From Story County Watchman August 5, 1892 (transcribed on iagenweb):
"On Wednesday the wife of Hon. James Wilson, one of the professors of the I. A. C.* was missed from her home and when not returning for some length of time, search was made for her. She was found about one half mile from their residence* near the college, lying in the bed of Squaw Creek, having been drowned. The coroner was duly summoned and the verdict of the jury was that she had committed suicide by this means. This is a hard blow upon her husband and family and following so closely upon the one herewith mentioned is doubly so to all this section."
-------------------------------------------
There are other accounts of her death available - some say accidental, some say suicide. Her husband later became the Secretary of Agriculture.
Judson Wilbur was Esther Wilbur Wilson's brother. He died three days after his sister's wedding to James A. "Tama" Wilson in May 1863 which may explain how he came to be buried here rather than with his parents (he was only 16 when he died).
Information provided courtesy of family member.
==========================
Star Clipper, Friday, August 12th, 1892 page 5
It has been many years since a s sorrowful an assemblage of people congregated in Traer as the large number who gathered at the United Presbyterian church, Friday to pay a last tribute of love to the late Mrs. James Wilson. The church overflowed. President Beardshear and members of the faculty accompanied the afflicted family from Ames and there were people present from long distances. The casket was half hidden by flowers—emblems of purity and love— while clusters and emblems wreathed pulpit, rostrum and organ. The choir sang tenderly, President Beardshear offered a heartfelt prayer and Rev. Conybeare delivered an impressive discourse. Revs. Hamilton, Henderson and Miller also assisted in the sad service. The body was borne to the Buckingham cemetery and laid tenderly away to await the resurrection morning. It was indeed a sad service. Mrs. Wilson has been known and loved so long in this neighborhood that it seemed hardly possible that she was gone. Away back in1858 she taught school in Buckingham village. Years before that and through the many years since she has held a warm place in the hearts of all the people of north Tama who admire true womanhood. The cause of her death gave an especial sadness to the occasion. Broken down by a long illness and haunted by the fear of mental disorder that is so often the result of the disease, she was led to take her life. She pinned a note on her parasol stating where her body could be found, and going to a stream half a mile away, she laid down to her death.
Mrs. James Wilson was born in the State of New York in July 1835. Her family moved to Iowa in 1855. She was married in May 1863, and until within a year has lived in our neighborhood. She has raised a family of five boys and one girl. Her life work has been in the home and she has discharged every duty with great fidelity. It was her lot in life to be in charge of the family much of the time, her husband was absent half of her married life discharging public duties. She had no taste for social life found about legislative bodies and always made very short visits to her husband. The old settlers of north Tama found in her one to be respected and one whose friendship is to be desired. She was a helpmeet in the truest sense of the word and did her part day by day in the family and household and farm management when the husband was at home, sharing the cares of life, or when he was doing work of the State and Nation and she was bearing them alone. Her life speaks for many a noble woman of the farm who quietly performs life's duties and discharges its responsibilities with no herald to proclaim each success content with the affection of her family and a few neighbors who appreciate her. Her health has been failing for several years. She visited California with benefit and designed spending the coming winter there. For her sake, her husband abandoned public service and accepted a position at Ames where her cares would be lightened, the young people educated, and at home, with the hope that the quiet life about a college, delightful surroundings and pleasant people her health might be restored. But this was not her fortune. She appeared better when in Traer last and her friends hoped she would regain full strength. Instead, she had been failing of late. Much of the farm matter appearing from Mr. Wilson's pen in the Star Clipper was written at the bedside of his beloved wife. He gave her every moment that could be taken from his pressing duties at the college, but neither love, nor tender care nor medical skill could rescue her from the grasp of disease. One of north Tama's noblest wives and mothers has stepped over the border.
Contributor: George (48419540)
"On Wednesday the wife of Hon. James Wilson, one of the professors of the I. A. C.* was missed from her home and when not returning for some length of time, search was made for her. She was found about one half mile from their residence* near the college, lying in the bed of Squaw Creek, having been drowned. The coroner was duly summoned and the verdict of the jury was that she had committed suicide by this means. This is a hard blow upon her husband and family and following so closely upon the one herewith mentioned is doubly so to all this section."
-------------------------------------------
There are other accounts of her death available - some say accidental, some say suicide. Her husband later became the Secretary of Agriculture.
Judson Wilbur was Esther Wilbur Wilson's brother. He died three days after his sister's wedding to James A. "Tama" Wilson in May 1863 which may explain how he came to be buried here rather than with his parents (he was only 16 when he died).
Information provided courtesy of family member.
