Melvina (Brewer) DeWitt (1920)

BREWER, DEWITT, SARE, TREAT

Posted By: Kathi Kuhl
Date: 3/6/2025 at 11:30:52

The Grand Island Independent
Grand Island, Nebraska
Thursday, January 27, 1921
Page 11

Mrs. J.P. DeWitt passed away at her home in Doniphan on Tuesday, January 18, 1920 following an illness of several weeks duration. The funeral services were held at the Congregational church in Doniphan on Thursday afternoon. Rev. Lemon of Hastings, assisted by Rev. Craig conducted the service. Many friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect to a loving friend and extend sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Melvina Brewer was born in Polk County, Iowa, October 1, 1850, later moving to Winterset, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. On March 6, 1866, she was united in marriage to James DeWitt of Peru, Iowa. They came to Nebraska in 1883 where they have since resided. Six children were born, who with her husband live to mourn her loss. The children are Frank, of Valley Junction, Iowa; Mrs. Josie Sare, of Sheridan, Wyo.; Mrs. Olive Treat of Doniphan, Neb.; Ernest, of Sheridan, Wyo.; Harry and Shelton of Denver, Colo. There are also 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, one sister and three brothers. Mrs. DeWitt was converted when 11 years of age and united with the Christian church at Winterset, Iowa. When they moved to Doniphan, there was no church building, services being held in a hall. Mr. DeWitt helped to build the first church and they were among the charter members of the first Congregational church. The children were all there to attend the funeral, except Shelton, who had visited her and returned to his home only a few days before she passed away.