IowaJones/Obits/Margaret E. Beardsley Varvel

Margaret E. Beardsley Varvel
3 November 1818�15 March 1908

Margaret E. Beardsley, daughter of Benajah and Elspethe Grant Beardsley, was born November 3, 1818, and died March 15, 1908, in her 90th year. She was married to Daniel Varvel, December 13, 1840. To this union were born five children, one son and four daughters. One daughter died in infancy, and one daughter, the eldest of the family, Mrs. Louisa J. Vanwinkle, was laid to rest at the age of 29 years. One son and two daughters survive this aged couple. The surviving children are A. J. Varvel, Correctionville, Iowa, Mrs. J. M. Sleeper of Monticello, Iowa, and Mrs. J. D. Stauffer of Gordon, Nebraska, with whom she has made her home for the last five years. Her husband preceded her to the land of rest 18 years ago, February 2.

Mrs. Varvel's mother was a second cousin to General Grant. Mrs. Varvel came from a race of long lived people. Her father was 86 at the time of his death while a sister recently died in her 93rd year.

The life of the deceased was one of goodness. Someone has said "the truly good are the really great". We doubt not she has gone to her coronation. She loved and studied her Bible, and its promises were her consolation and comfort during her last painful illness.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Tuesday at two p.m.. The sermon was preached by Rev. W. S. York. The W.C.T.U. attended in a body and the remains were laid to rest in the Gordon cemetery.

Submitted by: Nancy Troxel Schatz