OBITUARY

Mary Jane Grush was born in Lanccaster Co., Penn., March 7. 1834, she died in Woosung Township in the home in which she had lived for the past 86 years, on last Sunday evening. April 27, at 7:15. Her age was 90 years, 1 month, and 20 days. When the was 12 years old she came with her parents, Isaac and Catharine Grush. and other members of the family from the Pennsylvania home overland by wagon to the Ohio River, and down the Ohio to the Mississippi and up the Mississippi by boat, then by wagon again across the country, settling in Pine Creek Township.

Her mother's father was a soldier of the Revolution.

She continued to live with her parents in the Pine Creek home until June 1, 1855, when she was married to Charles H. Ayres. They went to housekeeping in the township in which they were married, and about two years later moved to Woosung Township, settling on the farm that has been her home ever since.

Here, having scoured material for their new home, they had the disappointing experience of having It all destroyed by a prairie fire before the house was constructed. They then bought a small building near where Dixon now stands, and by ox team hauled it to the farm and it became their new home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ayres wore born eight children, four sons and four daughters, John E., Charles and Lena May died In Infancy, Elsie M. died at the age of 36, and Henry P. when 26. The father and husband went to his eternal reward November 1, 1880. The children who survive are Samuel R., of Falls City, Nebraska, Alma S. Parks, of the homestead, and Lillus S. Lampin of Polo. Together with these there remain two sisters, Mrs. Emma Arnold of Freeport and Mrs. Catherine Palmateer of Thorneburg, Iowa, and one brother, David R. Grush of Falls City. Nebraska. These sisters were unable to be present because of ill health. Mother Ayres had just two grandchildren.

Mrs. Ayres became a Christian in youth and has been a devout and godly woman through a long and active life. She early identified herself with the church and for more than thirty years has been an attendant and member of the East Jordan Church. She knew the happy secret of that trust in God that kept her life serene and beautiful in the home, in the church, and among all who knew her.

In pioneer days, when people were tested in unusual ways, these elements in her character meant much and proved of great worth. There was a cheerfulness and brightness about her that always drew people to her. Children and young people loved her dearly. The passing of such a life leaves behind a blessing and a benediction.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon. April 30, at the home in Woosung Township at two o'clock and at 2:30 at the Sugar Grove Church. Rev. M. B. Leach had charge of the services. At the home Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Ballou of Dixon sang "Lead Kindly Light." and Rev. B. Lee Towsley offered prayer in the church. Rev. Isaac Summers of Ridott read the 21st Psalm, and Rev Leach led in prayer. Mr. Towsley of Adair preached the sermon from John 14 1 and Mr. Leach read the obituary and delivered a short address. Mrs. Reed and Mrs Ballou sang "At Evening Time It shall Be Light," “Home of the Soul,” and “Abide With Me." Burial was made in Sugar Grove Cemetery.

Transcribed by Byron Grush, Great Grandnephew

From Tri-County Press, Polo, Illinois, Thursday, May 8th, 1924

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