Obituary, in Greenfield, Iowa, 1912.
Mrs. Nancy Fort Lived to the Ripe Old Age, 90 Years, 9 Months, 13 Days, Death From Age
CAME TO IOWA IN 1867
Funeral Services Held Last Sunday, Conducted By Rev. Hill

In this age of rush and rivalry it is rare that a person lives to the age of ninety. This case is the exception. Mrs. Nancy Fort and Mrs. Thankful Priddy were twin sisters. Both lived until last Friday morning when death removed from our midst Mrs. Fort. Mrs. Priddy is living and enjoying reasonably good health. July 21, 1922 these two ladies celebrated the 90th anniversary of their birth at the home of Mrs. Priddy in Greenfield. This occasion was an event in our history that only few live to enjoy. They were born in Highland county, Ohio, married at Hancock County, Indiana, came to Jasper county, Iowa October 1867, moved to farms in Adair county soon thereafter where their families grew to manhood and womanhood. Both ladies were bereft of their husbands.
On account of failing health Mrs. Fort was removed to the home of her grand-daughter, Mrs. J.C. Patterson, where she lived the last eleven weeks of her life. Her sons were at her bedside at the time of death. W.R., Patterson Iowa, Grant of Des Moines and Marion of Arbor Hill.
Nancy Fort, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Earl, was born in Highland county, Ohio July 21, 1821; died May 3, 1912, aged 90 years, 9 months, 13 days. In her early life she joined the Methodist church in Indiana. After moving west she never attended any particular church but always said she thought there was some good in all of them.
November 4, 1841 she was married to James Fort. To them were born eight children, four of whom still survive- three sons and one daughter, the other four having passed away some yeas ago. The last to pass away ( a daughter) died February 18, 1889. The husband and father passed away May 5, 1889, living at the time In Northwest Nebraska where he moved one year previous. The surviving members of this family are 4 children, 21 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 102 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs.J. C. Patterson conducted by Rev. Hill who used as a text for his talk: " Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age like a shock of corn cometh in his season." Job 5:26. Job is complimented on what he accomplished. The fact is brought to us that Job was not to be cut off suddenly. The case before us today is similar to that of Job. The limit of life is three score and ten years. Here is one who exceeded the extreme limit. we have no cause for regret in this case. We have cause for congratulation. Here is a life of completion; the rearing of a family; the preparation of children for fitness in life.
A large legacy is left to the world in a completed life. It is like a shock of corn ready for the granary. What a beautiful thought! The children will no doubt miss mother and grandmother. When we go visiting we anticipate pleasure- when the visit is concluded we want to go home. Thus it is with the aged. This is not a case for sorrow but congratulation. Her life work was done. Interment was made in the Greenfield cemetery.
" Mother's hands are weary, Fold them on her breast;
Dear old hands so feeble, They have earned a rest.
Worn and thin, and wrinkled,
Seamed with toil and care;
Yet to all they've aided,
Beautiful and fair.
God is waiting for her,
and he understands
All the work for others,
Done by Mother's hands."







All the work for others, Done by mother's hands."