The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
Page 5
Column 6Death of a Pioneer Woman
Mrs. Elizabeth Wyatt, long and widely known as "Aunt Betty" died at her home a mile east of this city May 14th inst., of old age. Her maiden name was Kimbrough; born near Hopkinsville, Ky., March 23, 1808; came to Hancock county in 1834; was married to Coleman Wyatt April 24, 1836. By this marriage there were four children, three dying in infancy, and one in later life. This worthy couple resided in this township during their married life. Mr. Kimbrough1 died December 9th, 1888, widely lamented.
This was a remarkable couple in many ways, all in lines of hospitality and kindly neighborhood offices. Aunt Betty was a Primitive Baptist from girlhood, and was in her life and character a marked example the simple christian faith she professed. The home and hearts of the Wyatt family were wide open to every call of hospitality or sympathy. None were turned away. How many orphan children they raised to manhood and womanhood, estate is not known. And children of her own blood could not more deeply feel her loss than they. She was a typical pioneer woman, a large hearted christian woman who will long be remembered for her goodness, her charity and her kindness to every human being.
The funeral was held at the Middle Creek M. E. church last Sunday afternoon by Elder Lewis Frazee; burial rite at the old Brick church cemetery. Dr. Wm. Booz, of Oak Grove, who had known Aunt Betty from his childhood delivered a most feeling eulogy on the occasion. Despite the bad roads the funeral was largely attended.
The friends of the deceased lady desire to return their heartfelt thanks to many friend for kindnesses shown on this occasion.
Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, Illinois
Siegfried VII
Page 205Mrs. Coleman Wyatt died at her home a mile east of Carthage, May 14, aged 84. She came to this county in 1834 and in 18562 was married to Mr. Wyatt. Their four children were deceased and Mr. Wyatt died in 1888. They raised several orphan children to adult life. Dr. William Booz, a lifelong friend, preached her funeral service at the Middle Creek M. E. church with interment in the Brick church cemetery.
1 Mr. Kimbrough is wrong. Mr. Wyatt is correct.
2 1856 is probably wrong. 1836 is probably correct. No marriage record exists in the Hancock Co. courthouse.
