The people of this community were surprised and shocked Sunday evening when they learned that Mrs. Hannah Lee had died about six o’clock [October 27, 1918]. She had been in poor health for a couple of years but her death was unexpected. Hannah Wolfe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Wolfe, was born at Huntington, Ind., September 27, 1853, and died at her home in Fremont on Sunday, October 27, 1918, aged 65 years and 1 month.
She spent the early part of her life in the vicinity of her birthplace, moving to Iowa with her parents in 1871 and locating in this community, where she spent the balance of her life. On May 9, 1875, she was married to M.B. Lee, a prosperous farmer. For twenty-five years they lived on the farm south of Fremont, and from a small beginning finally owned 295 acres when they moved to Fremont in 1900. Since that time this place has been her home.
Six children blessed this union, namely: Mrs. Ora Newell, of Fremont, Iowa; A.N. Lee, of Kahoka, Mo.; A.B. Lee, of Carthage, S.D.; C.E. Lee, of Lawrence, Kans.; B.E. Lee, of Guymon, Okla.; and Asa Herman Lee, who died in infancy.
She leaves to mourn their loss five children, eight grandchildren, three sisters, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. The brothers and sisters are: Sam Wolfe and Mrs. Mary Lee, of Fremont, Lincoln Wolfe, of Snowbelt, Mont., Freeman Wolfe and Miss Ellen Wolfe, of Fenton, Iowa, and Mrs. Wm. Sisco, of Oskaloosa. Mrs. Lee’s early-married life was that of a pioneer. While not as old a resident of this township as others, she came here at a time when neighbors were few and far apart on the prairie. To an eastern girl it meant a change that can only be appreciated by those who have been through it. In those days if she had loneliness and longings for her home, she never mentioned it and with a brave heart, made her surroundings most pleasant. Hers was a life for others. The children were always her first thought yet no call came that she did not respond. She was slow to see the faults in others, but their redeeming traits were always clear in view. She had the faculty of making friends easily and of retaining the friendship of those she did make.
She professed religion at the age of twenty-three and joined the M.E. church, in which communion she spent the remainder of her life. The admirable feature of her life was that she was always identified with the church, active in Christian service and interested in the progress of vital piety. Her activity continued up to the time when health and strength failed, and made it necessary to deny herself of the joyous privilege of the house of God in public worship. The heritage she leaves will be an inspiration to the children and all others who have intimately known her.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at two o’clock at the home, services being conducted by Rev. J.W. Carson, pastor of the M.E. church, assisted by Rev. George Filmer, of Tracy, a former pastor here, and Rev. J.E. Bruner, of the Baptist church. There was a large attendance of those who wished to pay their last respects to one who has endeared herself to every acquaintance. The floral offerings were profuse and most beautiful. Interment was made in the Cedar Township cemetery beside those of her husband who died years ago.
The sympathy of the entire community is with those who are left behind and to them the sincerest condolence of all is proffered. Out of respect for her and the family, the business houses closed during the funeral. Those from a distance who attended were: Mrs. George Bloom, of La Plata, Mo.; A.N. Lee, of Kohoka, Mo; Mrs. Laura Goehring and doughier, Mrs. Swenson, of Ottumwa; A.B. Lee, of Carthage, S.D.; C.E. Lee of Lawrence, Kans.; B.E. Lee, of Buymon, Okla.; Miss Ferne Hibler, of Ottumwa; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sisco, Mrs. Jas. Fickling and daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth McFall, of Oskaloosa; Mrs. Frank Storm of Batavia; Mrs. F.E. Lawson, of Hedrick and James Failyer and family, of Kirkville.
Fremont Gazette – Oct. 31, 1918
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman