Nancy Wilson Passwater was born to Jessie and Rebecca McClellan Wilson in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana, July 17, 1828. At the age of sixteen she joined the Christian Church of that city during the pastorate of Brother Longly. On September 14, 1847, she was united in marriage to Samuel Passwater, who proceeded her in death October 8, 1896 in Bates County, Missouri. To this union were born two daughters, Mrs. Melvina White of Fremont, Iowa, and Mrs. Emeline Beckett, of Passaic, Missouri, both of whom are still living.
Early in the year 1852 the family moved to Iowa, where they lived until 1866, when they moved to Adrian, Missouri. In Adrian she united with the Christian Church and became a Charter Member of the same. Four years ago Mrs. Passwater went to live with her daughter in Fremont with whom she resided until her death November 21, 1916, after an illness lasting about four weeks. In addition to her daughters, there are thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many friends who greatly deplore her loss.
Sister Passwater had a beautiful character. She was a most earnest follower of Christ for over 70 years, a lover of Sunday School, and a devoted worker for the church which she loved, while at the same time she had a wider vision and a large sympathy with all Gods people of whatever denomination. In the absence of her own pastor, a short funeral service was conducted in the home by the pastor of Baptist and Methodist churches of Fremont who extend to the bereaved family their deepest sympathy in their loss. The remains were brought to Adrian, Missouri and interred beside her husband. Age of death was 88 years 4 months and 4 days.
Adrian Journal, Dec. 7, 1916
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman