Mrs. Elizabeth Harshbarger Barton was born in the State of Virginia August 17, 1840, and passed from this life into the Great Beyond December 10, 1910 at the family residence in Tippecanoe Township, Henry County, Iowa, and was at the time of death 70 years of age.

She came with her father's family to Henry County in 1848 where she lived her entire life. She was married to T.H. Barton April 15, 1858, whose devoted helpmate and companion she was until the day of her death.

She was the mother of seven children, two sons and five daughters: Mary Jay, W.H. Barton, Sarah Stewart, Jane Elliott, Ann Cooper, D.S. Barton and Amy Litton, all living near the old homestead, her death being the first in the home during a period of nearly 53 years.

She was converted about 28 years ago and united with the Christian Church. Although she made no loud profession yet in her family circle, in the neighborhood and with all in whom she came in contact, her earnest effort was always and every where for good Christian citizenship and a pure and better life. Her heart melted in sympathy for those who were in sorrow or distress and while her prayer was the soul's sincere desire unuttered or expressed. Her devotion to her family, her neighbors and friends is evidenced by the esteem in which she is held by all of them.

In her death another of the old land marks has been removed. For 62 years her life in this community has been an open book and has been read by nearly all who have lived in it. She belonged to the class designated as pioneers and by hard labor reared her family and was not ashamed of honest toil. She has aided in her way the practice of economy rather than extravagance and thus help lay the foundation for advancement, joy, pleasure, prosperity and happiness for those who came after her.

Funeral services were held Tuesday the 13th at Union Church conducted by Rev. J. Lee, pastor of the South Ottumwa Baptist Church. Singing by the choir who are always ready to give comfort by their splendid selections and if possible drive back the dark shadows and let the light of the better world come in.

The pall bearers were six of her grandsons: Carl Jay, Lonnie Elliott, Harry Cooper, Bert Jay, Terry Stewart, and Chester Elliott. The remains were interred in the Lambirth Cemetery.