Sarah Utterback

SARAH UTTERBACK

One generation ago, in Morgan County, Indiana, there lived the family, the parents of whom were Elihu and Rachel Jessup. This household came to Iowa in 1853 and made there home near Lancaster, Keokuk County.

The sisters and brothers of this family are named: Sarah Utterback, Mary Utterback, of Olymphia, Washington; John Jessup of Sigourney; Malissa Jones of Hayesville; William Jessup of Olymphia, Washington; Mrs. Delila Jones of Monida, Montana; Mrs. Jane Lowe of Ollie, Iowa. It is because of the one first named that we are gathered here, of the other six, all were present save Mary and William, and their hearts go out in sorrowing memory because of the passing away of their eldest and beloved sister, Sarah Utterback, to whom in former days they would be inclined to look for direction and advice because of her greater experience.

Sarah was born in Morgan County, Indiana, May 16, 1841. When twelve years old she accompanied her parents to Lancaster, Iowa. When a young lady near twenty years of age she united with the Christian Church at that place.

In 1865 on the 24th of September, she was married to Nelson Utterback and for 35 years they made Lancaster their place of residence.

The Children of this home are James Milo and Adelbert L., both deceased; Byron Albertie of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; Homer Nelson of Sigourney; Howard Minor of Ottumwa; Ray Mackey of Delta; and a child that died in infancy. All the living brothers were present.

The step-children of the family are Mary E. Lemon; William C. Utterback, deceased; Alvin R. Utterback, of Hayesville; Sarah L. Lemon of Chicago; Julia A. Pike, of Farmington, Kansas; and Clara B. Lemon. Of those living all were present except Julia.

The companion of Sarah Utterback passed to his great reward on the 30th of April, 1900. Soon after this she came to Sigourney and made this place her home for the rest of her earthly days, her church membership being with the Sigourney Christian church.

She was a fond mother, a good neighbor and a steadfast follower of Christ. During the lifetime of her companion their home was largely a place for entertaining the preachers who came from a distance to hold meetings at Lancaster. A spiritual blessing attended her because of this hospitality.

The deceased was favored with health and strength of body during most of her life. About three years ago she was afflicted with a light stroke of paralysis. It was then that her health begin to fail. She continued, however, more of less active, and because of her energy, she did more things than her strength would warrant. On the 28th of February last, she became quite ill and by degrees thereafter she gradually failed in strength, and last Sunday evening at 5:30 the 5th of March, 1911, she passed to the home of the soul, aged 69 years, 9 months and 10 days.

The sermon was preached by Rev. W. R. Houghton. The remains rest in Pennington Cemetery.

Clipping from Sigourney Review March 8, 1911

W/O Nelson Known children of Nelson & Sarah Utterback: [* Buried here]

Sarah L. Lemon 6-2-1858 to 1-17-1930 - Married George J. Lemon 1-5-1882

James M. 1866 - Married Louise E. Winters 11-28-1900

Byron A. 1872 - Married Alleyne Dawson

• Homer Nelson 10-12-1876 - Married Nellie M. Terrell 3-6-1916
• Howard 1878 - Married Lillie Jacobs 7-3-1901

Ray M. 1882 Married Stella Coble 2-18-1904

A seventh child was noted, but unnamed

• Reference: TNG Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 26 2023, 15:41:52 UTC