Forreston Herald: Forreston, Illinois: July 11, 1890:

Mrs. Nathaniel Coffman. Died near Morrison, Grundy County, Iowa, Mrs. Coffman was aged 58 years, 1 month, and five days. The deceased, (nee Mary M. Etnyre) was born in Washington County, Maryland. She came to this county in 1838 and to her later residence in Iowa in 1887. In 1848 she was married to Nathaniel Coffman, to whom she bore six children—four sons and two daughters, these all with her husband, survive her in life. Her sickness was of but a few days, terminating her mortal existence July 2nd, 1890. she was brought to Adeline for interment July 4th, where, after services at her former home, (now the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel Downey), and at the M. E. Church, she was buried in the family cemetery three and one-half miles northwest of Adeline, there to await the coming of Him who is the resurrection and the Life.” Although the announcement of her death was sudden, and unexpected, a large number of friends and relatives—including the husband, two sons and two daughters, also one brother and two sisters on the deceased attended the solemn services. The undersigned improved the opportunity to speak from Eccl. Xii:13-14; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgement with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” J. August Smith. ……another obit from same paper and date…partial..…….She resided in this town about fifty years. The funeral sermon was preached in the M. E. church by J. August Smith. Her husband, sons Isaac and John, and daughter Luella, came on the train that conveyed the body. Her sister, Mrs. Harrison Diemer and Mr. Diemer of Dakota, Ill., attended the funeral. Mrs. Coffman, who lived in our midst so long was well known. She was a most indulgent parent, who shortened her life no doubt by the constant attention she bestowed upon her children. Her son Samuel was somewhat of an invalid from his youth up, and such care as this mother bestowed upon him exceeds any case on record. For many years the dear mother never took off her clothes to go to bed, but laid upon the floor in order that she might not sleep sound. The welfare of her child was ever upon her mind. Her order in the affairs of the house was perfect, and her love for flowers prominent. A beautiful wreath lay upon her breast plucked from her garden in Iowa. She was loath to leave her Adeline home, but her children being located in Iowa, caused her to yield, give up her home here, for a new one there. She said death would be desired if it had not been for
her afflicted son, who can never have the care he did while she lived. Peace be to her ashes. May the years of time never obliterate the memory of this affectionate mother, who bore the rough side of life so many years, as best her constitution could.

Submitted by Morgan

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