Mrs. William M. Brookhouser

Martha Ellen Adams was born in Johnson county, Iowa on April 26, 1879 and departed this life at O'Neill, Nebraska on June 17, 1945 following an extended illness.

Her childhood was spent in Iowa and Knox county, Nebraska where she came with her parents in 1881. It was on October 15, 1889 she became the bride of Wm M. Broohouser, To this union wer born nine children three of whom preceded her in death as did the husband whose passing occurred on July 16, 1933 in their home west of Orchard.

The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Brookhouse was established on a homestead north of Venus from which they moved into the Venus community. In 1911 the family residence was established on a farm 4 miles west and 1 north of Orchard from which this devoted mother has been taken to that Heavenly abode.

Of genuine pioneer stock, Mrs. Brookhouser often told of the many experiences of her early life. Of the time when she left Iowa in a covered wagon with the family consisting of the parents, three younger sisters, and a baby brother 21 days old were needed for this journey with much of the distance covered on foot, in driving the cattle. She recalled the high water at Storm Lake making the ford impassable and to lighten the load the cook stove and other heavy objects that could be spared being unloaded and sent on by freight. Thus their many meals were cooked over a camp fire.

The new country being prairie had to be broken so crops could be planted and the father was forced to find employment in Niobrara to suppliment the family finances. Thus the girls were left the work and plowing with oxen was one of her tasks.

Ever anxious to gain knowledge Mrs. Brookhouser acquired sufficient education to become a teacher. As the family grew she continued to assume her duties as mother, but was ever in demand as a helper in the homes of her neighbors. She was a true Christian having accepted her Savior as a girl, she was ever careful to speak only good of all and comforted all.

Two sons, Miles and David, one daughter Elsie preceded the mother but the following children remain, John H. Plattsmouth, Archie R., Oakland, California; Percy W. and Minnie E Porter of Orchard; Grace A Brown of Norfolk and Opal F. Marquardt of Beemer. There are 17 grandchildren four of which are in the armed services, also six great grandchildren. Three sisters and four brothers also survive, Mrs. Guy Butterfield, and Mrs. Anna Sexton, Orchard, Mrs. Geo Wilcor, Lincoln, John of Kilgore Judson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Orra of Lockford, California, Perry of Venus beside other relatives and a very large circle of relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Brookhouser were held from teh United Brethern Church in Orchard with Rev. C. F. Wantz the pastor in charge.