Violetta was known to all the relatives as "Aunt Let". She had the Mentor post office in her home for many years until the post office was discontined. Violetta wrote the Mentor News.

Violetty Farnum was born 11 Sept 1843, at Marengo, Illinois. She became converted at the age of 15 and united with the Baptist church, of which she was a consistent member always living a true christian life. She was a very active woman, being post mistress at Mentor for 23 years. She was married to Chas. Countryman, Feb 12 1859, at Belvidere, Ill. They immigrated to Iowa in 1860. In the year 1867, they bought the farm on which she resided until a year ago, when she came to Sumner to make her home with her son Lawrence.
Her husband preceded her in death. He died Oct. 8, 1891. To the were born eight children. Two girls and one boy preceded her to the great beyond. The remaining children are: Mrs Ed Baker, of Mentor; Perry of Grant, MN; George residing on the old homestead; Ralph of Mentor; and Lawrence of Sumner, at whose home she died, April 1, 1908, at the age of 64 years, 6 months, and 20 days. She also leaves two sisters; Mrs Swates of Fredericksburg, and Mrs. Babcock, of Monticello, and a brother Frank of La Port.
On the 30th day of Dec., Mrs Countryman was taken sick with Pneumonia. Everything that could possibly aid her was done by loving sons and daughters, and after several months of severe suffering she passed away. As she lived in the love and faith of her savior, so she died in a full realization of His. "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." The funeral services were held at the U.B. Chuch, Thursday last at 10:30 am by the Rev. Mr. Jones, Pastor of the Baptist Church at Fredericksburg. Interment was made at Mentor Cemetery.
From the book: Jacob Countryman - United Empire Loyalist