==========================
Star Clipper, Friday, August 12th, 1892 page 5
It has been many years since a s sorrowful an assemblage of people congregated in Traer as the large number who gathered at the United Presbyterian church, Friday to pay a last tribute of love to the late Mrs. James Wilson. The church overflowed. President Beardshear and members of the faculty accompanied the afflicted family from Ames and there were people present from long distances. The casket was half hidden by flowers—emblems of purity and love— while clusters and emblems wreathed pulpit, rostrum and organ. The choir sang tenderly, President Beardshear offered a heartfelt prayer and Rev. Conybeare delivered an impressive discourse. Revs. Hamilton, Henderson and Miller also assisted in the sad service. The body was borne to the Buckingham cemetery and laid tenderly away to await the resurrection morning. It was indeed a sad service. Mrs. Wilson has been known and loved so long in this neighborhood that it seemed hardly possible that she was gone. Away back in1858 she taught school in Buckingham village. Years before that and through the many years since she has held a warm place in the hearts of all the people of north Tama who admire true womanhood. The cause of her death gave an especial sadness to the occasion. Broken down by a long illness and haunted by the fear of mental disorder that is so often the result of the disease, she was led to take her life. She pinned a note on her parasol stating where her body could be found, and going to a stream half a mile away, she laid down to her death.
Mrs. James Wilson was born in the State of New York in July 1835. Her family moved to Iowa in 1855. She was married in May 1863, and until within a year has lived in our neighborhood. She has raised a family of five boys and one girl. Her life work has been in the home and she has discharged every duty with great fidelity. It was her lot in life to be in charge of the family much of the time, her husband was absent half of her married life discharging public duties. She had no taste for social life found about legislative bodies and always made very short visits to her husband. The old settlers of north Tama found in her one to be respected and one whose friendship is to be desired. She was a helpmeet in the truest sense of the word and did her part day by day in the family and household and farm management when the husband was at home, sharing the cares of life, or when he was doing work of the State and Nation and she was bearing them alone. Her life speaks for many a noble woman of the farm who quietly performs life's duties and discharges its responsibilities with no herald to proclaim each success content with the affection of her family and a few neighbors who appreciate her. Her health has been failing for several years. She visited California with benefit and designed spending the coming winter there. For her sake, her husband abandoned public service and accepted a position at Ames where her cares would be lightened, the young people educated, and at home, with the hope that the quiet life about a college, delightful surroundings and pleasant people her health might be restored. But this was not her fortune. She appeared better when in Traer last and her friends hoped she would regain full strength. Instead, she had been failing of late. Much of the farm matter appearing from Mr. Wilson's pen in the Star Clipper was written at the bedside of his beloved wife. He gave her every moment that could be taken from his pressing duties at the college, but neither love, nor tender care nor medical skill could rescue her from the grasp of disease. One of north Tama's noblest wives and mothers has stepped over the border.
Contributor: George (48419540)
From Story County Watchman August 5, 1892 (transcribed on iagenweb):
"On Wednesday the wife of Hon. James Wilson, one of the professors of the I. A. C.* was missed from her home and when not returning for some length of time, search was made for her. She was found about one half mile from their residence* near the college, lying in the bed of Squaw Creek, having been drowned. The coroner was duly summoned and the verdict of the jury was that she had committed suicide by this means. This is a hard blow upon her husband and family and following so closely upon the one herewith mentioned is doubly so to all this section."
-------------------------------------------
There are other accounts of her death available - some say accidental, some say suicide. Her husband later became the Secretary of Agriculture.
Judson Wilbur was Esther Wilbur Wilson's brother. He died three days after his sister's wedding to James A. "Tama" Wilson in May 1863 which may explain how he came to be buried here rather than with his parents (he was only 16 when he died).
Information provided courtesy of family member.
==========================
Star Clipper, Friday, August 12th, 1892 page 5
It has been many years since a s sorrowful an assemblage of people congregated in Traer as the large number who gathered at the United Presbyterian church, Friday to pay a last tribute of love to the late Mrs. James Wilson. The church overflowed. President Beardshear and members of the faculty accompanied the afflicted family from Ames and there were people present from long distances. The casket was half hidden by flowers—emblems of purity and love— while clusters and emblems wreathed pulpit, rostrum and organ. The choir sang tenderly, President Beardshear offered a heartfelt prayer and Rev. Conybeare delivered an impressive discourse. Revs. Hamilton, Henderson and Miller also assisted in the sad service. The body was borne to the Buckingham cemetery and laid tenderly away to await the resurrection morning. It was indeed a sad service. Mrs. Wilson has been known and loved so long in this neighborhood that it seemed hardly possible that she was gone. Away back in1858 she taught school in Buckingham village. Years before that and through the many years since she has held a warm place in the hearts of all the people of north Tama who admire true womanhood. The cause of her death gave an especial sadness to the occasion. Broken down by a long illness and haunted by the fear of mental disorder that is so often the result of the disease, she was led to take her life. She pinned a note on her parasol stating where her body could be found, and going to a stream half a mile away, she laid down to her death.
