All of the census data 1860-1900 support the notion that she was born in 1843.
From the tasks of this earthly habitation another grandmother hath been called. She was born in Tuscarawas County Ohio July 12, 1841, daughter of John and Nancy McQuiston. The family moved to Iowa 1855. Martha McQuiston was united in marriage to Aaron McWherter Oct. 27, 1864 in Jasper County Iowa. Too the union eleven children were born. The father and two of the children, James and Mary had passed on before. The children surviving the mother are Henry of Collins; John, St Anthony Io; David of Collins; William of Collins; Wyatt of Franklin New York; Jess of Nevada; Elsie of Alberta Canada; Mrs. Hale of Collins; and Joseph of State Center; two other brothers also remain,Silas McQuiston of Steward Iowa and Jessie McQuiston of Sugar City Idaho. Besides these a host of other relatives including nephews, nieces, and a number of grand children and three great grandchildren. Mrs McWherter united with the M.E. Church in the year of 1917and while detained within her home by declining health and advancing years, found the Savior, her comforter, and when the sun of life was very low she said "Jesus is coming, the door is open" and when almost set said to the pastor"I trust Jesus, Jesus is my heavenly father". This is the supreme testimony of christian faith. With this testimonial she passed away after great suffering the morning of Sunday Feb. 1st in her 79th year.

The text of sermon was as follows: God gives unto us eternal life. This life is His Son. He that hath life hath his son.He that hath the son hath this life. I John 5:11. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the M. E. Church by her pastor Rev. Fred. Ingvoldstad assisted by Rev. Coonralt of the Christian Church. The music was furnished by a quartet consisting of M___rd John Witmer and Chas Cooper and Madams Myers and____. The floral offerings were beautiful. Burial was in Collins Cemetery.

Contributor: Jean Wilson (48841367) • [email protected]