Florence Belshaw Chitwood (1854-1925)
(Mrs. James W. Chitwood)

A Pleasant Afternoon

Tuesday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. James Chitwood, her daughters, Mrs. L.H. Steward and Mrs. E.L. Worley, invited a few neighbors in to spend the afternoon with her. The time was pleasantly spent in social chat until 3:30 when the candles on the beautiful birthday cake were lighted and delicious refreshments of ice cream and cake were served, after which the guests departed wishing Mrs. Chitwood many more happy birthdays. Those present were: Mesdames Frank Tilton, Nancy Cox, H.H. Ragon, James Bannock, Ed Walker, Ben Laybourn, Etta Malone, Amos Thompson., L.H. Steward and son Roy, E.L. Worley and J.W. Chitwood.

Florence, fourth child of William and Harriet Belshaw, was born May 25, 1854, in West Creek Township, where she lived with her parents until about 1890, when she and her mother moved to Lowell, where she has always lived until April 6, she quietly passed away, at the age of 70 years, 10 months, 11 days. On November 4, 1892, she was united in marriage to James W. Chitwood, who preceded her in death May 23, 1923. She was of a quiet disposition, always happy when doing for others.

She leaves to mourn her, her adopted daughter, Mrs. E.L. Worley, her step daughter, Mrs. Harry Steward, one sister, Mrs. Mary Cathsart, of Laport, John Belshaw of California and Charlie Belshaw, who resides in the west, six grand-children and many other relatives and friends. One brother, Edward Belshaw, and one sister, Mrs. Lucy Hayden, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held at the Church of Christ, Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Dunkelberger, of Sheldon, Ill., conducted the services assisted by Rev. Nickerson, pastor of Lowell Church of Christ. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery. William Sheets had charge of the burial services. Pallbearers were: Merrit Kelsey, Homer Stowell, C.O. Hill, Geo. Wilson, P.M. McNay, Tom Purchase.