Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church.

Grace Gertrude Barker was born Nov. 27, 1883, near Mt. Zion, and passed away at her home 3 miles east of Mt. Zion, Friday, August 4, 1933, aged 49 years, 7 months and 8 days. She was the youngest daughter of James and Jane Barker who preceded her in death.
She was united in marriage to John E. Nelson, June 1, 1905, and to this union five children were born, John Conley, Merle, Jean, Paul and Roberta Grace, who with her husband, Robert Merle Nelson, mourn their loss. Also the following brothers and sisters: Mrs Elizabeth Winslow, Robert and Joe Barker of Keosauqua; Mrs. John Loofbourrow of Pomona, Calif., and John Barker of Centralia, Mo., and Arthur Barker of Mt. Zion; one uncle, Robert Agnew of Keosauqua, and a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives. Her death was the first break in this family of seven children, she being next to the youngest child.
Early in life she joined the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church and was an active member, interested in all departments of church work, especially music in which her talent was much appreciated and in demand.
She received her early education in the country schools, later attended Keosauqua High School and was a successful teacher in the country schools of this county. She was a leader in county club work of the Extention Service of the State College, being chairman of Washington Township for a number of years and was keenly interested in all projects for the advancement and upbuilding of the community. It can be truly said she was a conscientious Christian woman whose first thoughts were for her family and community and her passing came too soon. The high esteem in which she was held was proven by the large crowd who came to pay their last respect.
Funeral services were held at the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Irvine officiating and she was buried at Miller Chapel Cemetery near the Nelson home.
We wish to thank all our neighbors and friends for their kindness and flowers during the sickness and death of our wife and mother.‏(John E. Nelson & Children)‏