Melissa Jane (Van Voorhis) Holmes (1852 - 1951)

Born 12 Jun 1852 in near Monongahela City, PA, USA

Died 1 Mar 1951 at age 98 in Russell, Iowa, USA

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Biography

OBITUARY

THE RUSSELL UNION-TRIBUNE Russell, Iowa Thursday, March 15, 1951

MELISSA J. HOLMES

Melissa J., the eldest child of Jerome and Mary Elizabeth Van Voorhis, was born near Monongahela City, Penna., on June 12, 1852 and died at her home in Russell, Iowa March 1, 1951 at the age of 97 years, 8 months and 16 days.

In the spring of 1867 the father moved his family to Lucas County settling three miles southwest of Russell at what was called Ragtown. It was here that she was united in marriage to Leonidas Holmes.

To this union were born two daughters, Winona, who died at the age of 14 years and Mrs. Flora Grimm.

In 1887 she, with her husband and daughter, moved to Kansas and later going to Oklahoma, where on September 24, 1914 the husband died, but Mrs. Holmes continued to reside there till 1932 when she and her daughter returned to Russell to make their home.

She leaves to mourn her going her daughter, Mrs. Grimm and a number of nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Holmes was a member of the Alva Chapter of the Eastern Star and a faithful member of the Christian Church.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 4, 1951 at 2 o'clock from the Woodman Funeral Home. Rev. Donald Brong officiated. Interment was made in the Russell Cemetery.

To My Mother

"Swing wide! O gates of heaven, There enters one today, Bearing her sheaves of service, Gleaned along the way.

Bend low! O loving angels, From heavens courts above. Hear and receive, our greatful prayers, That we have had her love.

Sing! Choirs of heavenly angels, The hymns of faith above. She joins - bringing her tribute A finished work of love."

Obituary courtesy of Charles M. Wright

Family links: Parents: Jerome Van Voorhis (1827 - 1915) Mary Elizabeth Cooper Van Voorhis (1835 - 1866)

Spouse: Leonidas Holmes (1848 - 1914)

Children: Winona Lenora Holmes (1871 - 1885)* Flora Holmes Grimm (1873 - 1959)*

• Calculated relationship

Burial: Russell Cemetery Russell Lucas County Iowa, USA Plot: Section 2 Row 4 Grave 4

Sources

No sources. The events of Melissa's life were either witnessed by John Hunter or John plans to add sources here later.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Thanks to John Hunter for starting this profile.

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