She was the daughter of Wesley and Ruth Johnson. Her father was one of the early pioneers of Cass County. He was a charter member of the Logansport lodge of Free Masons. He was affectionately known as "Uncle Wesley." He was a friend to everyone, a special friend to the Indians who at that time inhabited that section of the country, and was at one time employed by the government as paymaster to them.
The life of the deceased was rich in memories of early days. She was always proud that at one time in her girlhood days, she shook hands with Abraham Lincoln.
During the dark days of the Civil war, she did all she could to help the soldiers, knitting socks for them, and also writing many a cheering letter to our lonely home-sick boys. She was united in marriage to John Albert Calkins, August 29th, 1860. To this union were born four children, Luorial, who passed away in infancy, Charles, of Massick, New York, Leonard, of Kokomo, and Mrs. M.N. Chase, of Greentown. She united with the New Light Christian church at an early age, but the feebleness of age prevented her attendance at the church services in later years. Her only daughter, Mrs. Chase, with whom she has made her home for many years, did everything in her power to make her declining years pleasant and peaceful ones.
It will be lonely in the home without mother, and there will be a vacant chair by the fireside. But we know that He who never makes any mistakes has called her home, and that our loss is her Eternal gain.
Greentown, Ind., Cem.
Mrs. Calkins resided in Lowell with her family for many years and had many friends here at her old home who will regret to hear of her demise.
Funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M.N. Chase in Greentown. The services were conducted by Rev. Leese, of the First Methodist church, assisted by Rev. White, of the Christian church. Interment was made in the Sharpsville cemetery.
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