Another Pioneer Gone
Monday February 27, 1905 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Tuttle, on Willow Creek, Mrs. Maria Louisa Spakes Myers aged 72 years, 5 months, 9 days.
Mrs. Myers, one of the pioneer women of Union County, had resided in and near the town of Summerville since the year 1884, and was among the most widely known citizens of the county. Ever since the beginning of civilization’s era in this section Mrs. Myers had, with all the effectiveness of an energetic and loyal pioneer woman, borne her important part in the many trials and hardships, as well as the pleasures and good fortunes that have always marked the way of the pioneer in a new and developing land. Her touch, with unfading and deathless imprint is left with that of other pioneer men and women upon the region where for nearly half a century she made her home and strove faithfully that a bright future might be the heritage of they who came after her. The world has no better, no nobler, people than they who have given their lives to the broadening of civilization’s empire, and among these Mrs. Myers held her place with a steadfast devotion and a humble determination that is worthy of a heroine’s crown. Her womanly and christian character, the distinguishing feature of her private life, is best attested by the turning of the fleeting spirit when she prayed, in almost her last words “Oh Lord make me happy in this world and in the world to come.”
Mrs. Myers, who in family descent was of French extraction, was in her maidenhood Miss Maria Louisa Spakes. She was born in the District of Columbia, August 21, 1822.
In childhood she with one brother was left an orphan, and for nine years made her home with an uncle at Berryville, Virginia, and then moved with him to Missouri in 1840. In the latter state, at Memphis, on February 18, 1844, she was united in marriage to Henry A. Myers, who preceded her to the grave in 1896. In 1864 with her husband and children she moved to Oregon crossing the plains by team and settling in Northern Union county. She was a devout member of the Baptist church, with which she united at Edinburg, Mo. in 1855.
Mrs. Myers was the mother of eight children, Mary Catherine, Eliza, Sarah M. Humphrey, John, James Cooper, Jeanette and Benjamin Franklin Meyers. Of these, they who live to mourn a loving mother’s death, are; Mary Catherine Wade, Sarah M. Glenn, Jeanette Tuttle, and Benjamin Franklin Myers.
The funeral rites were performed on Tuesday, February 27, and the body was laid at rest in Summerville cemetery.
The Elgin Recorder
Friday, March 3, 1905
Front Page
Note: The LDS Church lists the lady as Marie Louisa SPEAKE.
Submitted by: Tom Childers
Portland, Oregon