Obit: Chesterman, Frances E. (1849 - 1936)

Contact:  Audrey Roedl

Surnames: MORELY CHESTERMAN

----Sources: The Loyal Tribune 20 October 1936

Chesterman, Frances E. (31 JAN 1849 - 14 AUG 1936)

Frances E. Morely, only daughter of John C. and Jane A. Morley was born January 31, 1849 at Berrin Springs, Mich. Here she grew to womanhood, receiving her education in the schools of Buchanan and New Troy.

In the summer of 1865 a young lieutenant in the Union army John W. Chesterman who had seen four years discharged wooed and won Miss Morley and they were married December 7, 1865 settling on a farm near New Troy. Here they lived for 17 years, during this time two children were born to them Henry M., now of Anchorage, Alaska and Alice, Mrs. J M. Philpott of Loyal.

In 1883 the "Call of the West" came to them so they left their Michigan home intending to go into the Dakotas. While visiting relatives in Wisconsin they decided to remain in this state, the moved to Clark Co. settling in Loyal for about six years, later buying a farm in Beaver township where they lived until 1915 when they again moved to Loyal.

Mr. Chesterman died 8 years ago at the home of their daughter. Ever since the death of her husband Mrs. Chesterman has lived with her daughter and son-in-law.

She became a member of the Methodist church at an early age remaining a faithful member through all the years having the various activities of the church at heart. Mrs. Chesterman was exceptionally active in mind and body, keeping well informed on world events.

When one saw her on the street they never thought of her great age for she carried herself so erect and walked so sprightly. Last January 31 when she celebrated her 87th birthday her friends began reluctantly to admit among themselves that she was failing, the long hard winter and the terrific heat of the summer was more than her failing strength could stand and in spite of the tender care given her by her daughter and son-in-law she quietly slipped into eternity at 8 o’clock Friday morning August 14, 1936 at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 14 days.

Mrs. C. M. Taylor an old friend from the days in Michigan helped to care for her at the last.

Her funeral was held at the Philpott home Monday afternoon, August 17th. Rev. White of Neillsville officiating. Mr. James Colby, Miss Bernice Draper and Mrs. C. R. Prior sang "Oh love that would not let go" and "Some day the Silver Cord will Break. The beautiful floral offerings showed the esteem in which the family is held.

Fred Draper, Ray Prior, Arthur Darton, Fred Church, James Colby and R. M. Pratt bore her to her tomb by the side of her husband in the Loyal cemetery.