April 22, 1937:
Nancy Jane Marsh was born at Ausgood, Ripley county, IN, Septmber 3, 1861. She was left motherless at six weeks of age and was cared for in the home of her uncle, Dan Marsh, until she was seven years old, When she moved with her father to Fairland, Shelby county, IN. She was baptized and united with the Baptist church of Fairland when 17 years of age, and always remained true to the church of her choice.
She was united in marriage to Joel Andrew Jonas, Dec. 26, 1880 at Fairland, IN. To this union were born four sons and four daughters. Two sons preceded her in death; John Andrew, July 8, 1899, and Tommy Harvey, Junce 30, 1904. Wishing to establish a home for the family, she came west with her husband and two small children, arriving in Naponee March 10, 1884. A homestead was selected 4 1/2 miles northeast of Naponee, and there she spent the remaining years of her life, experiencing with her husband and children the joys and sorrows of pioneer life. She was a kind mother and a devoted companion to her husband, with whom she was privileged to spend more than 56 years of wedded life. Mrs. Jonas was suddenly stricken by a stroke Wednesday morning, April 14, and in spite of all that medical care and loving hands could do she peacefully passed away Friday, April 16 at 9:40am at the age of 75 years, seven months and 13 days. Her heavenly Father called and she was ready to answer, Here Am I, Take Me. Her children were all present during her short illness. Her loved ones remaining are her husband, Joel A. Jonaw of this community; six children, Mrs. August Gunther of Benkleman, Frank Jonas of Gibbon, Mrs. Emma Owens of Holyoke, CO., Mrs. Amanda Theilen and Mrs. Hattie Schnuerle, Bloomington, and Barton Jonas, Naponee; 20 grandchildren 13 great grandchildren, a sister, Amanda Williams, Fairland, IN' a sister-in-law, Mrs. S.P. Marsh, Naponee, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services in charge of Rev. Haskins of Republican City were conducted Sunday, April 18 at the Congregational church in Naponee. The church was filled to overflowing with those who came to pay their last respects to a departed friend.
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