Martha Jane Barker Lane (May 10, 1860-February 25, 1929)

Martha Jane Barker, the youngest daughter of Reuben and Margaret Jane Barker was born May 10, 1860, in Wayne County, near Cambria, Iowa, and departed this life February 25, 1929, at her home in Delphos, Iowa, aged 68 years, nine months and 15 days.

Her mother died when Mrs. Lane was three years old. She was then cared for by her aunt, Sarah Chapman, who later became her step-mother. She was of a family of four children, one having preceded her in death.

On September 1, 1880, she was married with S.W. Lane in Wayne County, Iowa. To this union were born five children. The home was established in Wayne County, then moved to Lucas County. In 1894 Mrs. Lane and her husband with their family moved to Delphos and made their home there until their death. Mr. Lane having passed on February 22, 1927.

Mrs. Lane leaves to mourn her going five children, I.R. Lane and F.D. Lane of Clearfield, Iowa; Ola and Sylvia Lane of Delphos; Mrs. Clem Ruby of Clearfield; one brother, William G. Barker of Mount Ayr; one sister, Mrs. Alice Jackson of Laramie, WY.; five grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

During her illness Mrs. Lane was tenderly cared for by her children, doing all that loving hand could do for her comfort. She had been poorly for eight years. About  two years ago a stroke of paralysis came upon her which left her in very poor health, a second stroke coming in about five weeks before her death. She expressed herself that she was ready and willing to go.

Mrs. Lane became a christian at an early age, that of ten years. After coming to Delphos she united with the Christian Church there of which she was a member at the time of her death. She loved her church and when health would permit she was active in many of its organizations. She was a charter member of the W.C.T.U. and was greatly interested in its purpose of work. She often remarked that she was glad to support anything which had an influence for the good. She was a devoted mother to her family and also to all those she could help.

Whose love can equal the love of a mother

Whose  the devotion so loyal and true

Who suffers so much with such joy for another.

Who works with such pleasure as Mother for you

You hail with delight the friendship of others

You revel in love of the sweetheart you’ve won

 Yet where do you find a friendship like Mother’s

Unbroken till death calls and life’s work is done.

Funeral services were held in the Christian Church at Delphos, Wednesday, February 27, at 1 p.m. Rev. Roy B. Weakland, of the Clearfield Christian Church, officiating. After the services at the church the body was taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clem Ruby, of Clearfield, who was not able to attend the services. Interment was in the Clearfield Cemetery.