Mrs. Margaretha Martens, one of the highly respected women of Manning, died at her home in the north part of town Monday, January 21, 1929. Her ailment was due to old age and the end came not unexpectedly to her family and friends. She was surrounded by her children when she passed away peacefully without any suffering.

Mrs. Martens was one of the earlier settlers and citizens of this community and a woman of unusual ambition and energy. She had many friends and discharged her duties as wife, mother and neighbor to the highest degree.

Mrs. Margaretha Martens, nee Ewoldt, was born, July 12, 1845, at Bendfeldt, Probstei, Holstein, Germany. Most of her life, however, was spent in this country and she was married at Moline, Illinois, October 10, 1873, to Wilhelm Fredrich Martens.

Following their marriage they resided in Clinton County, Iowa, for six years and in 1879 moved to Crawford County, Iowa, settling on the old home place, four miles west of Manning. It was here Mr. Martens died in 1904.

Eight children survive and mourn the loss of their devoted mother, Richard Martens, of Manilla; Henry Martens, Manning; Gustav Martens, Westside; Mrs. Emilie Fonken, Willie Martens, Emil Martens, Mrs. Katherine Ruhde, and Harry Martens, all of Manning.

She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Henry Wiese, of Denison.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Lutheran Church, Pastor John. M. Ansorge, officiating. Burial was made at the Manning Cemetery.