Mrs. James Wilson was born in the State of New York in July 1835. Her family moved to Iowa in 1855. She was married in May 1863, and until within a year has lived in our neighborhood. She has raised a family of five boys and one girl. Her life work has been in the home and she has discharged every duty with great fidelity. It was her lot in life to be in charge of the family much of the time, her husband was absent half of her married life discharging public duties. She had no taste for social life found about legislative bodies and always made very short visits to her husband. The old settlers of north Tama found in her one to be respected and one whose friendship is to be desired. She was a helpmeet in the truest sense of the word and did her part day by day in the family and household and farm management when the husband was at home, sharing the cares of life, or when he was doing work of the State and Nation and she was bearing them alone. Her life speaks for many a noble woman of the farm who quietly performs life's duties and discharges its responsibilities with no herald to proclaim each success content with the affection of her family and a few neighbors who appreciate her. Her health has been failing for several years. She visited California with benefit and designed spending the coming winter there. For her sake, her husband abandoned public service and accepted a position at Ames where her cares would be lightened, the young people educated, and at home, with the hope that the quiet life about a college, delightful surroundings and pleasant people her health might be restored. But this was not her fortune. She appeared better when in Traer last and her friends hoped she would regain full strength. Instead, she had been failing of late. Much of the farm matter appearing from Mr. Wilson's pen in the Star Clipper was written at the bedside of his beloved wife. He gave her every moment that could be taken from his pressing duties at the college, but neither love, nor tender care nor medical skill could rescue her from the grasp of disease. One of north Tama's noblest wives and mothers has stepped over the border.
Contributor: George (48419540)
"On Wednesday the wife of Hon. James Wilson, one of the professors of the I. A. C.* was missed from her home and when not returning for some length of time, search was made for her. She was found about one half mile from their residence* near the college, lying in the bed of Squaw Creek, having been drowned. The coroner was duly summoned and the verdict of the jury was that she had committed suicide by this means. This is a hard blow upon her husband and family and following so closely upon the one herewith mentioned is doubly so to all this section."
-------------------------------------------
There are other accounts of her death available - some say accidental, some say suicide. Her husband later became the Secretary of Agriculture.
Judson Wilbur was Esther Wilbur Wilson's brother. He died three days after his sister's wedding to James A. "Tama" Wilson in May 1863 which may explain how he came to be buried here rather than with his parents (he was only 16 when he died).
Information provided courtesy of family member.
==========================
Star Clipper, Friday, August 12th, 1892 page 5
It has been many years since a s sorrowful an assemblage of people congregated in Traer as the large number who gathered at the United Presbyterian church, Friday to pay a last tribute of love to the late Mrs. James Wilson. The church overflowed. President Beardshear and members of the faculty accompanied the afflicted family from Ames and there were people present from long distances. The casket was half hidden by flowers—emblems of purity and love— while clusters and emblems wreathed pulpit, rostrum and organ. The choir sang tenderly, President Beardshear offered a heartfelt prayer and Rev. Conybeare delivered an impressive discourse. Revs. Hamilton, Henderson and Miller also assisted in the sad service. The body was borne to the Buckingham cemetery and laid tenderly away to await the resurrection morning. It was indeed a sad service. Mrs. Wilson has been known and loved so long in this neighborhood that it seemed hardly possible that she was gone. Away back in1858 she taught school in Buckingham village. Years before that and through the many years since she has held a warm place in the hearts of all the people of north Tama who admire true womanhood. The cause of her death gave an especial sadness to the occasion. Broken down by a long illness and haunted by the fear of mental disorder that is so often the result of the disease, she was led to take her life. She pinned a note on her parasol stating where her body could be found, and going to a stream half a mile away, she laid down to her death.
Mrs. James Wilson was born in the State of New York in July 1835. Her family moved to Iowa in 1855. She was married in May 1863, and until within a year has lived in our neighborhood. She has raised a family of five boys and one girl. Her life work has been in the home and she has discharged every duty with great fidelity. It was her lot in life to be in charge of the family much of the time, her husband was absent half of her married life discharging public duties. She had no taste for social life found about legislative bodies and always made very short visits to her husband. The old settlers of north Tama found in her one to be respected and one whose friendship is to be desired. She was a helpmeet in the truest sense of the word and did her part day by day in the family and household and farm management when the husband was at home, sharing the cares of life, or when he was doing work of the State and Nation and she was bearing them alone. Her life speaks for many a noble woman of the farm who quietly performs life's duties and discharges its responsibilities with no herald to proclaim each success content with the affection of her family and a few neighbors who appreciate her. Her health has been failing for several years. She visited California with benefit and designed spending the coming winter there. For her sake, her husband abandoned public service and accepted a position at Ames where her cares would be lightened, the young people educated, and at home, with the hope that the quiet life about a college, delightful surroundings and pleasant people her health might be restored. But this was not her fortune. She appeared better when in Traer last and her friends hoped she would regain full strength. Instead, she had been failing of late. Much of the farm matter appearing from Mr. Wilson's pen in the Star Clipper was written at the bedside of his beloved wife. He gave her every moment that could be taken from his pressing duties at the college, but neither love, nor tender care nor medical skill could rescue her from the grasp of disease. One of north Tama's noblest wives and mothers has stepped over the border.
Contributor: George (48419540)
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