Wife of Jasper Newton Poston and Esau Austin Erb. Jasper Poston died during the Civil War. Daughter of Henry LeValley and Mary Tunks.

OBITUARY

THE OSCEOLA TRIBUNE
Osceola, Iowa
Tuesday, January 12, 1932

MRS. E. A. ERB

Martha E. LaValley was born near Pleasant Plain, Ind., March 22, 1845. Her residence in Indiana was very brief as her parents moved to Iowa when she was only one year old. The family located at Eddyville where they lived for eight years. During this time the father passed to his reward. The mother and family then moved to Lucas county, locating near Derby, where Martha grew to womanhood.

On December 11, 1862, she bacame the wife of Newton J. Poston, and unto them two daughters were born, Elsie and Annie, both of whom preceded their mother in death. In spite of love's strong tie, when his country needed him he bade his family a fond farewell and became one of his country's defenders, paying the supreme sacrifice for the cause of liberty.

She was married to Mr. E. A. Erb April 4, 1869. To this union nine children were born. One daughter, Josephine, passed away at the age of five years. Eight children were spared to bring comfort to her in her declining years.

At the age of fourteen she became a Christian and united with the Christian church, of which she continued to be a member until her departure. Her wonderful life gave evidence of her abiding faith. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter 430, of Weldon.

An aged husband and companion of sixty-three years, eight children, twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, together with many other relatives and friends mourn her passing.

The funeral services were conducted from the Weldon home by the Rev. John W. McKee, pastor of the Leon Christian church, assisted by members of Weldon Eastern Star. Interment was made in Last Chance cemetery.

Obituary courtesy of Ann Bowler