Elizabeth Toland Sullivan

OBITUARY

Elizabeth Alice Sullivan, Daughter of Isaac Toland and Mary Ann Davis Toland, was born at Van Wert, Ohio, on March 8, 1854 and immigrated with her family to Iowa in a covered wagon in 1857. The family made their home in Columbia Township where they had relatives. Here they purchased a farm two and one half miles south of what was then Iuka and now called Tama. Here Elizabeth Alice grew to womanhood. She received her education in the rural schools of Columbia township. She attended the Tama High School for three years, fitting herself for a rural school teacher. She followed the teaching profession for ten years.

In 1882 she was united in marriage with George R. Sullivan of Wilton Junction. To this union were born two children, Floyd E. Sullivan and Bertha M. Sullivan. Most of Mrs. Sullivan's early married life was spent in the southern counties of Iowa. Her husband, Mr. Sullivan, was a superintendent of schools. His death occurred August 31, 1902.

In 1903 the family returned to Tama, where Mrs. Sullivan bought a home and took up her old profession of teaching. She continued to teach for 14 years. Her son, Floyd E. Sullivan passed away in 1908. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Graham of Wellsburg, and one grand daughter, Mrs. Harold Creps of Eldora and one great grandson, Charles Creps.

For the past 28 years she spent her winters with her daughter in Wellsburg who cared for her in these declining years. She passed away last Wednesday evening, August 13, 1947 at the age of 93 years, 5 months and 5 days.

Mrs. Sullivan was a member of the Presbyterian Church until her marriage when she became a member of the Methodist denomination, for a period of 65 years. At the time of her death her membership was in the Methodist church at Tama. For years she was active in the affairs and activities of her church. She was a staunch Christian, a women of sterling qualities and was loved by all who knew her. She was a great lover of home and enjoyed the finer things of life. Her pilgrimage covered many years, her life knew the sorrows but also the joys which mortals experience.

Funeral services were held Friday, August15, 1947 at the home of Dr. C. C. Graham at Wellsburg, in charge of Rev. J. H. Rubingh. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Tama. Music was furnished by Mrs. Clarence Beecroft with R. J. Gimer, H. A. Geerdes, C. W. Ross, Jerry Spieker, Geo. H. Geerdes.

Submitted by: Jeanne Toland Lane (Retiredgrama@aol.com)