Elmira Louisa (Leek) Wallace (1841-1909) Obituary

Mount Morris Index, Mount Morris, IL

Thursday, June 17, 1909 p. 1, col 3

DEATH OF A PIONEER LADY

MRS. LOUISA WALLACE DIES AT HER HOME HERE

RESIDENT COUNTY MANY YEARS

Kindly Administration to Neighbors in Hours of Affliction Made All Love "Aunt Lou"

The death of Mrs. Louisa Wallace occurred at her home in Mount Morris, Thursday at 12 PM. She had been in failing health since last November and her demise was not unexpected to her family and friends.

Elmira Louisa Leek was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Aug 2, 1841, coming to Ogle County, Ill., with her mother in 1854, her father having died several years previous. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Wallace, Feb. 22, 1859, and until within a few years resided at the home established in the northwest part of this township. Seven children were born to them, six of whom survive, viz.; Mrs. W. H. Miller, Mrs. Henry Bearman, Mrs. Elmer Baker, and Lewis Wallace of Mount Morris, Mrs. Gera Watts of Pine Creek and John Wallace of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Her husband preceded her in death December 6, 1901. Mrs. Wallace was aged 67 years, 10 months and 8 days. All of the children were present at the funeral. The deceased in early life became a member of the United Brethren Church, but a year or more ago united with the Lutheran Church of this place. Mrs. Wallace possessed a beautiful Christian character and by her many kindly acts and pleasant disposition made friends with all whom she met and was widely known throughout the neighborhood where she so long resided for in cases of sickness or distress it was always "Aunt Lou" who was called to console or nurse them back to health. She was ever a kind and devoted mother and her children will cherish her memory to the end. As a neighbor and friend she was held in the highest esteem by all her acquaintances who extend sympathy to the mourning family.

After brief services at the home in Mount Morris Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, the remains were conveyed to the Reformed Church at West Grove where funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. Ford, pastor of the Lutheran Church, assisted by Elder M. S. Newcomer, burial following in the neighboring cemetery. The great regard in which the deceased was held found expression at her funeral ceremonies.

The family wish to tender their most grateful thanks to those who extended so many kindly acts both before and after the death of their mother.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

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