Obit: DEATH CLAIMS AGED CUSTER COUNTY WOMAN
The harvest of pioneer residents of Custer County goes relentlessly on. Yet another of the courageous women who belonged to that hardy generation that made the central part of Nebraska habitable and prosperous, has slipped away and gone to the land of "Fadeless Day" leaving her children and children's children the reward of long years of patient toil and sturdy endurance. She had lived to the ripe old age of 88 years and in October 1923, with her husband William Stallings, celebrated the 68th anniversary of their wedding, at the home farm five miles northwest of Gates. Mr. Stallings was at that time in his 90th year and died within the following year.
Mary Elizabeth SWAN was born in Morgan County, Illinois, March 10, 1838, and departed this life at the family residence five miles northwest of Gates, Nebraska in Custer County March 2, 1927 at the age of 88 years, ll months and 22 days. When eight years of age she moved with her parents Jonathan and Nancy Swan, to Jasper County, Iowa where she grew to womanhood. She was
married to William M. Stallings, October 25, 1855 in Jasper County and resided there until 1883, when they moved to Jefferson County, Nebraska. In the early Spring of 1884, they moved to Custer County, Nebraska and located
near Milburn, Nebraska. To this union were born ten children, six of whom are living. Those deceased, Jonathan, Emma, Jerome and Samantha. The living are Cyrus (Jess) who has lived at home with the old folks, Mrs. Nellie Allen, Mrs.
Phoebe Holmes, Omar W., Mrs. Minnie Predmore and William W. There are 34 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Stallings united with the Christian Church in her youth and though shut away from active participation in the services for years, she maintained her faith to the end.
Funeral services were held at the home on Saturday, March 5, in the presence
of a large gathering of friends and relatives, by W. A. Baldwin, pastor of the Christian Church of Broken Bow, who conducted the funeral of Mr. Stallings.
She was laid to rest beside the body of her husband in Gates cemetery.
Was married to William M. Stallings 68 years, 7 months and 6 days at the time of his death.