Anna McDonald Sefrit

Anna McDonald was born in Washington, Davis County, Indiana, on November 30, 1840. She grew to young womanhood in Indiana, where she was married to Isaac M. Sefrit in 1860. At the close of the civil war they moved to Illinois, where they lived for about two years, and 1869 came to Clarke County, Iowa, settling on a farm. For about ten years the family lived in Osceola, Mr. Sefrit engaging in business, later moving to Chariton, where Mr. Sefrit died on August 4, 1901. Mrs. Sefrit was the mother of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are Mrs. Dora B. Lynn, of Woodburn; George W. Sefrit, of Delphos; Mrs. Amy G. Forney, of Carson; and Mrs. Ollie May Cooley and Mrs. Ruby Tate, of Chariton. Seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren are also living. She is also survived by two sisters and one half-sister, Mrs. Amanda Perkins, of Washington, IN.; Mrs. Lydia Majors, of Oswego, KS.; and Mrs. Sarah Honey, of Washington, IN. When a young girl, about fifteen years of age, deceased was converted and united with the Christian Church, later with he husband uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining a faithful and devoted christian the remainder of her life. She was very patriotic and since the beginning of the present war had knitted 35 pair of socks. She requested that the American flag be buried with her. At the funeral services four youngest grandchildren sang “Keep the Home Fires Burning.” She was very optimistic and was always cheerful, with a pleasant word for all. During her residence here she had won many friends who will deplore her demise and who will extend heartfelt sympathy to the surviving children and relatives.