Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-11-05
GOOD OLD MOTHER IN ISRAEL
Passing Of One of Our Most Aged Citizens,
Mrs. Anna Groh

The grim reaper, whom call Death, has
again entered into our community and taken
out probably the oldest resident of the coun-
ty; one who came into Wisconsin almost
generation before the Civil war zone of the
good old pioneer mothers of a former day.
Anna Katherine Weisenfeld was born in
Frankfurt, Germany, May 20, 1927. When
twenty-one years of age she came TO America,
making the journey alone. The voyage
lacked the comforts of the fast steamers of
the present day. IL took seven weeks to make
the trip on sailing vessel. She landed in
Maryland 1913, unable to speak a word of
English. The following year she was mar
ried to Justus GrOh, March goth. They lived
in Maryland for a year, and in 1850 they
moved to the state of New York. The next
year the long trip westward was made to
Freeport, Illinois. In 1853 they came to
Wisconsin, settling in Vernon county, on a
farm Liberty Pole, where she spent the
rest of her life except the last few years, which
have been passed mostly with two of her
daughters. She had been in very poor health
since March and passed away at the home of
her Granddaughter, Mrs. Eddie Erickson. near
Purdy, October 81. 1919, aged 90 years,
months and days. She is survived by two
sons, Charley and Albert, four daughters,
Mrs. Charles Nixon. Mrs; Nell Owen. Mrs:
them living in this vicinity except the son,
Albert, who resides in Austin, Minnesota.
There are also "a grandchildren and is great
grandchildren. Her husband and two sons
preceded her in death some years ago.
Mrs. Groh was a member of the German
Lutheran church. She was q good neighbor.
She faithful wife and mother. During
the time of her failing health she many times
expressed the wish to depart and be with her
Lord and thus secure relief from suffering.
Funeral services held October 30. at the Lib
erty Pole church conducted by Pastor j. Har-
~ Bullock of Viroqua.
MRS. SAM j. OTTUM
One of the very sad deaths this community
has been. of late, called to grieve for, is that
dren and devoted husband-Mrs. Sam j. OF
tum-who passed away on Thursday last, after
ten days Illness from a complication of dis
orders. Her funeral, last Sunday, conducted
in the United Lutheran church, by Rev. J. j.
Jacobson, one of the largest this city has
experienced. Mrs. 0ttum was almost forty
three years old, born in Sterling town, where
she was married to Sam J. 0ttum in 1898.
Her maiden name was Julia Olson, daughter
of Louis and Ellen Olson: The latter survives,
as does her sister, Mrs. Herman Christians0n.
brother Ole l.. Olson and haf-brother Leon
ard Granum. Seven children were born to
her,six living, Tilman the oldest.Gl young
est, five years. The others are Alvin. Mable,
Stella and Esther. MIR. and Mrs. Ottum NOV
ed to Viroqua from Bristow seven years since,
and the good young mother, besides caring well
for her family, contributed of her strength
and time TO the church and other worthy
causes. She was an ardent christian. Sincere
sympathey is extended to Mr.. ottum and his
family in this their great bereavement.
Julia Louisa Helgeson-Parrish was born in
Vernon county September %, 1881, daughter
she lived the farm with her parents near
West Prairie, and it is to their home influence
that Mrs. Parrish has ALWAYS attributed her
vital joy of living. She high school
student of this city and later employed
at the Vernon County Leader Office. Being
obliged to leave here on account of i'll health.
In 1907 she left for Denver in company with
her sister, Mary HelgesOn of this city. Owing
TO the good climate of Colorado her health was
very much improved. On August is, 1909.
she was married TO Clarence Parrish of Den
yer. They moved to Nebraska. November
1918, Mr.. and Mrs. Parrish went to Boulder,
Colorado, hoping that she might get relief
again from the old trouble, tuberculosis. which
In vain. This illness resulting in sudden
death on October s, 1919. She is survived by
a loving husband and two sisters, Mrs. l.. o.
Elton of West Prairie and Miss Mary Hedge
Of Boulder, Colorado. Mrs. Parrish was
of most cheerful disposition, never talked of
her troubles TO others and had n host of
friends in her home circles. Funeral services
conducted October 9, by Rev. Charles
Strcamer, Pastor OF the English Lutheran
church Of Boulder. Beautiful foral dee0rs-
lions were made by many friends.
Harriet Evylne Christensen, only daughter
Of MIR. and Mrs. Joseph Christensen. was born
at her home in Jefferson town, February Is,
1912. and died Saturday morning, November
l, 1919. Her death was caused from diabetes
The funeral was conducted by Rev. Hofstead
in the Asbury Methodist church Tuesday after
noon.