Aunt Em, as she was affectionately known to many, was loved and esteemed for her unselfishness, always lending a helping hand to the needy and a word of encouragement to the discouraged.
Memorial services for this grand little lady will be held at two o'clock Friday afternoon, July 16, in the Weaver Funeral Home, with Rev. Harold Hotchkiss, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Lowell cemetery, with eskrijoh.htm in charge.
Emeline Foster Nelson was born November 19, 1861, on the Foster homestead in West Creek. She was the daughter of Lucy Jane Hathaway Foster and George Lyman Foster. The Fosters and Hathaways were originally from England, but came to eastern Illinois from different parts of New York at very early dates.
Emeline went to school at West Creek until 1869, when she went with her parents and family by covered wagon to Coffeyville, Indian Territory, and later settled in Parker, Kansas. Those were interesting days, pioneering days, especially as Mr. Foster traveled over the unknown great Southwest.
The family remained in Kansas until the death of both parents in 1877. The girls came back to Lowell and made their home with their brother, Volney, for several years.
Emeline married Frank Eugene Nelson September 9, 1879. They first lived in Lowell, then moved to the Taylor farm near Creston, and later to their own farm in West Creek, a part of the original Foster holdings. They lived there until 18__, when they moved to Lowell, and Mrs. Nelson has lived here continuously, except for years 1907-09, which were spent in Texas.
Mr. Nelson was a prominent Lowell business man. He helped organize the present Lowell National Bank, and served as its president until 1907 when he retired.
After his death in 1918, Mrs. Nelson remained in her lovely spacious home. Two months ago, in May, her children gathered here, and she was able to thoroughly enjoy their visit.
Survivors include one son, Ned E. Nelson of Boston, Mass; four daughters, Mrs. L.M. (Bernice) Grant of Seattle, Washington, Mrs. A.B. (Emily) Chipman of Plymouth, Mrs. V.A. (Julia) Diggs of Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. F.V. (Marion) Hayden of Lowell. Also, ten grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends.
Go to Emeline Foster Nelson, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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