File contributed for use on USGenWeb/MOGenWeb Lincoln County Heritage Page by Beth Rengers Talken, intmdbt@showme.missouri.edu, 19 September 1998. Link change or update: 19 Sep 1998
Obituary for Martha A. Avery (1833-1912)
AKA Martha A. SHEETS
No. 003 - Uncited clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard
Collection" of Beth Rengers Talken, 1998.
Widow of the late Samuel W. AVERY and one of the oldest and best known residents of Lincoln county, passed away Tuesday morning, November 12, 1912, surrounded by her children at her home on Cherry street, following all illness of several weeks, which affected her stomach. She was 79 years 4 months and 12 days of age, having lived beyond the three score and ten years, man's allotted time on earth.
Miss Martha SHEETS was born in Callaway county, Mo., June 30, 1833 and when a girl moved with her parents to Lincoln County, where she has resided for over half a century. She was married to Samuel W. AVERY in 1851. Her husband died 3 years ago last March. For 58 years they walked, side by side the pathway of life together, sharing each others labors and sorrows, and blessings. Now they rest side by side till the resurrection morning. Unto them were born six children, two of whom went to the spirit world, before father and mother, namely – Dr. Oscar W. AVERY, and Minney L. AVERY, who died in infancy. Four children survive as follows: Senator O.H. AVERY, Dr. C.D. AVERY, Mr. Sam B. AVERY, and Mrs. J.E. WORSHAM, all of whom reside in Troy, Mo. She is survived also by one sister, Mrs. Sarah GIBSON, and two brothers, Mr. James SHEETS, of Vernon county, Mo., and Walter T. SHEETS, of Tankawa, Oklahoma. She is survived by 6 grand children and 2 great-grandchildren and a host of friends. Sister AVERY spent all of her long life, excepting a few years in childhood, in Lincoln County, Mo. The family never was separated, all of her children living in or near Troy. She took great interest in the old log house, the house of her early married life, on the farm, which now stands in the yard near the residence of Senator AVERY. This house was not only home, but for years it was the church in the community where it formerly stood. Many sacred memories cluster about this old log house. Sister AVERY has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for about 60 years, and she died in the faith. She talked to the members of the family about her departure, and freely expressed herself as being ready, and willing, and anxious to go home and be at rest. Her chief regret was that of leaving behind her only sister, Mrs. Sarah GIBSON, who is now in her 84th year. For years they have been constant companions. But it will not be long till they shall meet again. Her heart and home were always open to the people of God. Her house was the Methodist preachers' home. The first Methodist society of the community in which they lived was organized at the home of Samuel and Martha AVERY. Their liberalty to the church and charitable causes, was not with stinted hand but unbounded. Her house was the home of Bishop MARVIN. And for years before he was a Bishop, Enoch MARVIN, and Samuel and Martha AVERY, were neighbors and friends. "The memory of the just is ____."
The funeral occurred Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the deceased's residence to the Methodist church where services were conducted by Rev. Charles LYNCH, who took as a text: Psa. 35:14, "Mourning for a Mother" The church was crowded with the friends of this good women who had come to pay their last respects to one who was loved by all who knew her. The remains were interred in the city cemetery. Our sympathy is extended the sorrowing children and relatives. -- Chas. LYNCH
Note regarding clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard Collection": Neva Murphy Hubbard (1886-1971) lived all of her life in Lincoln County, MO. She collected a large file of clippings of Lincoln County residents. The majority of the clippings were without citation. Beth Rengers Talken, beneficiary of the collection, has transcribed them for inclusion in our Lincoln County Heritage Records.
File contributed for use on USGenWeb/MOGenWeb Lincoln County Heritage Page by Beth Rengers Talken, intmdbt@showme.missouri.edu, 19 September 1998. Link change or update: 19 Sep 1998
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