Wilson Margaret01

Waupaca County News

May 10, 1926

PIONEER WOMAN IS DEAD

CAME TO WISCONSIN FROM NEW YORK STATE IN 1840

Margaret D. Wilson was born Dec. 24, 1835, in the town of Independence, Allegany county, New York, only daughter of Minor and Hannah Wilson. When six months old her parents moved to the town of Bradford, McHeon County, Pa., where they resided five years, then moving to Fond du Lac, Wis. This journey was made by floating down the Ohio river on a raft of lumber to Cairo, Ill., where the lumber was sold and the rest of the journey was made across country by team, settling in Fond du Lac on or near where the city of North Fond du Lac now stands. At that time the city of Fond du Lac consisted of only a few shantys. Many Indians were in the surrounding country at that time.

During her residence here she was united in marriage to Stephen B. Nute. To this union one son was born Charles S. Nute, who survives her. In the spring of 1855 they removed to the town of Springwater, Waushara County, Wis., settling on the farm now owned by her nephew, W.L. Wilson (where she passed to the Great Beyond, on the evening of May 13, 1926). In Jan. 1866, she was left a widow. After remaining a widow for eleven years she was married to John Balch of Daily, Wood County, where she lived for about 22 years. On Sept. 26, 1897, her husband died, since which time she has made her home with her son Charles and nephews, W.L. and B.H. Wilson. During this long life she has seen many changes in the condition of the country from its early development of pioneer life in the log cabin and of the ox team to the present day of automobile and airship, radio, etc. At an early age she joined the Methodist church at Crystal Lake, Waupaca, since which time she has been a constant member of some church at different places she made her home, and at the time of her death she was a member of the Methodist church of Waupaca. Aunt Dell as she was familiarly known, was a true Christian and had a great faith in prayer, not only for herself but for all her friends.

In her early life she was called to assist a great many times at the bedside of the sick to which she always cheerfully responded. She has been at the bedside at the death of man in this locality, offering prayer and words of comfort to the bereaved ones.

For the past twenty months she has been confined to her room most of the time a great sufferer from the information of old age. On the evening of May 15, 1926, she passed away. At her bedside were her son Charles, and Mrs. Maude Wilson, who with the assistance of Margaret Wilson has administered to her care for many months. Thus it can be truly said, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.

She leaves to mourn her son Charles Nute of Waupaca, five grand children, two great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 16, at Crystal Lake Church, after a short service at the house and interment in the Crystal Lake cemetery, beside her father and mother. Rev. F.C. Richardson officiating, singing by a quartet consisting of D.E. Davis and son R.M. Owens and James Davis with Mrs. D.E. Davis at the organ. The following were pall bearers: W.H. Barrington, S.A. Barrington, S.J. Pinkerton, P.A. Peterson, Thos. Gill and W.C. Stinemates. Those from away who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Gaehler of Fort Atkinson, Wis.