.

In 1844 she was married to Edward S. Hunsdon, of Shoreham, Vermont. To this union was born six children, one son and five daughters, three of whom were present at the burial. She came with her husband to Illinois in 1847, locating in Ogle County on what is known as the "Spring Farm," but a few years later moved to a farm one-half mile south of Teall's corners, where they resided until the death of Mr. Hunsdon, about nine years ago. The infirmities of age made it necesary for her to seek the ministrations of her daughters, and since his death she had made her home with Mesdames Emily Hepfer of this village, and Annie Suliver of Dixon, her demise occurring at the home of the former, she having gone there but a few days before her death. She was taken ill early in October last and was confined to her bed almost constantly until death, but patiently awaited its coming, she having been a professed christian for many years.

The funeral was held at Lighthouse Church Wednesday morning, service being conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. W. Lowery. Interment in Lighthouse Cemetery.

Notes from 1870 census, Taylor Twp., Ogle Co., IL: Fred Brown, 9 yrs., born in Massachusetts is listed as living with the Edward S. Hunsdon family.

Note in Methodist Church records membership: (1) Althetta Brown (Mrs. C. A. Ostrander) died Feb. 18, 1914. (2) Martha Brown. (18) Almeda (Brown) Roe died January 28, 1882. (29) Ellen (Hepfer) Swingley died August 19, 1900.

Submitted by Sue Cramer

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