Almeda (Elmeda) Knisley Hayden (1846-1912)
(Mrs. Lewis Hayden)

Mrs. Elmeda (Knisley) Hayden was born in Ohio, November 16, 1846. From here her parents moved to Iowa and later to Indiana. She was married to Lewis Hayden December 23, 1867. They made their home in West Creek Township and lived there until some 12 years ago when they came to Lowell, where her husband died October 12, 1907. To this union seven children were born: Cyrus Hayden, of Crown Point; Judson Hayden, of Indianapolis; Mrs. S.A. Carney, of Adair, Iowa; Dr. Edward Hayden, of Chicago; Albert Hayden, of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Herman Tramm, of West Creek; and Mrs. Alva Wood, of Lowell. Two step-children are living -- Grant Hayden, of Lowell, and Sherman Hayden, of Anaheim, Cali., three having died in infancy. Besides her children she leaves to mourn her one brother, David Knisely, of Lowell, two sisters, Mrs. Rachel Hayden, of Lowell, and Mrs. Herman Eilerman, of West Creek, 17 grand grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends to share in the loss.

Mrs. Hayden's life was peaceful, quiet and consistent always. She was even in temperament, gentle and religious in spirit. She enjoyed a contentment of mind and beautiful serenity which is rarely found even in most attractive characters. She was converted and April 28, 1895 united with the M.E. church. Her religion was always a comfort and strength to her but shone most beautiful during her long illness. She was a great sufferer. Her illness dates back some five years, but for the past five months she has been confined to her bed and suffered intensely. She was released Sunday evening, April 21 at 10:30. Death came as a serapt in mercy clad sent to announce the new day. Her life long wish, which was actually fulfilled in her life and in her triumphant death, is best expressed in the following lines:

To live in hearts, not monuments of stone
To live on humble lips that nightly pray;
To be remembered when the soul has flown
As one who smiled and passed along the way.

To leave behind not buildings towering high
Nor stacks of gold I made, but couldn't [spend]
To be remembered when I've journeyed by
As one who did his best to be a friend.

To come to death without one wish to keep
The precious early prizes I have won,
But smiling, sink into eternal sleep
Without regret -- at peace with everyone.

Funeral services were held at her late home Tuesday, April 23, where a large number of her old friends and neighbors gathered to pay their last respects. Rev. R.H. Johnston, pastor of the M.E. church, preached the funeral discourse.